The King said he was “full of admiration” for the surgeons working at a rehabilitation site for injured soldiers and civilians in Ukraine as he learned about how the UK is supporting rehabilitation efforts in the war torn country.
Charles, 76, visited the Centre for Injury Studies at Imperial College London today to see how experience is put into practice from previous conflicts , including in Afghanistan and Iraq, to support the wounded in Ukraine. During the engagement, he was reunited with David Henson MBE, a British Paralympian who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan in 2011, who the King first met ahead of the inaugural Invictus Games held in London in September 2014.
The monarch’s youngest son, Prince Harry, 40, founded the international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service members and veterans and last week attended the first winter sporting event in Vancouver, Canada. The Duke of Sussex also had a link to the Centre, as he opened its forerunner, the Centre for Blast Injury Studies, in 2013.
Upon arrival at Imperial’s White City campus, the King was taken to the laboratory space where Shehan Hettiaratchy Imperial’s Major Trauma Director, and Anthony Bull, Director and Associate Director of the Centre for Injury Studies explained the Centre’s armoured protection research.
Charles was then shown some samples of combat boots that they are currently developing, which absorb energy before it comes to the foot, to avoid severe heel injuries that result in amputation. Taking a keen interest in the new designs, the King asked: “The existing ones are pretty good though? You’re just improving it?”
“Yes, that’s right”” Mr Bull said. He then viewed a demonstration of a machine simulating the creation of combat injuries to see how adequate protection can limit injuries before speaking to a Ukrainian surgeon via video link.
Hnat Herych, who is head of surgery at Unbroken – a rehabilitation site in Lviv, built to provide a variety of services for injured Ukrainians – told him that the centre has been treating a large number of wounded soldiers on the front lines as well as injured civilians.
Announcing a new partnership between Unbroken and Imperial, the doctor said that since receiving British support, they have been able to establish a centre for constructive surgery to help “restore bodies shattered by the war”. He said: “I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the UK’s unwavering support of Ukraine.
“In these turbulent times, Britain has not only remained our steadfast ally but has also demonstrated true global leadership in defending Ukraine and standing up for freedom. The commitment of Your Majesty and the British people is invaluable to us and we are certainly hope for your continued support in these critical times.”
In response, the King spoke of his admiration for their work and the collaboration between the two countries. “I am so glad that Imperial College is able to have this obviously very effective relationship with Unbroken,” he told Mr Herych. “I’m only hoping I’m not causing a terrible disruption to your normal working activities there; I know how busy and committed you all are.
“I hope you can give my kindest thoughts and wishes to all your team… I’m full of admiration for what they try to do there.” His Majesty was then taken downstairs to view Imperial’s cutting-edge virtual reality biofeedback technology – demonstrated by Mr Henson – which enhances rehabilitation following limb loss.
“Thanks for demonstrating that,” the King told the former Paralympian, before asking if the prosthetics he uses are new. “It must be hard to get the balance to start with,” the King remarked before noticing that they are different heights.
Mr Henson, who moved full-time into academia in 2018 before moving into the defence industry in 2021, told him that one leg was amputated above the knee, and one through the knee – so it took a while to get the prosthetics to the correct position. “Are you still taking part in games and sports?” the King asked.
“So I’m a touch too old, I think,” Mr Henson joked. “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.” Charles then enquired after his wife and three children, and told him: “You are a great example to us all.”
He then turned around and pointed to the staff and all of the equipment he had been shown and said: “It is remarkable what they are doing.” The Centre brings together different disciplines focused on understanding traumatic injuries and studies injuries sustained in conflict zones, sport and everyday life, working to protect and rehabilitate people of all ages from injuries of all types.
Before leaving, the King met representatives of organisations and UK government departments involved in an international medical partnership, including staff from the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Health and Social Care, before chatting to current Ukrainian students at Imperial.
Danil Zadorozhnyi, President of the Ukrainian Student Society told him the group was formed in the wake of the conflict. During the King’s visit, hundreds gathered outside as word quickly spread on campus about the unannounced royal visit. Others crowded round glass doors and windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of the monarch.
As he left the building, the King made a beeline for the large crowd and spent over five minutes shaking hands and greeting the well-wishers.
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