The Duke of Sussex praised a crippled soldier on a television show, calling him the “essence of inspiration.”
Former Lance Corporal Stephan Van Niekerk was surprised on Car S.O.S. by Prince Harry, who told the veteran that he “completely earned” his better vehicle.
Mr Van Niekerk lost his legs in 2009 when an improvised explosive device burst during his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.
The 36-year-old from Taunton described Prince Harry’s statement as “crazy.”
Mr Van Niekerk, 36, had taken his Jeep Grand Cherokee to National Geographic’s Car S.O.S. for its recurring mechanical troubles.
The former serviceman joined 3rd Battalion the Rifles, at the age of 21 before he was wounded seven years later.
After the vehicle restoration was shown to Mr Van Niekerk, Prince Harry said in a video message: “I hope at this point you’re sitting in your brand new, or certainly what looks like a brand new Jeep.
“Good on you mate, well done, fully, fully, fully deserved. I can’t think of anyone that deserves this more than you.”
“After getting injured at such a young age after two tours of Afghanistan, you are the definition of inspiration because you are not defined by your injury.
“You are defined by your selflessness to others, to your community, your inspirational talks to young people,” he added.
The Prince then wished Mr Van Niekerk well in his quest to ride from Canada to Mexico in support of Blesma, a military charity for limbless veterans for whom he is a motivational speaker.
The Duke of Sussex said: “I’m sure your whole family is incredibly proud of you.
“I’m proud of you. We’re all proud of you… there’s a reason you were chosen for this.
“So yeah, saddle up and enjoy your new wheels. And then make sure that you get as fit as you can for this next huge adventure that’s coming your way and then you can smash that.”
Prince Harry, who shot the video at his home in the United States last year, had served in Afghanistan as a tactical air controller and Apache helicopter pilot.
The episode of Car S.O.S. will air again on National Geographic on Sunday, March 26 at 19:00 BST.