Britain’s Prince Harry met with injured servicemen and women competing for a place in the Paralympics-style Invictus Games, as he visited the University of Bath, Friday.
The university’s Sports Training Village is hosting three days of trials to decide the U.K. team for the Games.
The British royal, who is the patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, watched track races and wheelchair tennis practice and chatted to hopeful athletes.
Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, recalled seeing the brutal injuries suffered by fellow service members, and said that’s when he found his mission — to help injured veterans “lead healthy and dignified lives after service.”
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The 31-year-old prince, fifth in line to the throne, this past summer ended his full-time service in the army and said he wanted to spend more time on charitable causes. He spent the summer working with animal conservation groups in Africa.
U.S. President Barack Obama called the Invictus Games a way to make sure people see not only the sacrifices of wounded warriors “but also the incredible contributions, strength and courage that they continue to display.”
The Games, which were first held in London in 2014, will take place in Florida, in May.
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