During a visit to Imperial College London’s Centre for Injury Studies on Wednesday, King Charles praised one of Prince Harry’s former Invictus Games colleagues as “remarkable.”
The 76-year-old monarch viewed a demonstration of the centre’s advanced virtual reality biofeedback technology, led by former Army captain and parasport athlete David Henson. This technology aids rehabilitation for those who have experienced limb loss.
As Charles and Henson shared a warm greeting, the conversation naturally turned to the Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.
“Are you still taking part in games and sports?” the King asked.
“I think I’m a touch too old,” Henson joked. “I competed in the Invictus Games in 2014 and 2016, the Paralympics in 2016, and I remained one of the Invictus Games trustees until the end of 2023. So, I’ve been very involved. I’m back in the defense industry now.”
“Fantastic,” Charles responded simply.
This meeting follows the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s attendance at the first Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, last week.
David Henson has shared a long-standing friendship with Harry and was invited to his 2018 royal wedding.
Henson’s daughter, Emily, then two, memorably stole the show at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto when she cheekily snatched popcorn from Harry’s snack during the Sitting Volleyball Finals. Cameras captured Harry’s playful reaction as he entertained Emily with funny faces.
Henson first met Prince Harry at the US Warrior Games, which inspired Harry to create the Invictus Games for injured and ill servicemen and women.
In 2014, Henson captained Team UK at the inaugural Invictus Games in London and posed for a photo with Harry, then-Prince Charles, and Prince William at the opening ceremony.
