Britain's Prince Harry in DC for Humanitarian Award

Britain's Prince Harry accepted a humanitarian prize from a major Washington think-tank Monday for his work supporting charities that help injured British and U.S. military personnel.

Harry, 27, on his first-ever visit to the U.S. capital, arrived at the Atlantic Council fund-raiser to a small bevy of young female admirers, who he neglected to acknowledge as he stepped inside the luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel for the gala.

Others receiving honors at the event included U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Unilever chief executive Paul Polman, all U.S. military enlistees and German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Harry, a British army captain who served in Afghanistan four years ago, was being recognized for his efforts championing forces charities like Walking With The Wounded and Help For Heroes.

"They have paid a terrible price to keep us safe and free," said the prince, who was introduced by former U.S. secretary of state and Gulf War commander Colin Powell.

"The very least we owe them is to make sure that they and their brave families have everything they need through their darkest days -- and, in time, regain the hope and confidence to flourish again," he said.

"For these selfless people, it is after the guns have fallen silent, the din of battle quietened, that the real fight begins -- a fight that may last for the rest of their lives."

Harry, who is third in line to succeed his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, has chosen to accept the award on behalf of himself and his elder brother, Prince William.

Through a foundation in their name, the princes -- building on the humanitarian reputation of their late mother Princess Diana -- tackle the issue of caring for disabled and wounded servicemen and women.

Harry has recently completed 18 months of training as an Apache attack helicopter pilot and has expressed a determination to return to Afghanistan.

He was hastily withdrawn from his first tour of duty in 2008 when a media blackout was broken.

Harry made his first solo overseas tour in March, representing Queen Elizabeth in her diamond jubilee year in the Caribbean and Brazil.