Prince William carried out an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, presenting an OBE to Jaco van Gass, a 38-year-old Paralympic cycling champion who happens to be a close friend of his estranged brother, Prince Harry.
The Prince of Wales awarded van Gass the honour for his services to cycling, marking a significant moment given the recipient's strong ties to Harry through years of charity work and participation in the Invictus Games.
Van Gass, who previously received an MBE in 2022, was among several recipients at the ceremony, which also saw England football manager Gareth Southgate receive a knighthood.
His wife, Kathryn, celebrated the achievement on social media, writing "Jaco van Gass OBE" on her Instagram story alongside a photograph of Van Gass outside the castle.
Prince Harry's close ally pictured with Prince William inside Windsor Castle.
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The Paralympic champion's journey to this honour has been remarkable. As an amputee veteran, van Gass has excelled in competitive cycling, earning multiple gold medals at the Invictus Games.
His relationship with Prince Harry spans many years, with the two men sharing experiences that forged a deep bond.
In 2013, they walked together for more than 200 miles to the South Pole as part of the Walking With the Wounded charity expedition.
Prince Harry spoke about the expedition's significance in a 2016 British GQ profile, stating: "This extraordinary expedition will raise awareness of the debt that this country owes to those it sends off to fight — only for them to return wounded and scarred, physically and emotionally."
Prince Harry and Jaco van Gass pictured in 2016.
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He added: "The debt extends beyond immediate medical care and short-term rehabilitation.
"These men and women have given so much. We must recognise their sacrifice, be thankful, so far as we can ever repay them for it."
Van Gass has competed at Harry's Invictus Games multiple times, describing the Duke of Sussex as "a good lad and very down to earth" in an August 2021 interview with The Independent.
The ceremony comes amid continuing estrangement between the royal brothers.
Prince William awarded Jaco van Gass an OBE at Windsor Castle.
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Prince Harry and Jaco van Gass pictured in 2011.
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Since Harry stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 to live in California with his wife, Meghan Markle and their children, the relationship has deteriorated significantly.
A source told Us Weekly: "Harry and Meghan are highlighting a life of fun and lightness while William's is dominated by duty and public service. They are worlds apart."
The insider added that William feels the practical impact of Harry's absence: "The whole idea was for Harry to work hand-in-hand with William and to divide and conquer during William's monarchy.
"So Harry not being there is tough. He feels deserted by his brother, not that he would ever say that out loud."
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