Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall open new rehabilitation complex at Headley Court

Prince Charles said he felt "incredibly small and humble" to meet the patients at Headley Court, in Epsom, and paid tribute to the dedication and efforts of the "extraordinary staff" on a visit to open the centre’s new Jubilee Rehabilitation Complex.

The Ministry of Defence-funded complex will provide accommodation for patients and a therapy building which will include a second prosthetics department. The latter will also have a radiology department for x-rays, ultrasound and bone density scans which are currently done at Epsom Hospital.

Work began on the complex in January and was completed by July.

The royal couple spent two and a half hours talking to injured servicemen, including two Paralympians, staff, and representatives of charities supporting Headley Court.

They also took time to watch patients doing rehabilitation exercises and undergoing therapy.

Prince Charles said: “I want to say it’s an enormous pleasure to return to Headley Court and see the developments and progress that has taken place here.

“I want to express the warmest possible congratulations to all those who have made the Jubilee Rehabilitation Complex possible and done so in six months.

“I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary staff who I know pay so much dedication and effort to rehabilitating our servicemen and women who have been through unbelievable challenges and are in active service on our behalf.

“This provides an opportunity to express particular thanks to them and our deepest possible pride in what all these servicemen and women are doing.

"So often people don’t hear about the number of people who are wounded on a daily basis in Afghanistan. 

"It’s only when you go to the Queen Hospital in Birmingham or come here that you realise how many are going through such horrific experiences. 

"It is astonishing.

“It makes me feel incredibly small and humble seeing what they have been through, what they go on to do, and the inspiration they provide to others.”

Benjamin Lee, of 33 Engineer, has been at Headley Court for the last 10 months.

After meeting the royal couple, he said "’I’ve never met the Royals before and it’s great to see we have the support of the whole family – especially since the princes themselves are in the forces."

Clare Walton, commanding officer at Headley Court, said the visit had been "fantastic".

She said: “What we have added her with the new complex provides flexibility and accessibility to those patients who are the least mobile.  To have a one-stop shop is perfect for their needs.

“Everyone has really enjoyed today – the patients, staff and their Royal Highnesses themselves.

"It is a huge morale boost that the public cares and the Royal Family cares - it is essential to the patients’ rehabilitation."

You can view more photos of the royal visit in our picture gallery