In an extraordinary finale to his hit tour of New Zealand, Prince Harry proved he really was the People’s Prince scoring the winning goal in a game of five-a-side soccer in front of a packed crowd in Auckland’s The Cloud arena.
And this wasn’t just any goal….it was a dramatic aerial kick taking his team to a narrow 8-7 victory in what had been a hard fought match with Prince Harry working up a serious sweat. When the ref blew his whistle just after Harry’s goal, the fans went wild and Prince Harry hugged his triumphant team mates.
The Prince is rarely sighted in shorts, but totally threw himself into the game wearing full kit of a New Zealand shirt with “Wales” on the back – denoting Harry Wales.
But was he any good? Actually he was showcasing some fast footwork and sprinting around at fever pitch. It looked as if he was really enjoying it. Harry’s fellow players were from the New Zealand U-20 squad who will be competing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in a few weeks.
Tom Russell, 15, of Auckland, played on Harry’s team and told The Weekly, “Harry was good. I’d definitely have him on my team again. He must have been practising his skills a bit. It was cool. I tried to make the most of it. It’s not every day you play with a prince. And we won!”
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There was a penalty in the game which Harry was picked to take, but in a sneaky move the royal whispered to team mate Oscar Browne, then jumped over the ball sending the keeper the wrong way and lining up a clear shot for Oscar, who easily landed the ball in the back of the net.
Tuyi Byamana, 14, of Auckland, also played on Harry’s team and says they nicknamed Harry “Scholes” after Paul Scholes, the famous redheaded former England and Manchester United player.
“He was so down to earth and humble with a great personality. His goal was stunning. Cracking. He should be playing Premier League. We both support Arsenal so we’ve got a brotherhood.”
After the game, Harry gave two footballs away. One was thrown into the crowd, but the other he hand delivered to a little girl in a tiara in the front row.
Finding time for everyone and paying special attention to children has been a trademark of Harry’s hectic tour which has seen him learn the haka, play rugby, row down the Whanganui river and meet thousands of the public personally.
“He’s been having a fantastic time and I think he’s really enjoyed it,” says New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
“It was a trip he was looking forward to – I spoke to him about it when we were in Gallipoli together. I think he’s a great young man and he’s a credit to the royal family. He carries himself very well. He’s a natural.”
After scoring the winning goal in his football game and changing his shirt, Prince Harry met with eight volunteers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as well as the players he played with. The traditional sliced oranges were served.
Volunteer Jacinda Alexander, 21, of Auckland, spoke to the Prince.
“He knew rugby was a big part of New Zealand, but we told him there’s more and more people playing soccer. He was really nice, really genuine. We had a laugh. He was polite and quite funny. He’s as nice as portrayed in media. “
Antonio Hernandez, 35, originally from Mexico, found Harry to be kind and funny, qualities he’s shown day after day on this tour. And Ivan Vicelich, who refereed the game, couldn’t get enough of Harry.
“He finished on a high with that goal. His interaction with the young players was great. He’s got a bit of banter in him and tried to make it a bit more entertaining for everyone. He’s going to help little old New Zealand go all around the world.”
For 14-year-old Sam Bottomley, meeting Harry was something she’ll never forget.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I never thought I’d get this opportunity….When my mates ask, I’ll tell them it was just a casual weekend playing with Prince Harry.”
Outside the arena thousands gathered to bid Prince Harry goodbye. There were the usual girls with “marry me” signs and a fan with a huge laminated placard of Princess Diana. From the back of the crowd someone started singing ‘God Save The Queen ‘ and above his baritone voice cries of “Harry Harry” sailed on the wind.
For his final walkabout of the tour Prince Harry was again a people pleaser shaking hands deep into the crowd and chatting with ease.
In his speech at Government House last night Prince Harry had talked of his family’s history with New Zealand. “I have heard so many wonderful things about Kiwis from the Queen, from my father, and more recently from my brother and sister-in-law following their time here with George last year. I can’t believe it’s taken me over 30 years to get here, but I am delighted that I’ve finally made it.
“As a passionate rugby fan, I’ve always wanted to know how you can be so bloody good with such a small population. But don’t worry, I am not here to spy on you. I come in peace, despite what people think” he joked.
Harry marvelled at all he had seen and paid tribute to the post-earthquake work in Christchurch.
“It really has been a lot of fun” he concluded.
“While it took me 30 years to make it to New Zealand for the first time, it certainly won’t be long before I’m back again.” And judging by the reception he’s received, Harry’s invite is probably already in the post.
