The Duchess of Edinburgh swapped the heatwave for sub-zero temperatures on Monday as she visited an indoor snow centre to celebrate her new royal patron role.
Indoor skiing in a heatwave
While much of Britain enjoyed temperatures of 28C, the 61-year-old took to the slopes at the Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, where the mercury plunged to -6C to keep the snow in top condition. Dressed in a bright blue puffer jacket, white tracksuit bottoms and thick ski gloves, she demonstrated her skiing ability by speeding down the slope.
The visit marked her appointment as royal patron of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST). She watched athletes train and met coaches, volunteers and board members behind the scenes.
Charity's mission
AFPST supports wounded, injured and sick serving personnel and veterans through adaptive skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines. The charity aims to rebuild confidence, resilience and community, and create pathways into coaching, competition and adventure.
Among its flagship initiatives is Project Vidda, which will see a team of amputee veterans undertake an unsupported Arctic expedition across the Norwegian Vidda plateau.
Elizabeth Winfield, AFPST's chief operation officer, welcomed the royal guest and introduced her to the charity's programmes. After the visit, she said: "The duchess's patronage marks a defining moment in AFPST's journey."
"It strengthens our ability to grow, to reach more veterans and to deliver the life-changing programmes that sit at the heart of our charity. Having Her Royal Highness meet our athletes first-hand brings powerful visibility to their resilience and achievements and reinforces why projects like Vidda are so vital."
