Royal Watch News

Prince Charles: the number of injured soldiers is 'astonishing'

Sep 20, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

Britain's Prince Charles finds it 'astonishing' how many British soldiers are injured in Afghanistan.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, opened a new wing at the Headley Court military rehabilitation unit in Surrey yesterday (19.09.12), where the heir to the throne met a number of troops who have been hurt in combat in Afghanistan.

During his visit, Charles - whose son, Prince Harry, is currently serving his second tour of duty flying an Apache helicopter in the country - said: 'So often people don't hear about the number of people who are wounded on a daily basis in Afghanistan.

''It is only when you visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital or here that you realise how many people are going through such horrific experiences. It is astonishing.'

Charles added being surrounded by the heroes made him feel 'incredibly small and humble'.

The 63-year-old royal and his wife toured the facility before opening the £16.9 million, 48-bed Jubilee Rehabilitation Complex - which includes therapy rooms, a gym and workshops.

The couple also met several ex-soldiers, including Paralympic athlete Derek Derenalagi, 37, who threw discus at this year's Games.

The Paralympian - who lost both his legs following a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2007 - said: 'It is great to see him and Camilla supporting injured soldiers and coming to Headley Court to see the change you can make from being injured in the frontline to getting back to normal life again.

'It is inspiring.'