PRINCE Harry sampled some of the driving challenge action being staged by Jaguar and Land Rover at this year's Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida.

The prince, a former Army officer, is the founder and patron of the international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women and this year 11 nations are taking part in the five day event.

On the opening day, Prince Harry awarded the first gold medal to France for their communication, team-work and strategic planning skills in two time-trials using the Jaguar XE and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Before presenting the winners' medals, Prince Harry took to the last round of the challenge by joining silver medal winners Estonia on the Land Rover course and Denmark, who picked up the bronze, on the Jaguar course.

Jaguar Land Rover is the presenting partner of the Invictus Games and also sponsors the UK and US teams.

Since the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014 JLR has increased its support for ex-service personnel in both the UK and in the United States.

Jaguar Land Rover chief executive, Dr Ralf Speth, said: "Today, the Invictus Games were opened by the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge. We were delighted to host 11 nations in their first medal opportunity. The competition was very tough.

"I was honoured to meet with the passionate competitors to hear more about their own individual journey to Invictus Games.

"There is a close alignment of the values and the mind-set of Jaguar Land Rover and the vision of the Games. So, we are extremely proud to be the presenting partner. We are all grateful to HRH Prince Harry for founding and championing this visionary idea of the Games. We congratulate him and the organising committee on establishing yet another inspiringInvictus Games."