Prince Harry has been urged to marry former X Factor judge Cheryl – and did not dismiss the idea out of hand – as he celebrated the achievements of Invictus Games athletes.

At a glittering awards ceremony held to recognise individuals from the sporting world, host Mark Durden-Smith said it was Harry’s royal duty to pop the question to Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

Prince Harry
(Jonathan Brady/AP/PA)

Cheryl, as the singer is now known, recently split from her second husband and Mark described the Prince and former tennis star Tim Henman – who were jointly presenting an outstanding contribution award – as both prime son-in-law material.

To laughter from the 1,700 guests attending the event at the Battersea Evolution in central London, Mark said: “I know you take your royal duties very seriously Harry and I think one of the duties that the nation would like you to perform is to marry Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
(Yui Mok/PA)

“It’s what the nation wants Harry so give it some thought.”

His comments caused the Prince to raise an eyebrow as he mused on the suggestion.

Prince Harry sharing a joke with Mark Durden-Smith
(Jonathan Brady/AP/PA)

Among the guests at the BT Sport Industry Awards were Lord Coe, Brian O’Driscoll, John Terry, Jamie Murray and his mother Judy Murray, and Jodie Kidd.