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Prince Harry Shares Popcorn with Little Girl at Invictus Games

Photos: GETTY

Royal Family News

Prince Harry Shares Popcorn with Little Girl at Invictus Games

was the center of attention at the Invictus Games when a cheeky little girl helped herself to some of his popcorn.

Emily Henson, the two-year-old daughter of former Royal Engineer David Henson, stole the prince's heart with her playful antics.

However, it comes as no surprise that Emily captured the prince's attention, given that she has already been the inspiration behind her father's incredible journey from tragedy in Afghanistan to Paralympic glory.

David Henson lost both of his legs in 2011 when he stepped on an IED during an attempt to clear a building in Afghanistan of mines so locals could return.

While lying in a military hospital shortly after the blast, the army took his sperm and froze it, allowing him to have children in the future if he wanted.

After marrying his wife Hayley, the couple decided to try for a child through IVF, and it worked on their first attempt.

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In the dark days after the bomb blast, David had told Hayley that she should find someone else who could make her happier than he could.

However, she stuck by him, and the birth of Emily made their relationship even stronger.

David credits the youngster with helping his recovery, telling of his joy at having someone to love, care for, educate, and guide.

Hayley is now pregnant again, expecting the couple's second child.

David, from Hampshire, was determined not to let his injuries stop him from living a full life and, just ten months after the bomb blast, he put on running blades for the first time.

He has not stopped running ever since.

David captained the first UK team in London in 2014 and was so impressive that he went on to qualify as a competitive blade runner, winning bronze at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

He has become a big star of Harry's Invictus Games and has become a good friend of the Prince, who he says sees servicemen and women as his extended family.

Harry, 33, was seated with the Henson family in the stands for a sitting volleyball match between the UK and Denmark at the Invictus Games in Toronto yesterday.

Cheeky little Emily put her hand on the Prince's knee and then, seated on her mother Hayley's lap, popped her hand into his popcorn and sneaked several handfuls while he was engaged in conversation.

The comical scenes went on for almost a minute before Harry noticed and deftly pulled the snack away before pulling a silly face.

He quickly relented, though, and offered Emily a piece herself which she eagerly took, and then made her smile by jokingly shoveling some in his own mouth before it all went.

Harry then patiently entertained Emily, wearing a pretty yellow daisy print top, by pulling faces at her and even encouraging the high-spirited toddler to stick out her tongue, proving he has everything it takes to be an indulgent dad himself.

The royal played with the little girl as she proudly showed him her toys, including several Paw Patrol characters and a Mountie bear.

After the match ended, with the UK team powering their way through to the finals, Harry gave Emily a cuddle goodbye and headed off for some meetings.

David Henson's story is one of triumph over adversity, and his daughter Emily has been a beacon of hope and inspiration throughout his journey.

His determination to live a full life, despite losing both legs, has seen him achieve incredible success in the world of competitive sports.

's involvement in the Invictus Games has provided a platform for David and other wounded servicemen and women to showcase their abilities and inspire others.

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