Prince Harry shares statement as he celebrates engagement news at Invictus Games
British competitor James Cairns proposed after the wheelchair basketballPrince Harry shared his joy as a British competitor got engaged at the Invictus Games this week.
The games are currently taking place in Vancouver, Canada, and will run until this Sunday (February 16). Prince Harry, 40, and wife Meghan Markle, 43, have been attending different events.
The games is a multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel.
Couple get engaged at the Invictus Games
The Duke of Sussex was left thrilled that a British competitor got engaged at the Invictus Games this week.
James Cairns had been competing in the wheelchair basketball pool when he opted to pop the question to his girlfriend of four years, Hannah Wild.
Even if you don’t leave with a medal, you could leave with a ring!
Speaking to HELLO! magazine, James said: “Invictus has been my driving force because I’ve been struggling with my mental health. This past year I’ve lost about seven people who died by suicide after battling PTSD. It’s been a big toll on me but it was Hannah that pushed me and gave me the driving force to apply for the Invictus Games, and now we’re here in Canada,” he said.
James joined the British Army in 2008. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, but on October 31, 2011 he was shot in the leg by a sniper.
After two years of rehab in an attempt to save his leg, doctors decided that it would be best to amputate.
We have our first official proposal of the #InvictusGames Vancouver Whistler 2025! 💛🖤
Congratulation to Hannah and James! pic.twitter.com/W3gwMqeU98
— Invictus Games Foundation 💛🖤 (@WeAreInvictus) February 9, 2025
Prince Harry’s joy over proposal at the Invictus Games
Hannah was left stunned by the proposal, admitting the whole thing was a bit of a “blur”.
“It was a yes straight away in my head but I kept thinking, ‘What are you doing? Why are you doing this to me in front of all these people?’ But it was a proud moment, and it’s the best place that James could have done it because it means so much to him,” she said.
Harry seemed thrilled at the news too.
Speaking to the publication, he gushed: “At Invictus, we provide a space for healing, outstanding athleticism, and in James and his new fiancée’s case, even if you don’t leave with a medal, you could leave with a ring!”
The Brits may not have won gold at the basketball, but James has landed himself an even better prize!
Harry pranks Meghan at the Invictus Games
Harry seems to be enjoying himself in Vancouver and cheekily put Meghan on the spot yesterday (Monday, February 10).
Yesterday saw Harry and Meghan attend the Whistler Welcome celebration – with both taking to the stage to give a speech.
After Michael Bublé introduced the duke on stage, Harry said: “Well, thank God Michael Bublé sang. Can you imagine bringing him out here and him saying, ‘You know what? I didn’t come here to sing…’ Thank you for the introduction.”
Bringing Meghan out on stage, Harry joked: “Now she’s going to sing!”
A slightly horrified Meghan then laughed, crying: “No!”
Fans saw the funny side of Harry’s cheeky little prank. “This is hilarious and super cute! Harry and Michael Bublé nearly gave Meghan a heart attack by asking her to sing,” one fan wrote on X.
What do you think of Harry’s reaction? Then let us know by leaving a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial.
