Prince Harry Hopes to Join Expedition to South Pole

Prince Harry is hoping to participate in a 2013 trek to the South Pole that would involve around a dozen injured servicemen racing in teams. The young royal is a patron of Walking with the Wounded, an UK charity that organizes expeditions to fundraise for and assist wounded veterans.

Edward Parker, a co-founder of the Walking With The Wounded, confirmed he had already talked with the Prince: “He would love to do it — he’s told us so. If he is able to show his support for the wounded, then he will undoubtedly do so. It’s very close to his heart.”

Prince Harry took part in the first stage of the expedition to the North Pole last year, and is keen to join next year’s as well. A keen supporter of the charity, he expressed his frustration when a team of injured former servicemen were forced to call off their attempt to climb Everest because the mountain had become dangerously unstable following an unusually warm spring.

Speaking from a podium in Washington, Harry said: “Last year, I struggled to keep up with the four British soldiers whom I joined for part of their expedition to walk to the North Pole. Each of these men had recently been gravely wounded on the battlefields of Afghanistan. Theirs was the fastest team to reach the Pole that season.”

“At this very moment, another team of our wounded are returning from Mount Everest. Sadly, I have to be the first to say they have been frustrated from reaching the summit by the unusually warm weather, which brings particularly dangerous conditions. However, the mere fact that they are up there on that fearsome peak, I find totally amazing. Ladies and gentlemen, these people – ours and yours – are extraordinary.”

Harry’s ability to take part in the expedition will depend on his military responsibilities and other commitments.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Expedition, North Pole, Patronage, Prince Harry of Wales, South Pole, Walking with the Wounded.