Prince Harry commemorated the 15th anniversary of his transformative charity expedition by sharing a heartfelt statement about the significant journey. Back on April 16, 2011, the Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded, accompanied by Prince Harry and a team of wounded veterans, achieved a historic milestone by reaching the North Pole. The team conquered a challenging 200-mile trek in just 13 days, covering the longest distance of any polar expedition during that season.
Enduring extreme temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius, the team pulled their equipment in sledges on this remarkable journey. Their remarkable success set a world record as the first unsupported group of injured veterans to reach the North Pole.
The expedition not only raised crucial funds for the WWTW charity but also brought attention to the organization. Most significantly, it demonstrated that veterans, particularly those injured in service, could achieve remarkable accomplishments post their military service.
The expedition team comprised Prince Harry, Expedition Patron for WWTW, Inge Solheim, the Expedition Leader and Polar Expert, Ed Parker, the Founder and CEO of WWTW, along with Simon Daglish and four injured Servicemen – Captain Guy Disney, Sergeant Steve Young, Private Jaco Van Gass, and Captain Martin Hewitt.
In honor of the 15-year milestone of this monumental endeavor, the Duke of Sussex reunited with original expedition team members via a video call, reflecting on the challenges faced and the enduring impact on those involved.
Reflecting on the expedition, Prince Harry expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was privileged to join Walking With The Wounded as Expedition Patron to the North Pole in 2011. The veteran trek across the ice was a powerful testament to the resilience and bravery of those who serve and have been injured in the line of duty.”
He continued, “Fifteen years later, I am immensely proud of what these individuals achieved with WWTW. This extraordinary expedition played a crucial role in altering public perception at a critical time. It highlighted the importance of supporting our veterans, encouraging many more to come forward and seek assistance.”
Alongside overcoming natural challenges and harsh conditions, each team member sustained significant injuries while serving the United Kingdom on overseas missions. WWTW continues its support for veterans and their families across the UK, offering employment assistance, mental health care, and tailored support to empower those who have served.
Prince Harry maintains a close bond with the comrades he journeyed with to the North Pole. Recently, a team member publicly supported the Duke’s advocacy for continued security support in the UK. Alex Rayner, an Eton-educated individual and a member of the expedition team, emphasized the importance of security for Harry, citing his military service in Afghanistan and upcoming involvement in the Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Rayner remarked, “To request private payment for security seems somewhat unfair, considering other Royal Family members receive it for lesser duties. This individual flew Apaches in a conflict, and we have the Invictus Games approaching. Shouldn’t we support him for that?”
The article concluded with information about signing up for a Royal newsletter and the usage of cookies for personalized advertising on the website.
