Prince William has said he has lost a friend following the death of Antarctic explorer Henry Worsley. In a statement released on Twitter, the future King paid tribute to the former Army officer who had been attempting to cross the continent unaided in a fundraising effort for wounded veterans.
The royal said he and his brother Prince Harry were "very sad" to hear about his loss and pledged to support his family in their time of grief.
Henry Worsley being received at Kensington Palace ahead of the expedition
Henry, 55, was just 30 miles short of his goal to become the first person to make a solo crossing, having walked 913 miles over 71 days. He called for help after suffering dehydration and exhaustion and was airlifted to receive medical care on Friday.
His heartbroken wife Joanna announced on Monday that he had died of organ failure in a clinic in Chile.
The statement from Prince William on the death of his friend
By the time he died, donations to the effort for the Endeavour Fund totalled £106,773. William is patron of the Fund, which provides injured personnel with opportunities to undertake sporting and adventure challenge to encourage their self belief.
In his statement the Prince added: "He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him."
He went on: "Even after retiring from the Army, Henry continued to show selfless commitment to his fellow servicemen and women, by undertaking this extraordinary Shackleton solo expedition on their behalf.
"We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all, especially those who will benefit from his support to the Endeavour Fund. We will now make sure that his family receive the support they need at this terribly difficult time."