News
Prince William and Prince Harry watch England play Wales at Twickenham
6th February 2010
Prince William and Prince Harry today paid personal tribute to soldiers injured in Afghanistan as they met servicemen before England took on Wales at Twickenham.
The brothers took time before kick-off to meet with five soldiers who are being treated at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham and Headley court in Surrey.
Sergeant Paul Barrett, 35, from Manchester, lost a leg when he was caught in a blast from an IED (improvised explosive device) in 2008.
He also suffered damage to his right arm, hearing and eye, and lost a number of fingers.
Sgt Barrett, of 45 Commando Royal Marines, said: "It is absolute honour to meet them.
"The Princes said, 'thanks for everything' and then told us how much they appreciated what we have done.
"It's nice to hear that from them."
The servicemen were given a standing ovation from the crowd.
Asked about being invited to watch the match, Sgt Barrett said: "It is fantastic. It shows us the backing we have and the support.
"Without a shadow of a doubt you have got to stay positive. That's what we do in the military. We are positive people."
The brothers spent several minutes with each of the five soldiers.
Prince Harry, who deployed to Afghanistan himself two years ago, was all smiles and soon had the injured men laughing as he squatted down beside their wheelchairs.
The other injured soldiers were Rifleman Jack Otter, 21, from Enfield, of 2nd Battalion The Rifles; Captain Nick Beighton, 28, from Shrewsbury, of the Royal Engineers; Lance Corporal James Simpson, 23, from Leeds, of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment; and Private Derek Derenalagi from Hertfordshire, of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment.
Prince Harry was spending his first day as Vice Patron of England's Rugby Football Union, while Prince William took up the position of vice patron of the Welsh Rugby Union three years ago.
Prince Harry also became the Patron of the RFU's Injured Players Foundation, the charity that supports those who have been injured playing rugby at any level of the game in England.
Prince Harry arrived at the stadium wearing a suit and striped England RFU tie before hosting a luncheon for rugby executives from both nations.
When his older brother arrived at the stadium he shook his hand and joked: "Welcome to Twickenham."
The Princes stood side-by-side for the national anthems after meeting the players, Prince Harry sporting a red rose in his lapel while Prince William wore a daffodil.
Prince William sang the Welsh national anthem before both brothers joined in with God Save the Queen.
The brothers took up positions next to each other in the stands to enjoy the match.