JJ Chalmers Opens Up About Prince Harry and the Invictus Games

War veteran and television personality JJ Chalmers has shared a detailed glimpse into his enduring friendship with Prince Harry, revealing both his personal and professional experiences. This is prepared by SSP.

Chalmers, who met the Duke of Sussex over a decade ago "at the side of a swimming pool" in Lympstone Commando Training Centre, says their acquaintance began while he was training for a Royal Marine rehabilitation triathlon. This encounter happened after Chalmers had sustained severe injuries in a 2011 bomb blast in Afghanistan. This friendship was pivotal in Prince Harry’s inspiration to establish the Invictus Games. Initially, Chalmers recalls, the idea for the Games emerged only about eight months before the event took place at London’s Olympic Park.

Gratitude and Rehabilitation Through Invictus Games

JJ Chalmers has openly expressed his deep gratitude towards Prince Harry, especially acknowledging his critical role in his recovery. During a 2022 interview with Big Issue, Chalmers reflected on the extensive rehabilitation that he had undergone post-injury. "Physically, I had to be 'born again,'" he noted, recounting how he had to re-learn basic daily functions. Even though he was in recovery, Chalmers remained in the Royal Marines until 2016.

Competing in the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014, Chalmers excelled and won gold for non-amputee cycling, marking a significant milestone in his journey. This success transitioned into a burgeoning media career where he presented World Para Athletics in 2015 and later became an ambassador for the Invictus Games in 2016.

Personal Reflections and Media Horizons

Chalmers views the Invictus Games as a vital tool for physical, mental, and social rehabilitation. He highlighted that this platform was where he rediscovered his ambition and sense of purpose. Furthermore, his deep connection with Prince Harry resurfaced when he participated as a guest in Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, contrasting it with fond memories of listening to William and Kate’s wedding on a makeshift radio in Afghanistan back in 2011.

His feelings toward Prince Harry are strongly laced with admiration and gratitude. "Harry’s a friend of mine and someone I dearly love and wish the best for. I wouldn’t be stood here talking to you if it wasn’t for him," Chalmers said, affirming that Harry played a crucial role in facilitating one of the key catalysts in his recovery.