Royal military tattoo: Harry gives things a tweak at Invictus Games

Updated

Prince Harry left one Invictus Games competitor a little shocked when the gregarious royal appeared to tweak his nipple.

Harry is known for his playful nature and when Ashley Coles pulled up his top to show the royal a tattoo on his chest he grabbed at it.

The former Army Rifleman pulled a face of mock horror as the two men shared a laugh following their encounter as the prince cheered on the UK's seated volley ball team playing a preliminary match against Afghanistan.

Mr Coles from Tadley, Hampshire suffered a brain injury after a car accident in 2010 which effects the right side of his body and his speech but is focusing on the games as it keeps him motivated.

As the prince sat in the stands Harry was heckled by a group of Australians sat in front of him and he replied with a quip of his own that left everyone laughing.

The Australian asked if he wanted to take his jacket and Harry quickly shot back teasing them with: "You need to wear that and hide those little arms of yours."

Taryn Moran, a former medical technician in the Australian army who retired due to non-physical injuries, said: "Harry was so lovely, so personable. He has served himself and knows exactly how we all relate to one another. The Invictus Games are becoming so huge.

"It reminds us that we are remembered and respected as well. It's a wonderful thing that unites us all no matter what country you come from."

Harry also told the Australians the Queen wanted to film a follow-up to her cameo appearance in the "boom" Invictus Games video repost to First Lady Michelle Obama, with one back to rivals Australia.

Dani Moffitt, a former communications specialist in the Australian army, said Harry had told him the Queen "liked" the Australian team's video, they had filmed.

Mr Moffitt added: "He said she really wanted to send her own message but they squashed the idea because then she'd have to do the same for everyone."

Harry watched the preliminary heats of a number of events as he toured the games' sporting venues in Orlando, Florida.

The games officially begin tomorrow with a glittering opening ceremony attended by First Lady Michelle Obama an audience of thousands and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, who is in the region on an official tour, is expected to join the royal.

Team UK captain David Wiseman summed up the prince's ability to connect with servicemen and women: "He has been knocking around the last couple of days. He has a good, natural affinity with the veterans and service personnel.

"He belongs to that community and he can just rock up and whoever you are can stand there having a chat with the competitors - it's natural, it's genuine."

Harry was spotted later driving a golf buggy used to transport competitors and spectators around the Invictus sporting complex.

He looked at ease at the controls of the electric car as he arrived at a 4x4 obstacle course that challenged drivers and their co- drivers to get round penalty free.

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