Prince Harry seen at mental health conference in Toronto

His girlfriend Meghan joined Harry for the first time at an official event on Saturday, while he’s reportedly been to visit her on the set of her legal drama Suits. 

But the royal, 33, was flying solo today as he arrived for the opening session of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Mental Health Research (CIMVHR) conference in Toronto. 

The prince is in Toronto for the 2017 Invictus Games a paralympic-style competition for wounded, injured and sick former and still-serving servicemen and women.

Harry looked relaxed in a grey suit jacket, open necked shirt and his trademark navy chinos as he was welcomed to the event.  

Prince Harry arrives at CIMVHR (Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Mental Health Research) Conference in Toronto

Every year CIMVHR invites thought leaders from the armed forces, reservists, military families and veterans organisations to present new research, exchange ideas and share insight.

This year’s event is being held in conjunction with Harry’s Invictus Games, which was first held in London in 2014.   

The second tournament was held in Orlando, Florida, in 2016, and the third in Toronto will see 550 competitors from 17 nations take part in 12 adaptive sports.

Among the performers at the opening ceremony at the Air Canada Centre on Saturday were English Soprano Laura Wright, The Tenors and Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara.

Meghan was sat just a few feet away from the Queen’s grandson, who was accompanied by US First Lady Melania Trump.

The star was escorted by her close friend Markus Anderson, who introduced her to Prince Harry last year. 

Her low key presence marks the first time she has joined the Royal for an official event and will intensify speculation that an engagement announcement is imminent.

Harry, seated a quarter of a stadium away, occupied a VIP box alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, US First Lady Melania Trump and Ukraine’s President Poroshenko.

Because they are not engaged, royal protocol dictates that Harry and Meghan cannot sit next to one another at official events.

The distance – 18 seats and four rows – did nothing to dampen the actress’s excitement or pride. 

She beamed as Harry gave an inspiring and humble speech on stage during which he told the 550 athletes gathered: ‘You are all winners. You are Invictus.’

During the eight-day Games, Harry will visit training sessions and watch participants competing in all 12 sports, including athletics, cycling and wheelchair basketball.

The Prince also visited a mental health and addiction teaching hospital on Saturday, and during the rest of his stay will hand out Duke of Edinburgh International Gold Awards to young Canadians and host a reception for the Invictus Games Foundation.

The high-profile closing ceremony on September 30 will feature performances by Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams and Kelly Clarkson.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk