Prince Harry has marked 15 years since he undertook a life-changing expedition to raise money for charity, sharing a poignant statement about the mammoth undertaking. On 16 April 2011, Armed Forces charity Walking With The Wounded, joined by Expedition Patron Prince Harry and a team of injured veterans, made history by reaching the geographical North Pole.
The team completed the gruelling 200-mile challenge in 13 days, covering the greatest distance of any polar expedition that season. Battling temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius and pulling their equipment in pulks, they secured a world record as the first unsupported team of injured veterans to reach the North Pole.
In honour of the 15-year anniversary, the Duke of Sussex reunited with members of the original expedition team on a video call, reflecting on the challenge and its lasting impact. Speaking candidly, Harry said: 'I was honoured to join Walking With The Wounded as Expedition Patron to the North Pole in 2011. The veteran march across the ice served as a powerful reminder of the tenacity and courage of those who serve and who’ve been injured in the line of duty.'
He added: 'Fifteen years on, I remain immensely proud of what these guys accomplished with WWTW. This incredible expedition helped change public perception at such a crucial time. It shone a light on the importance of supporting those who served, and it encouraged thousands more veterans to speak up and come forward.'
The expedition raised vital funds for WWTW and thrust the organisation into the spotlight. Most importantly, it proved that veterans, especially those injured during service, could still achieve incredible feats after leaving the Armed Forces. Fifteen years later, WWTW continues to support veterans and their families across the UK, providing employment support, mental health care and tailored support care coordination.
Prince Harry is said to maintain a close relationship with the men he trekked with. One member of his team, Alex Rayner, recently publicly backed the Duke’s decision to continue to fight for paid security in the UK, stating that Harry's two tours of duty in Afghanistan make him more vulnerable to security threats.
