Britain’s Prince Harry felt "guilty" about leaving the army.
The 31-year-old royal was recalled from his first tour in Afghanistan back in 2008 when the news of his deployment was leaked and he admits he felt incredibly bad about leaving his friends behind.
He said: "I could no longer stay with my soldiers, as it would have put them at greater risk. It was a decision over which I had no control. But the guilt of having to leave my guys behind was something I had to swallow."
However, Prince Harry is glad he was able to make a return to pilot the Apache helicopters in 2012 but felt there was something more he could do to help wounded servicemen and women when he returned home and thus launched the Invictus Games.
He added: "Four years later I made it back to Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot. Again, I was reminded of the human impact of conflict as I protected medical teams evacuating soldiers from the battlefield.
"On other occasions I sat at the controls of one of the world’s most advanced helicopters and was powerless to protect men, women and children below. On returning home, I began to look for ways to support veterans with injuries."
Meanwhile, the Prince previously urged the Canadian public to get behind the Invictus Games, which will be held in Toronto in 2017.
He said: "2017 will be your chance, your opportunity to salute those that serve your country; to salute those that put themselves in harms way so you don’t have to.
"On home soil, during this most auspicious of years, as Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary and remembers the events and sacrifices at Vimy Ridge, you will have the chance to cheer on the custodians of the Invictus spirit.
"Your support will create a life changing atmosphere for competitors and spectators alike. Who knows, it may even help a Canadian clean sweep of medals!"
Britain’s Prince Harry’s ‘guilt’ at leaving the army
