The Duke of Sussex attends the 2024 NFL Honors gala at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas shortly after he arrived in the U.S. from his quick trip to meet his dad.
- Feb 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at NFL honors after he landed in the U.S. following a quick trip to the U.K. The Duke of Sussex stopped by the 2024 NFL Honors gala in Las Vegas on Thursday, February 8.
Harry attended the event, which took place at the Resorts World Theatre, to present the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which went to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. The royal praised the NFL players in the audience as he introduced the award.
"What you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable. You're role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back," so he said. "This final award, the highest honor, is all about serving your community, and there's one special man we'd like to pay tribute to now."
He added, "A player who goes above and beyond and whose extraordinary commitment to helping others is a reflection of his own story."
Cameron was honored with the award thanks to his long list of charitable and philanthropic endeavors. He was also given $250,000 to donate to a charity of his choice.
During his acceptance speech, Cameron couldn't help but starstruck by the presence of the British prince. "Man, Prince freaking Harry! I'm in shock. That's Prince Harry!" the NFL star said as he took the stage.
“When I talk about my dad, he wore No. 34. He's been with me the entire time. He's been with me every step of the way. But I know there was another No. 34 that was helping me. This man Walter Payton,” he continued. "There's no act too small, there's no act too big. We're all trying to make a difference in so many people's lives."
Harry's surprise appearance at the gala came just shortly after he arrived in the U.S. after briefly meeting his dad King Charles in the U.K. following his cancer diagnosis. "They spent around 30 minutes together as Charles was still a bit tired from the treatment a day prior. Prince Harry has now left the U.K. after spending only about 24 hours in London," a source said of Harry's quick trip.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl, meanwhile, shared that Harry's visit to England could serve as a path to reconciliation between the father and son duo, who has been feuding following the latter's bombshell memoir "Spare". "I know, for Charles, the door has always been left open regardless of some of the things Harry has written," Katie said. "I was told by a source very close to the king that whatever Harry has said or done, he loves his son."
