JJ Chalmers got a very royal surprise this week after receiving a supportive video message from Prince Harry.
The prince made his first public appearance since stepping down as a member of the royal family earlier this year alongside Megan Markle.
In a sweet video clip on Saturday night's episode of Strictly Come Dancing, Harry showed his admiration and support for JJ as he continues in the competition.
The pair have been friends for years, after sharing their experiences of being in the armed forces.
After JJ came home with life-changing injuries from Afghanistan the two became close and have also ben involved in the Invictus Games together.
JJ, a former teacher from Edinburgh, is partnered up with Strictly pro Amy Dowden, with the pair performing his first jive of the show, set to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by Bette Midler.
Harry told him: "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!"
Harry added: "I'm genuinely proud. You're not a dancer, proving that you can actually do whatever you put your mind to which is amazing."
According to the Mirror, JJ and his wife Kornelia were even invited to all three parts of Prince Harry ’s wedding day to Meghan Markle, despite only meeting four years before the big day.
"I thought he'd find it hilarious, but he thought I was good," JJ said of Harry's support for his dancing stint.
"He thought, 'By heck, he can dance'."
JJ also praised Harry for his secret support, adding: "He's a veteran. He's a guy who's seen it, he's done it. and he understands it in ways lots of people don't.
"He's shaped me, he's helped me, he's looked after me, because that's what veterans do."
