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PRINCE Harry is back to his former self and looks incredibly happy again, a royal expert has claimed.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, legendary royal photographer Arthur Edwards lifted the lid on the Duke of Sussex.

Harry was all smiles as he launched a schools programme in Vancouver, Canada, ahead of the Invictus Games
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Harry was all smiles as he launched a schools programme in Vancouver, Canada, ahead of the Invictus GamesCredit: PA
Arthur Edwards said Harry's positive energy was like a blast from the past
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Arthur Edwards said Harry's positive energy was like a blast from the pastCredit: AP
Prince Harry 'winning' an Olympic sprint against runner Usain Bolt in Jamaica in 2012
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Prince Harry 'winning' an Olympic sprint against runner Usain Bolt in Jamaica in 2012Credit: PA
Harry amusing New Zealand kids in May 2015
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Harry amusing New Zealand kids in May 2015Credit: News Group Newspapers

Harry, 40, was seen grinning and laughing with kids at a school in Vancouver on Monday as he made another public appearance without his wife Meghan this week.

The dad-of-two launched the Invictus Games school programme before being seen beaming with pride at a game of sitting volleyball. 

Arthur was asked about Harry's recent behaviour and mused about the Duke's positive attitude in recent weeks.

The experienced royal photographer made the comments while appearing on The Sun's popular Royal Exclusive show.

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Arthur told our Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “I must say the pictures of him this week of Harry with those young kids.

"He was laughing with those children and they all looked so incredibly happy.

"It gave me such a good feeling because that's how it used to be with Harry.

"I've photographed him meeting young people across the world and that gave me such a buzz.

"Seeing him with those young people was such a great feeling again."

Arthur recalled his last job with Prince Harry before he left the royal family and spoke about how happy children were to see him.

He added: "It was at a school in Luton and the students were so happy and he was so happy to be involved with them."

Usually ‘meek’ Prince Harry is clearly happier on solo trips away from Meghan & ‘dictated speeches’, says royal expert

Comparing that to the pictures this week, Arthur continued: "Seeing that side of Harry was such a buzz for me.

"It was just that one frame where I thought that's how he used to be.

"When he was with young people or a child he'd become a child himself.

"I remember when he was with a sick child, he wouldn't leave their side until they smiled.

"He would pull faces or do anything. He was amazing for that and that's the thing I miss about Harry.

"Anything with children or young people involved even if it was a walkabout in Sydney or youth club in New Zealand, he would interact in such a way you knew you were going to get a great picture."

It comes after the Duke has undertook several speaking engagements at awards ceremonies and taking part in charitable panels and summits on his own.

Some commentators see this as the prince doing a "full relaunch" of his charity work – and lately his wife Meghan is nowhere to be seen in public with him.

Sources in California say the new "solo Harry" is his own idea.

Harry was also interviewed prior to the first half of a CFL football game at the 111th Grey Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Sunday.

He spoke to TSN's James Duthie as the Toronto Argonauts took on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The surprise guest said: "First Grey Cup. What I'm looking forward to? The game getting started. Let's go!"

He wore a dark dress shirt and long, black jacket and waved at the crowd before he was quickly escorted away.

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The royal later returned to the field with BC Lions owner Amar Doman and Canadian athlete Wenshuang Nie.

The Founding Patron of the Invictus Games then took part in a jersey handover ceremony with competitor Wen.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle will RETURN to Britain for Invictus ceremony

By Matt Wilkinson and Summer Raemason

PRINCE Harry's Invictus Games will be held in Birmingham - meaning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return to the UK.

The West Midlands city will be unveiled today at a ceremony and flag-raising.

Harry is not attending the ceremony but he and Meg are now set to return for the games, which will take place in 2027.

Meghan, 42, has joined Harry, 39, at every Invictus Games while they have been together after first appearing at the 2017 Toronto games.

She has avoided the UK since the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022 apart from spending just a few hours at Heathrow while changing flights ahead of the couple's 'pseudo-Royal' tour of Nigeria in May.

The last time Harry held his games for wounded soldiers in the UK in 2014, the London games were attended by WilliamCamilla and Charles.

It comes as Invictus CEO Dominic Reid stepped down from his role and the Invictus Games are being held in Whistler and Vancouver, Canada, this year.

Prince Harry said: "Congratulations to Birmingham, UK, on winning the bid to host the Invictus Games 2027.

"Your city’s strong ties to the Armed Forces community made it a formidable contender from the very start.

"Over the years, we’ve seen each city bring a unique spirit and vision to life for competitors, their families, and spectators.

"We have no doubt the people of Birmingham will join in celebrating the unwavering respect and admiration we have for our veteran and service community, showing the world how their courage ignites hope and unites us all- something your city knows well."

Prince Harry waves to fans prior to the start of a TV interview during pre-game festivities
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Prince Harry waves to fans prior to the start of a TV interview during pre-game festivitiesCredit: Getty
A young Harry giving the thumbs up on a trip to Brazil
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A young Harry giving the thumbs up on a trip to BrazilCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Harry and Meghan have made public appearances separately in recent weeks
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Harry and Meghan have made public appearances separately in recent weeksCredit: Splash
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