Prince Harry calls on US and Britain to help wounded veterans in first Washington trip The solo trip to the American capital was a sign of the Royal Family's growing trust in the young prince, who had previously been best-known internationally for his occasional playboy antics. Last night he was recognised by Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State and commander of allied forces during the first Gulf War, who saluted him for his service both in and out of uniform. One of America's most-celebrated military leaders, General Powell said that of all Prince Harry's titles he "preferred to know him" as Captain Harry Wales, as he is known while serving as an Apache pilot in the British Army. Prince Harry is a young man who has grown up with not just good looks and royal privileges but it would have been easy for him to choose a life of ease and leisure. Instead he chose a more difficult path and by so doing he has become an example to millions of others," General Powell said. He said the young prince had "followed the noble tradition of service to his country and to his fellow human beings." But even as he lavished praise on Prince Harry, the former general could not resist a nod to his international stardom nor the crowd of young women who had gathered outside the Washington Ritz-Carlton in the hope of catching a glimpse of the third-in-line to the throne. "I would be remiss if I didn't not that his presence has altered the normal demographic make up of our audience," General Powell said with a smile. We have a record number of young single women here tonight. For his part, Prince Harry acknowledged the vast gap in years and military experience between himself and the man who led international forces against Saddam Hussein when he was only seven years-old. "For a captain in the British Army to be introduced by such a world-renowned soldier and statesman is truly humbling and a little terrifying," he said. For a country still fascinated by the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry's visit was an intriguing outing for the American press and reporters from the austere broadsheets to the glossy gossip magazines dispatched reporters to cover his brief speech. Earlier in the day, the Prince met members of the UK's Warrior Games team and some of their American competitors at the residence including Sir Peter Westmacott, Britain's ambassador to the US. The 16 men and women of the British team, which was funded and supported by the charity Help For Heroes, were guest competitors at the Warrior Games staged last week in Colorado Springs and normally open only to US armed forces. Among those the Prince met were Captain Dave Henson, 27, of the Royal Engineers, who lost both his legs following an IED explosion in Helmand province in February last year. He was one of Britain's medal winners, earning two golds in the pool at the 50m and 100m freestyle. Cpt Henson, from Southampton, commenting about Prince Harry's award, added: "He's a massive supporter of us and brings a lot of public awareness to the cause of injured soldiers. It seems a very appropriate way to finish off a successful week for the Prince to get the award.