Prince Harry will tour America to champion the rehabilitation of US and UK troops, support British interests and promote his own charities, St James’ Palace has announced.
Harry will watch the opening ceremony of the Warrior Games where injured servicemen and women will compete in Paralympic-style competitions in May.
Britain are entering a team for the first time at the event being staged in Colorado Springs and the Prince is known to be a big supporter of the competition after he met UK troops who took part as individuals last year.
His tour will also take him to the capital Washington, Denver, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut from May 9 to 15.
Survivors of Hurricane Sandy will welcome the Prince to New Jersey and he will also stage his fundraising Sentebale Polo Cup match, in Connecticut, in aid of his African-based charity.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Harry’s private secretary, briefed the press about the visit: “Prince Harry wants to highlight once again the extraordinary commitment and sacrifice of our injured service men and women – our wounded warriors.”
He added: “Although a Prince, Harry is also an operational soldier – indeed he’s a soldier’s soldier – therefore throughout this briefing the recurring theme is to help recognise and bring a spotlight onto the work being done to help these outstanding young men and women.”