Prince Harry holds 2021 Rugby World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace

January 16, 2020

On Jan. 16, <strong><a href=/tags/0/prince-harry>Prince Harry</a></strong> held his first royal engagement since he and <strong><a href=/tags/0/meghan-markle>Duchess Meghan</a></strong> announced they would step back from their senior royal roles last week. He was on hand for the 2021 Rugby World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace, where he also announced a mental fitness charter for the tournament.
<p>Ahead of the event, he took to the Sussex Royal Instagram to reveal more about the latter initiative.
<p>"Rugby league isn't just a sport, it's a community," he said in a video. "And one that takes care of its own."
<p>"This charter will build on the brilliant work already happening in rugby league by committing to training and educating all those involved in the tournament, and the wider rugby league family, not only in how they can look after their own mental fitness, but also support others to do the same," he finished.
<p><strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Harry's day!</strong>
<p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

On Jan. 16, Prince Harry held his first royal engagement since he and Duchess Meghan announced they would step back from their senior royal roles last week. He was on hand for the 2021 Rugby World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace, where he also announced a mental fitness charter for the tournament.

Ahead of the event, he took to the Sussex Royal Instagram to reveal more about the latter initiative.

"Rugby league isn't just a sport, it's a community," he said in a video. "And one that takes care of its own."

"This charter will build on the brilliant work already happening in rugby league by committing to training and educating all those involved in the tournament, and the wider rugby league family, not only in how they can look after their own mental fitness, but also support others to do the same," he finished.

Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Harry's day!

Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Before the draw, Harry watched a rugby practice of sorts on a makeshift pitch outside the Palace. He was joined by (right) <strong>James Simpson</strong>, a wheelchair rugby player who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan.
<p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The group were joined by children from St Vincent de Paul Catholic primary school, and Harry, who is a natural with kids, had a great time talking with them about the value of the sport.
<p>He also poked fun at them a bit as he shook their hands, saying, "Some of you are really warm. Some of you haven't been running around," according to <a href=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51129896>BBC News</a>.
<p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The students also showed off their rugby skills.
<p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Then Harry headed into the Palace, where he was joined by former England player <strong>Jason Robinson</strong> and Dame <strong>Katherine Grainger</strong>. He held draws for the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments.
<p>Photo: © Jeremy Selwyn - WPA Pool/Getty Images

It looked like he had a lot of fun!
<p>Photo: © Jeremy Selwyn - WPA Pool/Getty Images