Pictures: Prince Harry visits Invictus Games athletes at Sporthouse Dagenham

Prince Harry looks on as the German sitting volleyball team gets into training at Sporthouse, Dagenham (Image: Archant)

The fourth in line to the throne met with international serving and ex military personnel who will compete in their national teams during the four-day tournament at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park that begins on Thursday.

The planned visit came as news broke this morning that his brother William was expecting a second baby with wife Kate.

“It’s very exciting news,” the serving army captain told reporters inside the sports centre. “I can’t wait to see my brother suffer more. Especially if it’s a girl – I’d love to see him try and cope with that.”

Alluding to the media frenzy that accompanied the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first child, Prince George, last year he said: “I hope the two of them have the opportunity to go through the whole process again with a little bit of peace and quiet.”

The prince was happy to post for pictures with athletes and greeted a large number of them as he toured around (Image: Archant)

The Duchess, rumoured to be attending the Invictus Games opening ceremony on Wednesday, is said to be suffering from morning sickness, as during her first pregnancy.

“The last time I saw [Kate] she was ok,” said the prince. “She’s feeling pretty poorly but that’s to be expected – she’s doing the best she can.”

A javelin competition was also held on the day of Harry’s visit, with the winners due to be presented with their medals at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. It is understood they did not compete during the full tournament owing to a lack of competitors.

Sporthouse has the country’s biggest multi-use sports hall, a large gym, two outdoor basketball courts, a £2million athletics track and the capacity for up to 6,000 members.

The German team gets the thumbs up from Harry after he poses for a team pic with them (Image: Archant)

The Invictus Games will see athletes from 13 nations compete in nine adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, athletics, sitting volleyball, weightlifting, archery, road cycling, indoor rowing and swimming.

Athletics will be the first event on Thursday. Tickets are still available, click here to book.