Duchess of Edinburgh visits Hemel Hempstead snow centre to support military sports team
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Hemel Hempstead this week to support a military rehabilitation programme.
It was revealed by the Royal Family that Sophie was in town to mark her new role as patron of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team.
On Monday, she was pictured skiing down The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, which describes itself as the closest real-snow indoor ski slope to London.
In a social media post the Royal Family noted that the Duchess had found “one way to cool down in a heatwave”.
“During a visit to The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Her Royal Highness heard about the breadth of the charity’s programmes and joined athletes on the indoor slopes,” The Royal Family said.
AFPST supports injured military personnel by providing them with a chance to participate in competitive winter-based sports. It offers former armed forces members the chance to learn adaptive skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines.
It is hoped that the service will open new pathways to the servicemen and women, who may take up a sport professionally or look to go into a coaching role. The not-for-profit organisation also recognises the benefits sports can provide people by helping them rebuild confidence, resilience and a sense of community.
AFPST revealed that Sophie met with wounded, injured and sick veterans and para-athletes. It added that she even joined the athletes for a few ski runs herself.
The charity also introduced the senior Royal to Dan Eden, who is attempting to make history and enter the world record books, by completing the first unsupported winter crossing of Norway’s Finnmarksvidda plateau.