Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrives for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023 in London, England. The Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms takes place at Westminster Abbey today. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II. (Photo by Andy Stenning  - WPA Pool/Getty Images)© WPA Pool

Prince Harry makes surprise appearance following court ruling – details

The Duke of Sussex made a surprise video appearance at the Sport Gives Back Awards

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
February 28, 2024

Prince Harry has made a surprise video appearance just hours after losing his legal battle in the High Court. The Duke of Sussex appeared at the Sport Gives Back Awards to send a message of congratulations to Josh Boggi, an Invictus Games champion and former soldier.

Josh had won in the 'Unconquered' category at the Sport Gives Back Awards when he received the message from Harry, who he previously met in 2013. In the video, the dad-of-two said: "Josh, you are a truly remarkable human. There is no-one in the world who deserves this more; you are the personification of resilience. Congratulations mate." See the rest of Harry's words below.

WATCH: See Prince Harry's special words for Invictus Games medallist

Josh served as an army corporal, however, in 2010, he lost his legs and right arm after he stepped on an improvised explosive device. During his recovery, Josh discovered a love of cycling and he currently works alongside wounded and ill service personnel.

Josh has won medals in cycling at the Invictus Games, which were founded by Prince Harry in 2014, and he currently serves as a community liaison executive for the Games. Alongside these achievements, Josh has also completed the 3,000-mile Race Across America team cycling challenge in record time and became the first triple amputee rescue scuba diver.

Josh Boggi competing in a hand bike race© Paul Thomas
Josh competed in the Invictus Games

This was Harry's second surprise video appearance of the day as hours earlier, the Duke of Sussex released a video in which he asked people to nominate the "remarkable individuals who inspire you" for WellChild's upcoming 2024 awards.

The video was filmed inside the royal's California home, and he said: "The WellChild Awards is our chance to celebrate the extraordinary strength and spirit of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom.

© WPA Pool
Josh previously met Prince William and Prince Harry at a 2013 event

"It allows us to shine a spotlight on the resilience and positivity that they demonstrate every single day, and recognise the incredible support from the families, friends, and the professionals around them. It is such a privilege to honour the immense courage and compassion of this incredible community."

Harry continued: "But to do that, we need you to take a moment and nominate the remarkable individuals who inspire you. Your involvement makes a huge difference so please join us in celebrating the amazing superstars who will be recognised at the 2024 WellChild Awards."

© ETHAN CAIRNS
Harry previously appeared in a special video for WellChild

Both videos came hours after the Duke of Sussex lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK. Harry is seeking to appeal against the ruling, his lawyers have announced.

A legal spokesperson for Harry said: "The Duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec's own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with Ravec's own written policy.

© Getty
The Duke lost in court on Wednesday

"In February 2020, Ravec failed to apply its written policy to the Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis. The duke's case is that the so-called ‘bespoke process' that applies to him is no substitute for that risk analysis.

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"The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal, and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing."

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