Barry Hearn, the former chairman of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has revealed a poignant moment involving Prince Harry that left him feeling "quite sorry" for the royal.
The Night Out at Ally Pally
The incident occurred in 2014 when Prince Harry, then recently out of the army, attended the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London. Hearn described the Duke of Sussex, known for his love of sports like polo and rugby, as being "on a bit of a bender" with three friends, enjoying a proper night out and consuming pints of lager.
Hearn, speaking on his podcast, The Barry Hearn Show, explained that strict protocols were in place. The organisers were only permitted to show Harry's face on the big screens three times during the entire evening, and each appearance was just a brief flash.
The Chant That Created an Awkward Moment
The atmosphere turned when the crowd spotted the prince and began a familiar, friendly chant: 'Harry, Harry, give us a wave'. Hearn recalled seeing an "inquisitive" look on Harry's face, as if he was seeking guidance on how to respond.
"I looked at him and said, 'If you stand up now and you wave back to these people, your street credibility is assured for life because you've identified with the normal man,'" Hearn recounted. The sports promoter's advice was met with a disappointing reply from the royal. "He looked at me and said, 'I don't think I'm allowed to'... I thought that was quite sad," Hearn admitted.
An Invitation to an Epic Afterparty
In his autobiography, the 77-year-old detailed the rest of the evening, noting that Harry and his group managed to consume an estimated 60 pints of lager. Hearn and his son, Eddie, joined them at their table, with Hearn remarking that Harry blended in "like any ordinary bloke on a night out with his mates."
The night didn't end at Ally Pally. As the event concluded, Prince Harry extended an invitation for the Hearns to join him and his friends at a nightclub. Barry Hearn, however, decided to bow out, telling Harry, "Not us... You guys are too dangerous."
This revealing anecdote offers a glimpse into the unique constraints of royal life, even during informal sporting events. Hearn, who transformed the PDC and oversaw darts' huge surge in popularity, stepped down as Matchroom Sport chairman in 2021, handing over the reins to his son Eddie.
