A former IDF soldier has hailed Prince Harry as “our king” after meeting the Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games, the international sports competition for veterans that kicked off last weekend in Germany.

Kobi Garshony said he was “in awe” of Harry’s openness following their meeting after the first day of the games, in which disabled IDF veterans are competing for the first time.

“He’s not just a prince, he’s part of our community. He’s a helicopter pilot that's in post trauma, and he founded something that never existed before,” he told Israel’s Channel 12 news.

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Team Israel is presented on stage during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 at Merkur Spiel-Arena on September 09, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023)

“He gives strength to the people that have not yet started their [military] service. We know that there will always be someone to take care of us, even if not from their own country. There is one international ‘country’ that was founded by the prince, who for us veterans, is a king.”

The Israeli delegation is led by Boaz Tabib, a paratrooper in the IDF who was injured in the 1st Lebanon war in 1982 and a table tennis champion.

Israel is one of 21 nations competing in Dusseldorf and is competing in swimming, archery, hand cycling and running, as well as table tennis.

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Yagur Caesari (L) and Menashe Zorik of Israel (R) compete in the Mixed Doubles TT4-7 Semi-Final Table Tennis match between Team Israel and Team Germany during day four of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 13, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images for Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023)

“We’re really excited to have new nations join us," the Prince told the crowd at the opening ceremony. “Let’s hear it for Colombia, Israel and Nigeria. I’m not saying we play favourites in my home, but since my wife discovered that she is of Nigerian descent it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year.”

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One of the Team Israel delegation

The games, in its sixth year, were founded by the Duke of Sussex after returning from Afghanistan. 

Although it is a sporting competition, its aim, say the organisers, is “to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.”

Limor Luria, deputy director and Head of the Rehabilitation Division at the Ministry of Defence of Israel said: "We are excited about the departure of the Israeli delegation to the Invictus Games, which promotes the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers through sports. Being part of the international community that promotes rehabilitation through sports is an Israeli pride that expresses the power and strength that the wounded of the IDF have - to pay off and continue to represent Israel with honour. I send a hug and best wishes to the delegation in the games."

The games will end on Saturday, September 16.