Prince Harry took fans by surprise in a newly released video, where he not only received a tattoo from country music star Jelly Roll but also helped announce Jelly Roll as the headliner for the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games.
The clip, shared on November 19 by the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, shows the Duke of Sussex and Jelly Roll meeting at East Side Ink, a popular tattoo parlor in New York City. The video was likely filmed during Prince Harry’s solo trip to the city in September, when he was spotted at the celebrity-favored parlor.
In the video, Prince Harry is seen sitting in a tattoo chair, waiting for Jelly Roll to arrive. The country music star walks in and expresses his excitement about being asked to give Prince Harry his first tattoo. “I couldn’t believe it when they called me and told me Prince Harry wanted to get a tattoo,” Jelly Roll says with enthusiasm.
As the session begins, the two discuss the connection between the tattoo and the Invictus Games. Jelly Roll, sporting an impressive collection of tattoos himself, explains that the design is related to the upcoming event. “We’re giving you a tattoo about the Invictus Games,” he tells Harry, who initially protests, saying, “No, I came here to ask you to do the Invictus Games. There’s no tattoo in this. I can’t get a tattoo!”
However, Jelly Roll convinces Harry to go along with the idea, suggesting they tattoo his neck. “We gotta go for the neck!” Jelly Roll exclaims, to which Harry jokes about getting a tattoo on his lower back instead. “Nobody wants to see your ass, Harry!” Jelly Roll laughs, prompting the prince to reply, “This is for the world!” The two then share a moment of camaraderie as the tattoo session begins.
As the tattoo gun buzzes, Harry reacts with surprise, saying, “It feels big, man,” and joking that it feels like “a baby getting its first haircut.” The final design is revealed as the words “I Am Jelly Roll” in a style inspired by the Invictus Games “I Am” logo, which symbolizes resilience and determination.
Upon seeing the tattoo, Harry jokes, “Is that your name? Does that say Jelly Roll? You put your name on my neck?!” Jelly Roll then teases him, saying, “I’ll see you in Vancouver!” before exiting the room.
The Invictus Games, which Prince Harry founded in 2014, is a global adaptive sports event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans. The 2025 games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler from February 8 to February 16, 2025.
In addition to announcing Jelly Roll as the closing ceremony headliner, the video has sparked excitement about the upcoming event. The full lineup of performers will be revealed in the coming days.
This fun and unexpected tattoo session is part of Prince Harry’s ongoing involvement with the Invictus Games, which continue to be a significant initiative for supporting veterans and raising awareness for their sacrifices and struggles.