On a television program, the Duke of Sussex praised a handicapped soldier as the “essence of inspiration.” Prince Harry surprised former Lance Corporal Stephan Van Niekerk on Car S.O.S and stated that the veteran “completely deserved” his upgraded vehicle.
In 2009, Mr. Van Niekerk lost both legs when an improvised explosive device detonated during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The 36-year-old man from Taunton deemed it “crazy” that Prince Harry had left him a voicemail.
Mr. Van Niekerk, age 36, brought his Jeep Grand Cherokee to the National Geographic television program Car S.O.S. for its recurring mechanical issues.
The veteran enlisted in the 3rd Battalion of the Rifles at the age of 21 and was injured seven years later.
During the hop, he lost his left leg, his right leg below the knee, and five fingers.
As Mr. Van Niekerk was shown the restored car, Prince Harry remarked in a video message:
“I hope you are currently seated in your brand-new Jeep, or what appears to be a brand-new Jeep.
“Congratulations, it is fully, fully, fully deserved. I cannot think of anyone more deserving than you.”
“You are an inspiration because you are not defined by your injury, which you sustained at such a young age after serving two tours in Afghanistan.
He continued,
“You are identified by your altruism toward others, your community, and your motivational presentations to youth”.
The Prince continued by wishing Mr. Van Niekerk good success in his endeavor to cycle from Canada to Mexico to raise funds for Blesma, a military charity for limbless soldiers for which he serves as a motivational speaker.
Duke of Sussex remarked: “Your entire family must be immensely proud of you.
“I have pride in you. Everyone is proud of you… there’s a reason why you were selected for this.
“So, mount up and enjoy your new wheels. So, ensure that you are as physically strong as possible for this upcoming enormous journey, and you will succeed.”
Prince Harry recorded the video at his house in the United States last year. He has served in Afghanistan as a tactical air controller and Apache helicopter pilot.
The episode of Car S.O.S will be rebroadcast on Sunday, March 26 at 19:00 BST on National Geographic.
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