Duke of Sussex Celebrates Athlete’s Romantic Proposal on the Court
Prince Harry shared a heartfelt moment at the Invictus Games in Canada as British athlete and army veteran James Cairns proposed to his girlfriend, Hannah Wild, during a wheelchair basketball game.
In a touching scene that captivated the crowd, Cairns took the microphone mid-game and got down on one knee, drawing cheers from teammates and spectators. Wild happily accepted the proposal, making the moment even more special.
Reacting to the news, the Duke of Sussex told Hello!: "At Invictus, we provide a space for healing, outstanding athleticism, and in James and his new fiancée’s case, even if you don’t leave with a medal, you could leave with a ring!"
Cairns, who suffered a gunshot wound during his deployment in Afghanistan, revealed that Hannah was his inspiration for joining the Invictus Games. He explained that after witnessing several friends struggle with PTSD, he found a sense of purpose in the competition. "Invictus has been my driving force because I've been struggling with my mental health," he shared.
Hannah described the proposal as deeply meaningful, saying, "It’s the best place that James could have done it because it means so much to him."
This romantic gesture adds to a long history of Invictus Games proposals since the event’s launch in 2014. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan Markle, who are also in Canada, have been embracing the spirit of the event, even sharing a public kiss amid ongoing speculation about their relationship.
Harry’s uplifting message came shortly after Buckingham Palace released a statement about the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s recent trip to Nepal.