Prince Harry has spoken publicly for the first time since the backlash over his announcement as the recipient of an annual award named after a US war hero.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, who is set to be honoured for his work with the Invictus Games, wished good luck to the UK squad following their selection ahead of a forthcoming winter version of the competition.

“The games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges,” he said.

However, Harry was advised in some quarters to not accept the award. Former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord Alan West, said Harry should “sit back and not accept awards like this.”

Princess Charlotte, meanwhile, is said to be “taking care” the Princess of Wales, as she continues her treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. The young royal, nine, is reportedly “protective” of her mother, 42, and royal biographer Ingrid Stewart said this was evident at last month’s Trooping the Colour.

“I think that Charlotte is really taking care of her mum,” she told The Mirror. “It was quite sweet the way she stood in front of her [on the Buckingham Palace balcony] and they kept chatting.”