Harry of Harlem: Prince proves he's a big hitter in the popularity stakes

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In front of Prime Minister David Cameron, Harry, clearly growing in stature and confidence, spoke passionately of the importance of coaching youngsters on the streets.

“I visited the project in Harlem this afternoon,” he said, “And met many of these young people whose lives are being changed through the power of sport.

“As they learn and grow under the careful guidance of Harlem RBI (Reviving baseball in inner cities), they represent living proof of what can be achieved. It was truly uplifting.

He added: “So, sport and coaching really does change lives. Who better to tell you this than the young coaches themselves?”

The American Friends of the Royal Foundation – run by Prince William, Kate and Harry - provide funding to the New York based not-for-profit organisation to expand its coaching to inner city youngsters.

The Prince, 28, added: “Almost a year ago – on the day before the London Olympics – The Royal Foundation launched Coach Core.

“This flagship initiative seeks to mentor and train our next generation of truly inspirational young sports coaches. The aim is that they, themselves, will then become mentors and role models to their peers and further generations over the years ahead.

“We now have pilot schemes running in London and Glasgow in Scotland – and I am delighted to announce that funds raised this evening will support a similar programme to be run in partnership with Harlem RBI here in New York, and potentially others like it.

“It is exciting that Harlem RBI’s Project Coach and our Coach Core will be linked in this way, sharing experience and lessons learned to provide opportunity and inspiration to disadvantaged young people here and back home Britain.” he said.

Celebrities and the super-rich queued to dine with Harry at the fund-raising reception in Manhattan’s Four Seasons Restaurant.

Guests included Sean Lennon, son of Beatle John, author of Bright Lights Big City author John McInerney and his philanthropist wife Anne Hearst-Mcinerney, sister of Patti, and the daughter of publishing tycoon Randolph J Hearst. Also joining the throng was real estate heiress Beth de Woody.

Mr Cameron, who earlier attended an event with the prince, arriving on the new “Boris Bus”, also gave his support.

Sean Lennon said: “It’s great that he is here. He seems to be really enjoying it. But it seems as if the whole city is running around trying to spot him, so I hope he doesn’t think New York is always like this. He is well loved here."

Another guest was Miss USA Nana Meriweather, standing 6 ft 4 inches in her Zara heels. She said: "He is doing a wonderful job of representing your country here. Miss USA is like royalty in the states so I am really hoping to meet him.

“He is single, right? Well so am I. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we married. And he is very tall and good looking, I hear. Perfect. We are meant to be.”

The Voice judge Will.i.Am arrived after Harry, wearing a burgundy suit and hat and a wild pair of silver studded shoes.

He said: "He’s a party prince, a soldier and a philanthropist. He’s a regular guy. If Harry was a movie character he would be Iron Man."

The Royal Foundation is a charitable organisation set up by the royal trio to channel their philanthropic activities. They intend to concentrate their efforts in three main areas; veterans and military affairs, conservation and sustainable development and children and young people.

Earlier in Harlem Harry had managed to hit a home run with only the third delivery pitched at him as he met children at a community baseball project in East Harlem, New York.

He had the advantage of being coached by one of the city’s hottest sports stars Mark Teixeira, who plays first baseman for the New York Yankees.

Harry hit the ball from Teixeira out of sight, despite the Yankees star winding up his arm for a fast pitch.

The baseball star added: “Everybody here enjoys having Yankees around but when Prince Harry shows up it takes it up to a whole different level.

“He’s a very good athlete, you can tell that right away.” he said.

Jolita Brettler, nine, who has been receiving coaching lessons from Harlem RBI for the past two years, was impressed with Harry’s batting skills.

Harry was also dubbed “Prince Harry of Harlem” by Rich Berlin, Harlem RBI’s executive director. To loud cheers he said he wanted to give a “big thank to His Royal Highness… Prince Henry of Wales forever now known as Prince Harry of Harlem.”