Myles invited for a chat with Prince Harry

Myles Pearson, from St Annes, was part of the wheelchair rugby team that placed fifth at London 2012, but last week he took a break from the gym to meet Prince Harry.

Myles, 21, who is currently studying business at Southampton Solent University, was invited to Tedworth House, in Wiltshire, where the prince was meeting potential competitors at a new competition for injured members of the Armed Forces.

He was one of the members of Team GB invited to the event and said he enjoyed the opportunity to chat with the man who is fourth in line to the throne.

Myles said: “The whole day was brilliant.

“Prince Harry is a lovely fellow and really down to earth.

“If you had never heard about his background, you wouldn’t think he was a member of the Royal family when you met him.

“We chatted for about 10 minutes. We spoke about the games and my background in wheelchair rugby.

“I have met the Queen and Kate Middleton before – I went to the garden party last year – but we never spoke in depth like this.”

The Invictus Games, being held for the first time this summer, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel. And Myles, who was born with arthrogryposis, a condition that affects the joints, said the competition would be a real boost for those taking part.

He started playing wheelchair rugby just three years before the Games in London, having previously played wheelchair tennis.

He went on to be named the youngest member of the Team GB squad in 2012.

Myles added: “An event like this really shows the ex-Army guys what they can do.

“It helps Paralympics GB but also helps them. These guys are trained athletes – at the end of the day they have got that discipline, commitment and passion that is needed to be a top athlete. I would recommend it to anyone.”

The Invictus Games will take place from September 10 to 14 in London.

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