Prince Harry Makes Jokes in Surprise NFL Honors Appearance
This surprise was a royal touchdown.
Prince Harry made an appearance at the NFL Honors in Las Vegas—less than 24 hours after visiting his father King Charles III, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer—to present the award for NFL's Man of the Year. And in doing so, he didn't miss the opportunity to poke fun at the differences between American and English sports.
"I really love how you stole rugby from us and you made it your own," he joked, per CNN, at the Feb. 8 ceremony. "Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards. Why not wear pads and a helmet? And why not take a breather every 15 seconds? And you know what? Instead of a 10-month season, let's just make it 18 weeks. Genius."
However when it came to the award itself—which was given to Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive tackle Cameron Heyward—he made sure the importance of the honor was clear.
"All kidding aside, what you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable," the 39-year-old noted. "You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back. This final award, the highest honor, is all about serving your community."
photosThe Most Shocking Parts of Prince Harry's Spare
For his part, Cameron was in awe as he accepted his award, sharing, "Prince freaking Harry. Man, I'm in shock. That's Prince Harry!"
The Duke of Sussex's impromptu arrival came on the heels of him visiting King Charles III, who was recently diagnosed with an unnamed form of cancer.
Perry Knotts / Contributor (Getty)
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"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted," the Feb. 5 statement from Buckingham Palace read. "Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties."
The Palace later confirmed to NBC News that it was not a form of prostate cancer.
Prince Harry subsequently flew home to visit with his father—likely for the first time since the King's coronation last May—in a move royal experts point to as a possible thawing of tensions within the family, including between Harry and Prince William.
"Potentially this could be a moment of healing for father and son and perhaps brother and brother as well," royal correspondent Sharon Carpenter previously told E! News. "I think when it comes down to it, this is a family that's certainly had their differences and some deep divides, but they do love each other. I think that comes out in a number of ways."
She added, "When it comes to the health of their father I think we are going to see these two brothers come together. We're all holding out hope."
For more news from royal families around the world this year, keep reading.
