Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were no shows at last night’s star-studded Super Bowl game despite the duke’s recent appearance at an NFL awards event. The couple were rumoured to join the many A-list celebrities – including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Jay Z and Sir Paul McCartney – at the biggest American Football game of the year, which took place in Las Vegas.
But the pair were noticeably absent from the festivities ahead of a trip to Canada for the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in a matter of days. Last night saw the Kansas City Chiefs win with a last-minute overtime touch down in a nail-biting game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Last week, Prince Harry made an appearance at the NFL Honours which was also held in Sin City after returning from a whistle-stop trip to the UK to visit his cancer-stricken father.
At the awards ceremony, which came just 24 hours after his flying visit to London, Harry presented the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Cameron Heyward.
American Football bosses had invited Harry and Meghan to the Super Bowl, according to the Mirror. One NFL insider told the publication: ‘It is well known the Prince loves American football, and bosses have extended an invitation to him following his appearance at the awards.’
However, Page Six reported that the pair would not attend the game because they are busy preparing for their trip to Canada for an Invictus Games opening event this week. During Thursday night’s NFL award ceremony, Harry made a few gags at the expense of American Football.
He told the crowd: ‘Good evening, NFL. It’s an honour to be with you all tonight. I really love how you stole rugby from us and you made it your own.’ ‘Instead of passing it backwards, just pass it forwards. Why not wear pads and a helmet? Of course, have an offense and defense, that makes sense.
‘And why not take a breather every 15 seconds? And you know what, instead of a 10-month season, let’s just make it 18 weeks. Genius. All kidding aside, what you guys do on and off the field is truly remarkable. You are role models for millions in the way you carry yourselves and the way you give back.’
Taylor Swift was at the fore of the Super Bowl coverage as she cheered on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who plays for the Kanas City Chiefs. The couple were seen kissing on the pitch after the Chiefs won the game.