His own son has just been deployed to Afghanistan on a four-month tour of duty, so Prince Charles's latest engagement had great personal resonance. With the Duchess of Cornwall by his side, a "humble" Prince of Wales opened a new therapy centre for wounded servicemen on Wednesday. The future King met several former soldiers as he toured the new £16.9 million Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court in Surrey.
Crouched down in the gardens of the centre, the Prince listened intently to the stories of bravery and strength recounted by the patients. At one point, Charles even took part in a therapeutic yoga session, performing the 'Tree' pose under the instruction of amputee Marine, Chay Coulbert. Speaking of the experience, the royal 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. It makes me feel incredibly small and humble, what they have been through, what they go on to do and the inspiration they provide to others."
While her husband toured the complex's gardens, Camilla got a close look at the facilities available to users. The Ministry of Defence funded centre has a therapy building, radiology department and accommodation where patients can live a mobile and independent life. Commanding Officer of Headley Court, Captain Clare Walton, highlighted the importance of visits like Charles and Camilla's. "I think it is a huge moral boost to know the public and the Royal Family care," she said. "It is essential to their rehabilitation to know that they are valued."
