A TAVISTOCK Royal Marine has this week told the Times of an unexpected encounter of the royal kind.

Corporal Bren Rees from 42 Commando at Bickleigh Barracks in Plymouth was at the Battle Back Centre in Birmingham, operated by the Royal British Legion, designed for wounded, injured and sick service men and women, when a VIP in the form of Prince Harry arrived.

The centre provides adaptive sport and adventure training activities to aid recovery of the wounded — and last week a group from the rehabilitation unit from 42 Cdo were taking time out to have an adventure week at the centre.

Bren said: 'I was at Battle Back as I am in the rehabilitation unit at 42 Commando after my hip operation.

'While we were there we were told there would be a VIP on the Thursday but they weren't sure — and then on the day Prince Harry turned up!'

Prince Harry went around the troop talking to everyone about what equipment they were using. Bren spoke to Prince Harry and showed him how to shoot a bow and arrow — but not only that, the two formed part of a team competing against the rest of the troop!

'Unfortunately we didn't win but Prince Harry was a nice guy and really approachable and meeting him was a really humbling experience,' said Bren, pictured above with the Prince.

l The Battle Back Centre (Lilleshall) is funded and operated by The Royal British Legion, in partnership with the MoD.