Prince Harry delivers inspiring opening speech about diversity at Cricket World Cup launch

The prince says he is ‘delighted’ that the UK is hosting the sporting event once again

Prince Harry meets children prior to the Group Stage match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between England v South Africa at The Oval on May 30, 2019 in London, England (Getty Images)

The Duke of Sussex has praised the UK for its “cultural diversity” as he launched the Men’s Cricket World Cup in London.

On Thursday, Prince Harry delivered a speech at the opening game between South Africa and England at the Oval in south London.

The new father, who welcomed his first child Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor earlier this month, said he was “delighted” that the UK will host the sporting event again.

The prince added that it is “thanks to the UK’s cultural diversity” that the ten teams competing “will feel as though they are competing in front of a home crowd every time they take to the field”.

“Cities across England and Wales will come alive over the next six weeks as World Cup fever sweeps the nation once more and I am sure that the players will show their appreciation with some fantastic performances and great sportsmanship,” he added.

The England team crashed out of the 2015 tournament in the group stage, but have since risen to the top of the One Day International (ODI) rankings and are the favourites to lift the trophy at Lord's on Sunday 14 July.

England has previously hosted the event four times since 1974.

Ahead of the tournament, the duke teased Australia’s captain Aaron Finch during a meeting with him and Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, yesterday.

“You’re getting on a bit now, aren’t you? How long have you been playing?” the royal joked to the batsman.

Prince Harry's return to his official duties came just two days after the birth of his son during a visit to the Hague, The Netherlands to officially launch the one year countdown to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020.

Following the birth of his son on 6 May, the prince spoke to the press to describe his awe of his wife, saying that watching the royal give birth was an “amazing experience”.

As he stood in front of the stables at Windsor Castle, the duke said his delight following the arrival of the couple's newborn son.

"I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy early this morning, a very healthy boy," he said.

The royal went on to express his admiration for women's strength in the act of childbirth.

"How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension," Prince Harry said.

"We're both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there. It's been amazing."