Kate Middleton clenches teeth as Princess digs in during display of strength at intense royal engagement

Kate was pictured clenching her teeth as she got stuck into a physically challenging exercise during her latest engagement.

The royal visited Landau Forte College in Derby to congratulate Captain Preet Chandi, on her world record expedition for the furthest unsupported solo polar expedition in history.

She covered 922 miles in 70 days and 16 hours, skiing for 13 to 15 hours per day.

Kate joined Year 11 and Year 13 students as they took part in some activities which demonstrated parts of the expedition, how Captain Chandi trained, and the types of food she consumed.

Kate joined school students in participating in activities during the engagement
Arthur Edwards/The Sun

Removing her Zara jacket, the Princess of Wales attempted tyre pulling, admitting: "I need to do some training."

The royal was pictured putting in a great effort as the students watched on in delight.

Despite setting the new record, Captain Chandi did not complete her original goal of the coast-to-coast crossing, which was made impossible by the severely-adverse conditions.

She said at the time of announcing the end of her time in Antartica in a blog post: "A tough day today. It was very cold and windy but I kept my breaks very short so I didn’t get too cold.

"I didn’t let myself stop earlier though because I wanted to get the miles in.

"I have been given my pickup point which is about 30 nautical miles away from me.

"I’m pretty gutted that I don't have the time to complete the crossing.

"I know that I have done a huge journey, it’s just difficult while I’m on the ice and I know it’s not that far away."

Kate congratulated Captain Preet Chandi
Arthur Edwards/The Sun

On Monday, the Princess of Wales, opened up during a chat at St John's Church of England Primary School in Bethnal Green to mark the start of Children's Mental Health Week.

Kate is the royal patron of the children's charity Place2Be, which founded the annual awareness week.

The Princess of Wales made paper planes with the children as she spoke with them about their feelings.

Kate said at the end of the session with the children: "I'm a firm believer in giving children the skills that they need for life and focusing on their social and emotional development."