Prince Harry’s had a week. It began with Buckingham Palace announcing that his father, King Charles III, has been diagnosed with cancer, and it ended with Harry helping the NFL kick off Super Bowl weekend.
Following Harry’s whirlwind trip to London, which reportedly included a 45-minute visit with the king, he apparently traveled to Las Vegas to give out a football award. On Thursday night, Prince Harry presented the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Even though Heyward was the star of the night, being honored for his charitable work off the field, he seemed starstruck over Harry’s presence. “That’s freaking Harry,” Heyward said after receiving his award. “Man, I’m in shock. That’s Prince Harry.”
Prince Harry — who, despite currently living in Montecito, is famously a British citizen — joked about the difference between American and British sports. “I really love how you stole rugby from us and you made it your own. Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards,” he said. “Why not wear pads and a helmet? Of course, have an offense and defense — that makes sense. And why not take a breather every 15 seconds?”
Harry did not clarify whether this means he will be among the celebrities shelling out $2.5 million for a private suite to watch the Chiefs take on the 49ers on Sunday, but we can hope!