Prince Harry joins fans at Twickenham Stadium for Army v Navy clash

Prince Harry (centre) sings the national anthem at Twickenham stadium ahead of the Army V Royal Navy annual rugby match
PA

Prince Harry joined thousands of rugby fans to watch the Army take on their Royal Navy rivals at Twickenham Stadium.

He attended the rugby clash between the senior teams of the services in his role as patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, which is the official charity for this year’s game, on Saturday.

After arriving at the stadium for 100th annual match, the royal was seen standing to attention singing along to the national anthem – which was played by the Royal Marines band.

Ahead of the match, a message from Rugby World Cup winner and England ace Jonny Wilkinson was played.

Prince Harry meets the teams at Twickenham stadium in London, ahead of the Army V Royal Navy annual rugby match
PA

He said: "I cannot imagine the strength, courage and sacrifice it takes to serve in the armed forces."

Wilkinson asked those in attendance to applaud those currently serving on operations around the world - and the packed stands of Twickenham and Harry enthusiastically joined in.

Prince Harry sits with competitors from the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games
PA

Harry, a former Army captain, then met the players from both teams and the referees before taking his pitch-side seat amongst competitors from the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style competition for wounded or sick service personnel and veterans.

Prince Harry prepares to takes his seat at the Army V Royal Navy annual rugby match
PA

As the fixture got under way, Harry could be seen greeting and chatting to the former Invictus athletes, those hoping to be selected for the third games being staged in Toronto in the autumn.

The military sporting clash at the stadium in south-west London is the final and deciding fixture in the Inter Services competition, which also features an RAF team.

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