For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, a representative of the British royal family, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, visited Ukraine.
During the visit, he came to the Superhumans Centre rehabilitation centre in Lviv, where he met with Ukrainian soldiers who took part in the Invictus Games international competition.
“Prince Harry met with all the guys who took part in the games this winter – not just the superheroes. He is incredibly sensitive and emotionally generous – no royal rituals. He hugged everyone, found a compliment for everyone, and took a tour of the Centre with care and genuine interest,” says Andriy Stavnitser, businessman and founder of the Superhumans Centre.
Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are international sports competitions for wounded and injured servicemen and women and veterans. He came up with the idea after visiting the US Warrior Games in 2013. Harry himself has 10 years of service in the British army, including two tours in Afghanistan, where he lost several comrades. Since then, he has dedicated himself to promoting respect for veterans through the power of sport and public attention.
The name of the Invictus games comes from the poem of the same name by William Henley, from which the most famous line is: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”. This idea resonates with the philosophy of the Superhumans Centre.
This winter, several Ukrainian veterans took part in the games in Canada, where they had the opportunity to talk to the Prince in person. One of these moments was captured on video, where Harry adjusts the Ukrainian flag on the equipment of military man Oleksiy Prytula. After the trip, Prytula shared his impressions: “Absolutely delighted,” which sounds particularly meaningful coming from a man known for his reticence.
During the meeting in Canada, the Superhumans team presented Harry with a bracelet with the inscription:
“Whoever saves one life saves the whole world”.
The Duke does indeed wear it, and the Ukrainian side is very proud of this.
This visit is a logical continuation of the whole series of events. A man who is recognisable anywhere in the world came to Lviv to support Ukrainian veterans. He personally met with the participants of the winter competitions, without any officialdom – sincerely, with hugs, compliments, sincere attention and interest.
“This is my first trip to Ukraine, but definitely not the last. I’m honoured to be here with the Invictus team, the athletes and veterans who have participated in the competition over the past ten years. To see what the Superhumans Centre does is incredible. Such a depth of care and rehabilitation under one roof is amazing.”, – said Prince Harry.
His dedication to supporting veterans inspires the deepest respect – a man who could have lived a different life chose to serve those who suffered in combat.
At the end of the several-hour visit, the team was left with a warm conviction that when peace comes, a plaque in Lviv will one day have an inscription on it:
“Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex was here. A real superhuman.”