Prince Harry meets war victims during surprise visit to Ukraine

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to meet those affected by war on Thursday. He traveled to Lviv, a city frequently targeted by Russian missiles, as part of his ongoing commitment to support wounded veterans. During his trip, Prince Harry visited the Superhumans Center, an orthopedic clinic that provides rehabilitation for injured military personnel and civilians. Accompanying him were members of the Invictus Games Foundation, including four veterans who shared similar rehabilitation journeys. This visit comes in the context of his previous military service, with Prince Harry having served for 10 years in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan. His work is primarily focused on helping injured soldiers and integrating sports recovery into their rehabilitation processes. The Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014, has played a significant role in supporting wounded veterans through athletic competition, similar to the Paralympics, and has attracted the participation of Ukraine since 2017. The trip was kept confidential until he had departed the country, reflecting a careful consideration of security amid ongoing conflict. Moreover, Prince Harry's engagement with local officials included a meeting with Natalia Kalmykova, Ukraine's minister of veterans affairs, indicating a broader diplomatic outreach by the British royal family in times of crisis. His aunt, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was the first royal to visit Ukraine after the Russian invasion, highlighting the family's solidarity with the Ukrainian people. The royal family has consistently shown support through various means, with King Charles III and Prince William also engaging in activities that promote awareness and aid for those affected by the war. This visit by Prince Harry underscores the continuing impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on soldiers and civilians alike as well as the importance of rehabilitation and community support in recovery efforts.