Prince Harry and Canine Parters puppy 218x300 Prince Visits Canine PartnersPrince Harry recently received a warm, doggy welcome when he visited the National Training Centre and headquarters of charity Canine Partners, which provides assistance dogs for disabled people.

The Prince spent 90 minutes seeing the facilities, meeting some of the puppies in training and talking to people who have benefited from having a canine partner.

Canine Partners’ CEO Andy Cook, who accompanied Prince Harry round the charity’s facilities, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed showing him how we train the dogs to help disabled people. He was very interested in our work with the Armed Forces, and had a long private chat with petty officer Stephen Brookes about how the dogs can make such a difference to injured servicemen and women.

“The Prince proved to be a competent handler with the more advanced dogs in training, and a big hit with the younger puppies who vied with each other to get the most cuddles!” he added. “He spoke to many of our working partnerships, giving him an insight into the variety of ways a canine partner can help his disabled owner.”

The visit was rounded off with a tea party where Prince Harry had a chance to mingle with a host of working partnerships.  There was even a ‘When Harry met Harry’ moment when the Prince came upon a red golden retriever canine partner sharing his name.  He asked Harry’s disabled owner, Sarah, if he was so named because he was ginger!

MORE: 08456 580 480, www.caninepartners.org.uk