During his addresses at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games one wag jokingly shouted from the crowd: “Harry for King.”
It drew laughs and even won a wry smile from the royal on stage. Harry, who turns 30 today, was truly at home up there.
A natural public speaker — whether introducing The Foo Fighters or reading the message from “granny” to the thousands who had turned out for the Games in support of his injured comrades — he was at one with competitors and supporters alike.
Among the crowd was his ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, there with his cousin, her friend Princess Eugenie.
Cressida Bonas watches ex-Prince Harry at Invictus Games
But although the cameras whirled excitedly about that, there could be little doubt that Prince Harry was the one with the star quality last night.
Like his late mother, Princess Diana, Harry, has the “wow” factor.
And like her, he has the vision and dedication to use it to the benefit of others who need his leadership. Put simply, he is the “people’s prince”.
When I spoke to him last night he seemed relieved and proud that he had pulled off his latest mission. “I hope you’re enjoying the night,” he said. Rightly, there was a satisfied twinkle in his eyes.
He had set out to change people’s perceptions of injured servicemen; to help their road to living with the terrible injuries serving their countries had left them, to inspire them and others in their position.
He also wanted to show industry leaders worldwide that they should employ these wounded warriors, giving them real jobs and using their skills.
These Games have shone a spotlight on the “unconquerable” character of servicemen and women and their families — their invictus spirit.
He certainly has been there for them, and they love him for it. Harry, so often dismissed as a party prince in the past, has shown his true colours.
Quietly, behind the scenes, he is now an important adviser to the 88-year-old Queen. The two are often locked in private conversation at the palace and the monarch values his counsel. She knows that like his mother he has the ability to connect with people on all levels.
Harry in his thirties will be a valuable asset to the royal family, as an ambassador abroad. He will, for the time being, continue as a serviceman too.
He may move further down the royal pecking order with the birth of his new niece or nephew, but that won’t devalue him or reduce his ability to make a difference.
Last night he realised the promise he made to his comrades in arms of the Afghanistan frontline by staging the Invictus Games.
For that we, and those comrades, salute him.
