Prince Harry has honoured Ghanaian World War II veteran Private Joseph Hammond with a special gift ahead of his 100th birthday.
Hammond revealed in a social media post on 7 May that he received an Invictus Games medal coin from the Duke of Sussex.
"It was a great honour to welcome the @WeAreInvictus team to Ghana, just ahead of my birthday this Saturday!" Hammond wrote.
The recognition comes as the UK marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week.
Prince Harry has honoured Ghanaian World War II veteran Private Joseph Hammond with a special gift ahead of his 100th birthday.
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In return, Hammond gifted Prince Harry with a copy of his memoir, "in recognition of his unwavering commitment to veterans' welfare."
The pair first met in 2019 when the Royal Family hosted an event to honour veterans from the British Commonwealth.
"This man, especially, Prince Harry, I glued myself to him because he is also a soldier, he's been to Afghanistan, and we spoke about the military, my battalion," Hammond said at the time.
"We exchanged ideas. It was wonderful."
Hammond appreciated the connection with Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan.
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Hammond served as a mechanic in Myanmar, then known as Burma, during the Second World War.
He fought alongside British troops as part of the Commonwealth forces.
The veteran and the Duke bonded over their shared military experiences.
Hammond appreciated the connection with Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan.
The Duke has consistently shown respect for Hammond's service and contributions as a Commonwealth veteran.
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In 2020, Hammond embarked on a gruelling 14-mile walk to raise money for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prince Harry later sent him a letter praising these efforts.
"Even at '95 years young,' I imagine it was not an easy task," Harry wrote.
The Duke added: "It was an honour and a pleasure to meet you at the Field of Remembrance in London last year."
Harry also sent "warmest wishes" from himself and Meghan Markle.
He described Hammond as setting a "fine example to the world."
Prince Harry, through his Invictus Games foundation, continues to champion veterans' causes despite no longer being a working royal.
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The timing of this honour coincides with the Royal Family's participation in several celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
VE Day commemorates the end of World War II in Europe.
The recognition of Hammond's service comes during this significant historical milestone.
It highlights the continued importance of honouring veterans from across the Commonwealth who served alongside British forces.
Prince Harry, through his Invictus Games foundation, continues to champion veterans' causes despite no longer being a working royal.
