King Charles has made his feelings clear as he spoke about the Invictus Games during a visit to Imperial College London’s Centre for Injury Studies on Wednesday, where he met with former Army captain and parasport athlete David Henson.
The 76-year-old monarch viewed cutting-edge virtual reality biofeedback technology at the centre, which enhances rehabilitation following limb loss.
The visit featured a special demonstration by Henson, a British Paralympian who competed in the 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games, and maintained a trustee position with the Games until late 2023.
The pair shared a warm greeting as they discussed advances in prosthetic technology and rehabilitation.
King Charles makes feelings clear as he speaks about Invictus Games
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During their meeting, the King enquired about Henson’s continued involvement in sports and games.
“So I’m a touch too old, I think,” Henson responded, explaining his past participation. “I did the Invictus Games in 2014 and 2016, Paralympics in 2016 and I stayed one of the trustees of the Invictus Games until the end of 2023 – so I’ve certainly been involved with it. I’m back in the defence industry now.”
“Fantastic,” was the King’s response to Henson, who shares a long-standing connection with Prince Harry and was invited to the Duke’s wedding in 2018.
During the visit, Henson demonstrated his “robotic legs” to the King, explaining the complexities of his prosthetics, with one leg amputated above the knee and one through the knee.
King Charles chatting to David Henson who partook in the Invictus Games several years ago
PA
The King watched attentively as Henson showed how the prosthetics needed careful positioning to function correctly.
Charles praised Henson as “remarkable” during the demonstration and took time to ask after his wife and three children.
“You are a great example to us all,” the King told the former serviceman, highlighting the significance of the centre’s work in prosthetic development.
The Centre for Injury Studies is actively developing technology to protect soldiers on the battlefield, working in partnership with Unbroken, Ukraine’s National Rehabilitation Centre.
David Henson and Prince Harry pictured in 2014
The collaboration focuses on developing prosthetic limbs and essential rehabilitation for both military personnel and civilians injured by munitions.
During a video call with the King, Dr Hnat Herych, chief of general surgery at Unbroken, expressed gratitude: “Your Majesty, on behalf of my colleagues and my country I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine, in these turbulent times.”
“Britain has not only remained our steadfast ally but has also demonstrated true global leadership in defending Ukraine,” Dr Herych added.
The Centre’s pioneering work continues to advance rehabilitation technology for injured service personnel and civilians alike.
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David Henson attending Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018
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Through its international partnerships and cutting-edge research, the facility remains at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for limb loss rehabilitation.
The combination of virtual reality biofeedback technology and advanced prosthetics demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to improving outcomes for patients.
This work builds on a legacy of supporting military personnel, from the early days of the Invictus Games to today’s vital support for Ukrainian casualties.
