Prince Harry supported by uncle Charles Spencer at Invictus ceremony in London

The Duke's father, King Charles, hosted a garden party at the same time of the service


Split image of Charles Spencer and Prince Harry
Updated: 11 hours ago

Prince Harry is being supported by his uncle Charles Spencer as he leads a service marking the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games in the coming moments. Also in attendance at the service was the late Princess Diana's sister Lady Jane Fellowes, and the Earl was seen arriving alongside Lady Jane with the pair sharing a smile.

Members of the Duke's extended family were also present including his cousins George McCorquodale, Ned Spencer and Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp.

© Chris Jackson

Harry hosted the service at St Paul's Cathedral

When the Duke arrived at St Paul's Cathedral, he was seen waving at cheering members of the crowd that had amassed. The royal wore a bleu suit which was adorned with several of his medals from his military service.

Harry was greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett. Inside the landmark, 1,000 people had gathered for the ceremony including the Duke's lawyer, David Sherbourne, Mark Dyer, a former equerry to the King, and Ed Lane Fox, the royal's former private secretary.

Harry was clearly buoyed by the show of support from Charles, Lady Sarah and Lady Jane, and you can see his reaction to the trio in the sweet clip below.

WATCH: Prince Harry hugs uncle and aunts at Invictus ceremony

Speaking to HELLO! about Prince Harry being at the service, David Wiseman, a former competitor in the Invictus Games said: "We wouldn't be here without Prince Harry would we, we wouldn't be here without his initial vision, without his drive, without his influence, without his ability to convene this international community of those who have served and continue to serve.

"And he's so passionate about serving that community, he's one of us, he's part of this community and we're incredibly proud to have him as part of it. We're delighted he's here to help us celebrate the past ten years and to look forward to the next ten years."

© Chris Jackson

Harry founded the Invictus Games ten years ago

The service began with the hymn Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven, before the Dean of St Paul's read a short speech. Harry read from the Bible while Homeland star Damian Lewis gave a reading of the poem 'Invictus'. A reading was also given by former Invictus competitor Michelle Turner, with an emotional extract coming from Michelle's daughter and following the reading, the Duke led a standing ovation.

An after-service for the event is due to be held in the crypt at St Paul's Cathedral. The Duke did not remain for the after-service, but ahead of his exit, he was seen shaking hands with those who had gathered.

© Samir Hussein

Harry was greeted by cheering crowds

The Duke of Sussex was not joined by other senior members of the royal family. Harry has been unable to see other members of the royal family due to a "schedule" conflict, with King Charles hosting a garden party alongside the monarch's weekly meeting with the prime minister, Rishi Sunak. A source close to Harry said: "The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

© Chris Jackson

Harry met members of the public as he left

The royal has not been joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, who has previously been at his side for Invictus-related events. However, the Duke and Duchess are due to reunite later in the week when they fly out to Nigeria with their trip beginning on Friday. During their time in the African country, the pair will tour various organisations.

© Getty

Harry and Charles were unable to see each other during the Duke's trip

HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash said: "To an outsider it may seem odd that they can't make time for a meeting, but the King is head of state and has his diary planned months in advance - so it wasn't a given that it would happen, with Harry only here for a couple of days. It will inevitably lead to speculation over the state of their relationship, which has come under pressure over the past few years."

The Duke arrived in the UK on Tuesday, where he took part in a panel discussion about the Invictus Games alongside former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin and businessman Sir Keith Mills.

© Chris Jackson

The Duke took part in a panel discussion on Tuesday

During the discussion, Harry said: "Sometimes you… look back and go 'Look at what we’ve done'. But also given the state of the world, there is so much more to do and I think a lot of uncertainty – but what we've created is a global community." When pressed on the future of the Games, the royal confirmed they would continue so long as they "serve their purpose".

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READ: Why Meghan Markle will only travel with Prince Harry outside of the UK

The Invictus Games were founded by the royal in 2014 and they act as a multi-sport event for injured or sick service personnel.

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