Prince Harry is "one of the key people who created one of the key catalysts in my recovery", says Strictly Come Dancing star JJ Chalmers.
The former contestant who was injured by a bomb while serving in Afghanistan back in 2011 has said he will always be grateful to his pal, Harry,
JJ, 35, has signed up for the Royal Marine's reserves while balancing his career as a teacher, before serving in Helmand Province with the 42 Commando.
The dad-of-two suffered facial injuries, lost two fingers and his elbow was disintegrated by an IED (improvised explosive device) in May 2011 – he later left the Marines in 2016.
Ahead of the Invictus Games, in which JJ has previously participated in, he told the Big Issue magazine: "I listened to the royal wedding, William's wedding (to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in 2011), on a wind-up radio in Afghanistan.
"Seven years later, I was at a royal wedding ( Prince Harry and Meghan), how that happened is utterly bizarre."
He went on to add: "Harry's a friend of mine and someone I dearly love and wish the best for, I wouldn't be here talking to you if it wasn't for him.
"Not to lay all of it at his feet, but he's one of the key people who created one of the key catalysts in my recovery, for that, I'll be forever grateful."
JJ says he was "born again" after serving in Afghanistan and having to "rebuild" his body due to the horrific effects the explosion had on him.
During his recovery, JJ whose real name is John-James had to learn to walk, eat and "do everyday functions" while in a rehabilitation facility.
Having competed in the 18th season of Strictly Come Dancing with professional star Amy Dowden, he says that telling his story on the BBC One programme was "all tied back to my being blown up".
The brave veteran says that his disability is more than "being blown up", as that is the mechanism of his injuries while admitting that you "never overcome your disability".
He added that people are able to process the trauma while getting fit and healthy but have to adapt to their circumstances.
Discussing JJ, Prince Harry has previously said: "When I first met JJ, he was a shell of himself.
"But then to see you shine through Invictus and to become like yourself again – that was the start of an amazing journey."
This year, JJ will present the Invictus Games that kick off on April 17, on BBC One.
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