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Before jetting off to Nigeria with Meghan Markle, Prince Harry spent the afternoon with 50 bereaved military children at a special event organised by Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Prince Harry looked “totally relaxed” and “without royal restrictions” as he paid a special visit to children whose parents have died.
The Duke of Sussex was pictured chatting and playing games with 50 bereaved military children and young people, aged between six and 22, as part of an event organised by Scotty’s Little Soldiers. He also spoke to nine members from Scotty’s Council, a group of young people who represent the charity.
Body language expert Judi James told The Mirror Harry looked “enthusiastic” during the visit as he wasn’t restricted by royal protocols. She said: “Harry has always been one of the royals who can look totally relaxed and playful with young children he’s visiting and he looks in his element here.
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READ MORE: Prince Harry gives his first interview alongside Meghan Markle in Nigeria after awkward UK snub
“Without royal restrictions in terms of formality and perhaps because he is still very much in touch with his own inner child, he seems able to use mirroring, leading and then empathy to generate enthusiasm and fun behaviour in them.
“His eye-engagement is skilful as he raises his brows, widens his eyes and grins to prompt them to enjoy the fun. Getting down to their height, his expressions make him look more like a child himself as he joins in with all the activities.”
Judi said it wasn’t just the young people who seemed to enjoy the visit. She explained: “The pleasure seems to be very much two-way here. Not only is Harry encouraging the young people to enjoy themselves, he looks buoyed up and genuinely delighted by the interaction here too.”
During the visit, Harry didn’t acknowledge his father’s decision not to meet with him while he was in London. King Charles is believed to have been too busy to see his estranged son.
A spokesperson for Harry released a statement to confirm the Duke of Sussex would not be meeting with his father during his UK trip. They said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
After visiting Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Harry flew to Nigeria with Meghan Markle. Here, he gave a passionate speech as he spoke about mental health struggles.
The couple are in Nigeria to visit the country’s military headquarters and promote the Invictus Games. They arrived in Abuja on Friday morning and will spend 72 hours in the African country.
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