A gold medal second: British Army veteran proposes to girlfriend in entrance of cheering crowds on the Invictus Games
A British Army veteran proposed to his girlfriend at the Invictus Games – and was thrilled when she said yes.
James Cairns, 35, went down on one knee to propose to Hannah Wild in front of cheering friends and family at the start of the wheelchair basketball match for Team UK.
Their two-year-old son Arthur was among those watching the proposal.
Since losing his leg to a sniper bullet in Afghanistan, James has been training towards the Invictus Games and is now competing in three sports, biathlon, swimming and wheelchair basketball.
James said: ‘This is my gold medal moment! It has been months in the planning to keep it a secret.
‘To compete for Team UK and then propose was just amazing. And she said yes.’
James heard about the plans for the Invictus Games firsthand from its founder Prince Harry as he recovered from his injuries at a military rehab unit.
James said: ‘I remember Harry coming to Headley Court and I was one of 10 injured service personnel who went into a private room with him, and he announced his plans.
Army veteran James Cairns proposes to his partner Hannah Wild at the Invictus Games on Sunday
James and Hannah share a kiss after she accepted his proposal in Vancouver, Canada
James proposed to his partner at a wheelchair basketball match at the Invictus Games
The UK wheelchair basketball team applauds as James embraces his new fiancée Hannah
Hannah Wild holding their son Arthur, wipes her eye after James proposed to her
‘So, I was one of the first people to hear about it. Ever since then I knew I wanted to take part.’
The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the MoD, is proudly supporting Team UK and its 62 competitors who are all wounded, injured and sick serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
All competitors have been through a 12-month training process and recovery programme through the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre.
Meanwhile Meghan spoke to Cynthia Phelps, 39, her husband James, 44, and their baby Laramie, seven months, from Alaska.
Meghan couldn’t resist holding the newborn in her arms.
Mum Cynthia said: ‘She said she was a very happy baby. She said her kids were at home and she missed them and she was excited to see a baby that was so happy.
‘She said she misses them and remembers when they were young.
‘She is always personable and very down to earth and just really cares about us. Every time she talks to us it’s very visible and genuine.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the attending Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada
The moment eight-year-old Lucious Gaytan ran over to Harry clutching a Funko Pop! figure
Prince Harry and Meghan speaking with Lucious during a wheelchair basketball game
David, who served alongside Harry in Afghanistan in 2012 while stationed in Camp Bastion, is competing in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, biathlon and skeleton.
The family of three had previously enjoyed breakfast with Harry and Meghan at their hotel in Vancouver on Saturday morning.
She said: ‘It’s a blessing to be able to spend time with them.
‘They genuinely care about the healing journey of every single one of the competitors. We greatly appreciate it.’
In one touching moment eight-year-old Lucious Gaytan ran over to Harry clutching a Funko Pop! figure which the royal signed.
‘I don’t remember what he said,’ he said, the overwhelmed youngster said after his moment with royalty.
He was there with his mother Ivette to support his father Lucio, a US army veteran.
Ivette said that her son was too excited to remember what Harry had said.
Meghan hinted at ‘walking into a very important meeting’ on her Instagram story while sharing behind-the-scenes footage of the Invictus Games ceremony
The Prince was presented with the now traditional pair of ‘budgie smuggler’ swimming trunks by members of the Australian team
‘I do like Harry, we like the whole family and follow them on the news. We have the whole royal Funko Pop! Collection.
‘We do really appreciate this event, it gives my husband purpose and he gets very excited about it.
‘He was left with a spinal injury after tours in Afghanistan and Iraq,’ she added.
It comes after Meghan Markle hinted at ‘walking into a very important meeting’ on her Instagram story while sharing behind-the-scenes footage of the Invictus Games ceremony.
She hosted an event with dozens of children where she read to the youngsters – while husband Harry sat crossed legged with the excitable kids.
The Prince was presented with the now traditional pair of ‘budgie smuggler’ swimming trunks by members of the Australian team.
They have made it a point of handing the Prince a pair of the tight fitting costume at each of the Invictus Games.
Harry showed off the blue costume to the delight of the audience.
Meghan captioned the gift ‘And team Australia you’ve done it again’ and posted it to her Instagram Story, along with video from the storytelling event.
The private event began with the couple walking to the meeting to the soundtrack of Dolly Parton singing ‘9-5.’
Meghan later posed up with children as they showed off drawings they had been asked to do and told them they were in for an exciting week.’
