Prince Harry experiences 'some of the toughest conditions on Earth' in training for South Pole trek


September 17, 2013

Prince Harry experienced "some of the toughest conditions on Earth" on Monday, in a full day of training ahead of trekking across the South Pole in November.The Prince, who celebrated his 29th birthday on Monday, took part in 24 hours of gruelling training in a cold chamber where temperatures reached as low as -35C.He worked alongside the team, known as Team Glenfiddich – made up of British soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty – who will also take part in the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge.

harry 1

A spokesman for the charity, of which Harry is Patron, said: "As part of their ongoing training, the teams will spend 24 hours, starting today, in a cold chamber to acclimatise for some of the toughest conditions on Earth. "The group worked inside special environmental test chambers which simulate the extreme conditions they will face in Antarctica, with winds of up to 60mph.

They practised putting up tents and using cross trainers inside the engineered environmental test chambers in Warwickshire, as well as skiing for two hours at a time with ten minute breaks for a total of 12 hours.

camp

The expedition aims to highlight the extraordinary courage and determination of the men and women who have been wounded while serving our countries.

Prince Harry and Team Glenfiddich will fly to Cape Town, South Africa, on 16 November before flying to Novo, Antarctica, where they will spend a few days checking kit and acclimatising before being flown to begin the race.

They also rehearsed setting up and breaking down their camp, a time consuming routine which they will carry out daily and will be vital to their survival.

Harry and his teammates, who all have either physical or cognitive injuries sustained in the line of duty, will cover more than 200 miles in total.Dominic West, star of hit TV series The Wire as Jimmy McNulty, will be up against Harry in the challenge, as well as True Blood star Alexander Skarsgård.

More Royalty

See more