Prince Harry and Michelle Obama meet wounded soldiers at US military base

His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales and US First Lady Michelle Obama prepare to watch wounded American veterans play basketball
EPA/JIM LO SCALZO
Hannah Al-Othman28 October 2015

Prince Harry told injured US military veterans how fighting in Afghanistan had changed his life when he toured an American military base with Michelle Obama.

Speaking at Fort Belvoir in Virginia where the service pesonnel were undergoing rehab he told the veterans, their families and the US first lady that his two tours of Afghanistan had "changed the direction" of his life.

Before speaking, the prince toured the base with Mrs Obama and Jill Biden - the wife of vice-president Joe Biden - visiting an art therapy room for veterans, another facility using music to help with their rehab, and watching a wheelchair basketball game.

The prince is making a one-day visit to the US to highlight his Invictus Games and support the care offered to injured American service personnel.

His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales embraces First Lady Michelle Obama
EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Prince Harry said: "I am in no doubt that my two deployments to Afghanistan changed the direction of my life.

"There is very little that can truly prepare you for the reality of war.

"The experiences can be stark and long lasting.

"Returning to the UK after my first deployment, I shared the flight home with three critically injured British soldiers, all in induced comas, and the body of a Danish soldier, killed in action.

"It hit me then that this flight was one of many, carrying home men and women whose lives would be changed forever, and some who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

"From that moment, I knew I had a responsibility to help all veterans, who had made huge personal sacrifices for their countries, to lead healthy and dignified lives after service."

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