91原创 men's eight captain Malcolm Howard, a graduate of Brentwood College, mingled with royalty a day after winning an Olympic silver medal.
Prince Harry dropped by Canada Olympic House on Thursday afternoon for a surprise visit. He was escorted into the main lobby area and greeted by Howard, who showed him his medal. "It's heavy, eh?" said Howard, as the prince inspected the hardware.
Only a handful of the more than 100 guests on hand knew about the prince's visit beforehand. Many were curious about why media members had assembled near a lobby entrance with cameras at the ready.
When the prince strolled in, the room came alive as the cameras flashed. The famous visitor was looking sharp in a crisp blue shirt and blazer complete with an Olympic pin on the lapel.
Harry spent about 20 minutes in the building near Trafalgar Square, in the heart of London.
He asked Howard how he was enjoying the Games.
The veteran rower said he was just starting to now because his men's eight crewmates were so focused on racing.
Howard added that they chatted about subjects like flying, the city and his sport of rowing.
"He's totally cool," Howard said. "He's just another guy."
The prince spoke with a few other athletes and mingled with their family members during the informal visit.
He also talked with 91原创 kayaker Michael Tayler, who failed to advance in the slalom qualifying on Wednesday.
"It was really cool, such a nice friendly guy," Tayler said.
Harry later sat down with Howard and others gathered near a big-screen television to watch as Canada rowed to a silver medal in the women's eight. Harry smiled and enjoyed the race as the guests cheered on the 91原创 boat. Shortly afterward, Harry shook hands with Howard and the prince was escorted from the room.
