The Duke of Sussex showcased his trademark humour during a memorable encounter at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, engaging in playful banter with a Ukrainian couple that quickly captured hearts online.
Prince Harry, founder of the international sporting event for wounded servicemen and women, approached soldiers Olexandr Pelypenko and Anna Opanasenko as they shared a tender moment. The couple, both sporting dental braces, became the subject of the royal's good-natured teasing.
'Do you ever get stuck when you kiss?' Harry quipped, pointing at their matching orthodontic work with a mischievous grin. The light-hearted question sent the couple into fits of laughter, creating an instantly viral moment that showcased the Prince's ability to connect with participants.
The encounter didn't stop there. Harry continued his charming interrogation, asking about the origin of their relationship. When Olexandr revealed they met before the full-scale invasion but their romance blossomed during service, Harry responded with genuine warmth: 'That's amazing. Love that. Really good.'
This heartwarming interaction occurred during one of the Duke's many engagements at the games, where he has been visibly emotional and deeply involved in supporting competitors from the 21 participating nations.
The Ukrainian team, making their second appearance at the games, has been particularly impactful. Many team members sustained their injuries during active combat against Russian forces, adding profound significance to their participation.
Harry's personal connection to the Ukrainian contingent has been evident throughout the event. Earlier, he was seen sharing an emotional embrace with Ukrainian competitors, underlining his support for the nation amidst ongoing conflict.
This spontaneous moment of levity demonstrates Harry's continued commitment to creating a supportive and uplifting atmosphere at the games he founded in 2014. His ability to combine compassion with humour remains a hallmark of his leadership style within the Invictus community.
The video footage of the exchange has been widely shared across social media platforms, with viewers praising Harry's natural rapport with participants and his talent for putting people at ease through humour.
