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Prince Harry received a rapturous welcome as he threw the first pitch at a New York baseball game.

The 25-year-old prince looked nervous as he walked out in front of the 40,000 people to throw the first ball at the New York Mets' Citi Field stadium.

He looked genuinely relieved when the ball slammed into the catcher's glove and the crowd cheered wildly.

Harry's visit to New York is aimed at forging closer links between the UK and US armed forces charities.

When asked how he felt before making his way to the pitcher's mound the 25-year-old royal replied "don't ask", then joked "can I have a practice first?".

Pointing towards his private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton he said: "He wants to bat against me."

He was joined at the stadium by two British officers who lost limbs during operations in Afghanistan - Lieutenant Guy Disney and Captain Kate Philp.

They are working with ABF The Soldiers' Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, to see if there are any lessons that can be learned from the US for improving the welfare of UK servicemen and women.

Earlier, the prince was praised by a wounded US marine after the pair met in at a reception on the former aircraft carrier USS Intrepid.

Cpl Aaron Mankin commended Harry for his efforts to forge greater links between British and American organisations helping injured soldiers, sailors and airmen.