Prince Harry makes surprise appearance on Car S.O.S to support veteran

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Prince Harry has popped up on an episode of Car S.O.S. to offer his support to a veteran who was seriously injured after an explosion in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the latest episode of the National Geographic car renovation show saw former Lance Corporal Stephan Van Niekerk, 36, have his Jeep Grand Cherokee taken in for repair after having its fair share of persistent mechanical problems.

Joining the 3rd Battalion, the Rifles, when he was 21, Corporal Van Niekerk suffered serious injuries after being hit by an improvised explosive device in 2009.

He lost his left leg at the hip, his right leg below the knee, and five fingers when he stepped on an IED in Sangin, Afghanistan while on his second tour of the country.

Signing him up for the show, his best friend Ian and wife Sadie wanted to reward him for his bravery and positivity by helping to achieve his ambition to become an off-road driving champion with his well-loved 2002 car.

After having his car restored, the former serviceman from Taunton in Devon got a surprise when a message from the Duke of Sussex was also shown.

'Stephan, congratulations. I hope at this point you're sitting in your brand new, or certainly what looks like a brand new Jeep,' Harry said in the pre-recorded video message.

'Good on you mate, well done, fully, fully, fully deserved. I can't think of anyone that deserves this more than you.

'After getting injured at such a young age after two tours of Afghanistan, you are the definition of inspiration because you are not defined by your injury.'

He added: 'You are defined by your selflessness to others, to your community, your inspirational talks to young people.'

Harry then acknowledged the support the former serviceman had received from Sadie and their four kids, who he said had 'no doubt got you this far'.

He also thanked him for his service and said he would love to meet him sometime soon.

After being medically discharged, Stephan now works as a motivational speaker for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity.

His car was restored by presenters Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend, who fixed it up to competition-level standards and modified it for him specifically.

This episode of Car S.O.S will be repeated on Sunday at 7pm on National Geographic.

Got a story?

If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page - we'd love to hear from you.

MORE : Oprah Winfrey urges Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to 'do what they feel is best for them' with attending Coronation

MORE : Harry and Meghan defend prince and princess titles despite shunning royal life