The countdown is on! Prince Harry tours the Invictus Games venue in Orlando two days before the veterans' sporting event kicks off

  • Prince Harry, 31, looked around the competition venues in Orlando, Florida
  • The prince posed with members of the United Kingdom's team 
  • The Invictus Games, for former servicemen, will start on Sunday

The countdown to the second Invictus Games began today as Prince Harry toured the sporting centre that will see more than 500 injured veterans compete on Sunday.

The royal, 31, inspected the competition venue and met members of the United Kingdom's team.

And wearing a black 'Invictus Games' T-shirt, he also posed for pictures with the former servicemen who are competing against wounded, sick or disabled former soldiers from 15 countries.

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Prince Harry arrived at the Invictus Games this morning for a first look around the competition venues with members of the United Kingdom's team

Prince Harry arrived at the Invictus Games this morning for a first look around the competition venues with members of the United Kingdom's team

Harry puts a friendly arm around a team member as they pose for the camera before the games in Florida begin on Sunday

Harry puts a friendly arm around a team member as they pose for the camera before the games in Florida begin on Sunday

Former soldier Harry chatted to members of the 110-athlete squad.

This year will mark former Army Captain David Wiseman's first as team skipper after taking over from Dave Henson, who led the UK team in 2014.

Capt. Wiseman was shot in Helmand province in 2009 by a bullet that entered his shoulder and travelled the length of his torso and hit his ribs, where it came to rest in his right lung, where it still is today. 

Despite the Florida heat, Harry kept his cool in dark jeans and desert boots as he had a private tour of the indoor arena and the pool.

Harry bent down to speak to members of the squad who use wheelchairs and looked casual in a poloshirt

Harry bent down to speak to members of the squad who use wheelchairs and looked casual in a poloshirt specially for the games with its 'I Am' slogan

Harry also met competitors from the UK's rivals as he wandered around the large complex

Harry also met competitors from the UK's rivals as he wandered around the large complex

This year's Invictus Games will be held in Orlando from May 8 to May 12 at Orlando's vast ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex within the Walt Disney World resort.

More than 500 wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel will take part in various sports, including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and indoor rowing. 

The event will also include an Olympic-style opening ceremony featuring British acts James Blunt and soprano Laura Wright, in addition to an appearance by Hollywood star Morgan Freeman.

The prince certainly tickled members of the British team as they chatted at the site of the games

The prince certainly tickled members of the British team as they chatted at the site of the games

Earlier this week, Harry said Orlando Games: 'This is an experience, it's an emotional rollercoaster, there's not a single point during these games that spectators will sit there feeling sorry for these guys - that is not what this is about.

'People in America and people across the world if you haven't seen the Games may think "oh, this is a bunch of wounded soldiers on a sporting field taking each other on", it's completely the opposite to what it is - it's an emotional rollercoaster.'

Newly dubbed the 'Prince of hearts', Harry also attended the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup in Wellington, Florida, on Wednesday, where he spoke movingly about his mother and his desire to continue her legacy of charity work.

 

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