JJ Chalmers says he'll always love Prince Harry for driving his recovery
Veteran presenter JJ Chalmers is among the many famous faces leading the BBC's Coronation coverage.
The former Royal Marine Commando spoke to members of the military ahead of King Charles' Coronation.
Meanwhile, Sophie Raworth will greet guests arriving outside Westminster Abbey and Huw Edwards will provide commentary.
The momentous occasion is likely to be one of several career highlights for JJ, who previously made history as the first presenter with a disability to host the Olympic Games.
The Invictus Games medallist also has a personal connection to the big day through his close friend, Prince Harry.
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The Duke of Sussex met dad-of-two JJ after he suffered life-changing injuries while serving in Afghanistan.
JJ is an Invictus Games medalist (Getty Images Europe)
He has also enjoyed a successful career as a broadcaster (Red Sky Productions/BBC Scotland)One of his comrades accidentally stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) and the next thing JJ knew, he was lying on his back having been 'pulverised' by the rubble.
He said: "Every part of my body had sustained some sort of damage. My legs were torn open, my face was crushed, my neck was broken, my arms were pretty well torn off."
JJ described feeling "the worst pain I had ever experienced" while his Royal Marine colleagues desperately tried to save his life for 25 minutes while they waited for the rescue helicopter to arrive.
Just an hour later he was being operated on at Camp Bastion before being flown back to the UK with his life hanging in the balance.
JJ was in a coma at the Queen Elizabeth military hospital in Birmingham for a week and endured 30 operations, many lasting up to 14 hours.
He then faced a tough road to recovery - but he was supported every step of the way by his devoted wife, Kornelia.
JJ said: "I stand here today because of her. I was with her through Afghanistan and it was a challenging thing for her to put up with.
The Duke of Sussex is said to be close friends with dad-of-two JJ (Chris Jackson Collection)"She dragged me through hospital, through recovery, did things for me that no one would ever want to ask a loved one to do for them but she did it and she kept my morale going, and she was the one who said go out there and chase your dreams."
Prince Harry has also supported JJ support over the years, including when he offered some witty words of advice when the presenter appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020.
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The founder of Invictus Games, himself a proud father, Prince Harry said: "When I first met JJ he was a shell of himself but then to see you shine through Invictus and to be yourself again, that was the start of an amazing journey.
"You're definitely having an impact on society now especially when you're wearing those tight blue shorts and the socks pulled up. It doesn't get better than that!
"I'm genuinely proud. You're not a dancer, proving that you can actually do whatever you put your mind to which is amazing."
Speaking of their friendship, last year, JJ told Big Issue magazine: "Harry's a friend of mine and someone I dearly love and wish the best for. I wouldn't be stood here talking to you if it wasn't for him."
He added: "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."
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