Prince Harry surprises military veteran on Car S.O.S.Photo: National Geographic
Prince Harrymade a surprise appearance on the National Geographic renovation showCar S.O.S.to reach out to a fellow veteran — and made his “sacrifice and effort feel appreciated.”
The Duke of Sussex, 38, sent a video message to Lance Corporal Stephan Van Niekerk after the veteran, who was injured after stepping on an IED, asked for mechanical help from host Fuzz Townshend on his Jeep Grand Cherokee.
“I’ve got a message for you here,” co-host Tim Shaw told Van Niekerk, 36, before handing over his phone as he sat in his vehicle.
“Hi, Stephan, congratulations,” saidPrince Harryin a video message, which was reportedly shot from his home in Montecito, California.
“I hope at this point you’re sitting in your brand new — or certainly what looks like a brand new — Jeep,” added Harry. “Good on you mate, well done — fully, fully, fully deserved. I can’t think of anyone that deserves this more than you.”
“And I heard — someone told me — that you’re planning to cycle from Canada to Mexico — just a mere 2,745 miles I think,” Harry added, breaking into a smile.
National Geographic
“Good luck with that, I know you’re going to do it. I know you’re going to smash it. I know you’re going to raise a lot of money for [veterans charity]Blesmaas well. Other than that, mate, just a huge congratulations. Thank you for your continued service and commitment to others. I’m sure your whole family is incredibly proud of you. I’m proud of you,” Harry said as Van Niekerk fought back tears.
“We’re all proud of you, there’s a reason you were chosen for this,” Harry continued. “So, yeah, saddle up and enjoy your new wheels and then make sure you get as fit as you can for this next huge adventure that’s coming your way. You’re gonna smash that. At the end of that, I’d love to meet you — even if it’s over Zoom. But um, yeah, full respect, man. Well done, love it, and catch you soon,” Harry said, signing off with a “Cheers!”
Van Niekerk tells PEOPLE exclusively how much the message fromPrince Harrymeant to him.
“I’m one of those people that don’t like to make a big deal about what’s happened to me and what I do. I don’t see myself as a hero but as just another person who’s had a tough journey and now continuing to help others through my experience as part of my duty,” he says. “But when I received that message fromPrince Harry, it was so unexpected. I had no idea that was coming. He has such huge pressure on his shoulders and he has done so much in service of the veteran community and the country.”
“For him to take the time to get to know my story and send that message saying all of those kind words and wishing me well for my future challenge was a huge honor,” Van Niekerk added. “To hear appreciation from those around me is humbling but to hear it from a royal, who is also a fellow veteran, was very special. Also as this is all coming from someone who’s also been through a lot and it wasn’t just some generic message. It felt very personal and shows the mark of the man he really is. It made my sacrifice and effort feel appreciated.”
Prince Harry.National Geographic
“He’s talking about you,” Shaw said asPrince Harry’s words set in.
“I know, I can’t believe it,” Van Niekerk responded, visibly moved.
“This is going to be a big one!Tune in as you may just see a very surprised and familiar face,” Van Niekerk posted on his page, which includes a bio reading, “Welcome to me. I am a legless dad to 4 kids! Due to injury I have had to adapt my life in a major way but I intend to live it to the fullest!”
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source: people.com
