Prince Harry saw his Invictus Games come to a triumphant end last night – and started his 30th birthday celebrations by having a beer with Britain’s team captain.
The royal said he would treat Dave Henson, who also turns 30 today, to a pint to celebrate his double gold medal win at the Games.
As rock stars the Foo Fighters brought the curtain down on four days of Paralympic-style competition for wounded warriors, Harry said he was ‘over the moon’ with how the event had gone and hinted it could become an annual fixture.
He plans to take it north, perhaps to Glasgow, Sheffield or Manchester next year, then to the US in 2016 and Canada in 2017.
Harry launched the contest earlier this year after being inspired by a similar initiative in the US and hopes it will support competitors’ rehabilitation and raise a
wareness of those wounded on the front line.
‘On the birthday side of things, I’ll be chuffed to bits when I’m having a beer with Dave Henson – we turn 30 at exactly the same time,’ Harry said.
A rum company sent up a hot air balloon in the shape of a galleon to celebrate his birthday, while the German Invictus team gave him an ‘I am 30’ football shirt.
Retired Royal Engineer officer Capt Henson, a double amputee, won gold in the men’s 200m IT2 race and was part of the British team that beat the US in yesterday’s seated volleyball final.
‘In terms of Britain’s performance, I’m feeling ecstatic. People have gained the recognition and support they needed,’ he said. ‘Harry said he would buy me a beer. I’m thirsty right now.’
Capt Henson, of Southampton, said the pair planned to meet after the closing ceremony at the Olympic Park in east London.
