Princely patrons to salute injured soldiers

Princes William and Harry have become joint patrons for "City Salute Appeal", London's charitable organization that will be raising funds for three military charities in early May. The fundraiser will go off in royal style outside of St Paul's cathedral with a military parade, bands and RAF fly past. Donations given on the day will go to the Headley Court tri-service Defense Medical Rehabilitation Center and two the military charities "Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association" and "Help for Heroes"--who's wristbands Chelsy Davy and the Princes have been pictured sporting.

The Princes released an official statement today to mark the occasion of their patronage. Said the Princes, "As brothers, we are delighted to be supporting the City of London in saluting all those who serve their country. As well as raising money for vital rehabilitation facilities, City Salute is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the fantastic contribution made by our servicemen and women and their families.

"It is also a chance to pay tribute to the casualty evacuation and medical staff of all three Services who protect and care for the wounded so brilliantly and with such tireless dedication."

David Lewis, Lord Mayor of the City of London also released a statement saying, "The City of London is immensely proud of its historic and very close association with the armed forces, which dates back to when the City was founded. I am delighted that through City Salute we have an opportunity to celebrate these links, to salute the men and women of the armed forces, and to show our gratitude for the courage and forbearance displayed by them and by their families."

As Sandhurst graduates and Officers in the Household Calvary’s Blues and Royals regiment this charity is especially suitable for princes William and Harry who will be very aware of the lack of financial support injured solders have received since returning from the wars in the Middle East. They are also keenly aware of the suffering soldiers and their loved ones face when a soldier is injured or killed while fighting. Prince William has lost a number of friends and fellow soldiers in Iraq and Harry witnessed first hand the humbling experience of witnessing badly injured soldiers. On his return from active duty in Afghanistan Prince Harry spoke of the injured soldiers saying that although the press was calling him a hero it was the injured and the medics who work to save them who are the real heroes.

Said Harry, "No I wouldn't say I'm a hero. There's guys who—-two injured guys who came back on the plane with us who were essentially comatose throughout the whole way. One who'd lost two limbs; a left arm and a right leg and another guy who was basically saved by his mate's body being in the way and took shrapnel to the neck. Both out cold throughout the whole of the flight.

"And, you know, those are the heroes. Those are the guys who've been burnt up by a mine that they had no idea about. Serving their country doing their normal patrol, doing what they know is best. But thanks to the skills and the professionalism of the medic team and all the medics that go from stage one, all the way back to the medics to check them out here at Birmingham and hand them over, and hand them over. Everyone—that whole string I'd say are the heroes. Keeping people in one piece and essentially saving lives."

Click here to discuss this article

Click here to visit City Salute's website