Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Invictus GamesPrince Harry is on Twitter—for today, at least!
The 29-year-old royal sent his first tweet from London's BT Tower Thursday to promote the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded soldiers. While taking his time to type the tweet on an iPad, Invictus Games president Harry joked, "This is why I joined the army—I can't type properly!" He also encouraged the audience to "keep talking" as he checked his notes against what he had written.
So what did his first tweet say? "Hope everyone will get behind #invictusgames," he wrote. "Great opportunity to support and thank the men and women who have given so much. Harry."
The prince may be a social media novice, but he managed to keep his tweet under 140 characters and used a hashtag. Perhaps it's time he creates his own Twitter account, given that @ClarenceHouse doesn't capture the spare heir's sense of humor. A number of royals already have a presence on Twitter, including Prince Andrew (@TheDukeofYork), Queen Elizabeth II (represented by @BritishMonarchy), and Prince Charles, who sometimes tweets from the handle @ClarenceHouse.
Hope everyone will get behind #invictusgames. Great opportunity to support and thank the men and women who have given so much. Harry
? Invictus Games 2014 (@InvictusLondon) May 15, 2014Harry also gave a speech about this fall's Invictus Games, telling the crowd, "For many of those who have suffered life changing injuries, sport plays a hugely important part in their recovery and life beyond as you have heard. This is particularly true for those men and women injured in the service of their country. By the nature of their profession these men and women are often very active and undoubtedly highly competitive. The Invictus Games this September will give these inspirational people the opportunity to showcase their talent and in doing so, prove that anything is really possible."
"The Games do not stand in isolation but are part of a broader legacy; there are many fantastic organizations supporting those leaving the Armed Forces, whether injured or not," he continued. "But we want to encourage many more to support where they can. I am delighted that BT has joined us in making these games a reality. They have a fantastic track record in support to those leaving the Armed Forces and to sport in general. I hope many other businesses will follow BT and Jaguar Landrover's lead in recognizing the fantastic contribution that these men and women can make to their organizations."
"The four days of inspirational sport in September will allow us to highlight and applaud the character of these service men and women in the iconic Olympic Venues here in London watched by the best supporters in the world but this is just the start," he said. "I hope everyone will show their admiration by snapping up tickets when they go on sale tomorrow morning and cheering from the side lines."
The Invictus Games will take place in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. GMT on Friday, and the full schedule can be found on the Invictus Games website.