The Playboy Prince, aka Prince Harry has recently visited our fair city when he paid a visit to Eccles Rugby Football Club as the official patron of Rugby in School.
Harry, the fifth in line to the throne, visited Salford with the intention of visiting ERFC, though he continued to visit a nearby hospital, fire station and laying flowers for recently deceased Mancunian hero Alan Henning.
The prince played rugby with local kids before dropping into Salford Royal hospital, visiting young cadets and heroes of the 2011 riots at Eccles Fire Station before paying official tribute to 47-year-old dad-of-two Alan Henning. He read some of the cards that were laid for Mr Henning from the community before himself laying flowers.
Arriving with hopes of encouraging youngsters in the surrounding area to take up rugby, Harry proceeded to warm Mancunian hearts by showing interest in three other important areas of Salford and Eccles.
Eccles RFC spokesman Martin Parkinson said:
“This visit today caps off a brilliant year that have seen Eccles RFC promoted after securing the North Lancashire/Cumbria League title and winning the Lancashire County RFU Junior Club of the Year 2013-2014.”
When asked what the atmosphere was like at the club today in the presence of royalty, he said: “It’s very busy but it’s an honour to have Prince Harry here today. He comes across just as he does on television: a very down-to-earth gentleman.”
Before leaving with his royal convoy, he told waiting reporters: “I’ve had a great day up here; had a great day playing rugby with all the kids…it’s nice to be back [in Salford].”