The Prince of Wales has taken on the role of Patron for The Onwards Expedition, a significant Antarctic journey announced today to mark a decade since the death of polar explorer Henry Worsley.
Max Worsley will retrace the precise path his father took across the frozen continent, skiing to the South Pole this November.
Prince William has announced he is the patron for The Onwards Expedition, led by Max Worsley,
|GETTY, THE ONWARDS EXPEDITION
The announcement carries particular poignancy, as Prince William previously served as Patron for Henry Worsley's second and third polar expeditions, including the fateful 2015 attempt.
Accompanied by Norwegian adventurer Martin Nesse, Max will embark on a completely unsupported trek spanning 1,349km from Antarctica's edge to the Geographic South Pole.
The pair will confront some of the planet's most punishing conditions during their journey, including temperatures plunging to minus 40C and winds reaching hurricane strength.
Their route also demands an ascent to 2,800 metres above sea level.
Max has chosen to follow the identical path his father traversed a decade ago during his third and ultimately tragic expedition.
Prince William expressed his deep personal connection to the endeavour, stating: "I was immensely proud to have supported his father Henry, and it is deeply moving to see Max skiing the same route ten years on, demonstrating the same courage, determination and sense of purpose that defined his father's life."
The prince added: "This expedition is not only a powerful tribute to Henry's legacy, but also a reminder of Antarctica's vital importance to the health of our planet.
"Using this challenge to inspire young people to connect with nature and understand the role they play in protecting it is something I greatly admire, and I wish Max and Martin every success as they prepare for this remarkable endeavour."
Prince William was patron to Henry Worsley, Max's fathers, second and third expedition to Antartica
|GETTY
Max Worsley spoke of his gratitude for the royal support, saying: "It is a great honour to have The Prince of Wales as Patron for my Antarctic project, The Onwards Expedition, after the support he so kindly gave my father for his final expedition."
He emphasised that while historical explorers provide inspiration, the expedition's purpose looks ahead: "We want to use this expedition as a platform to raise awareness of Antarctica, a place that has a vital role in the health of our planet and affects all of us, no matter where we live."
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Max Worsley's father, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley MBE, served as a British Army officer and distinguished polar explorer.
He led expeditions retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod route in 2008/09 and followed the trails of Amundsen and Scott in 2011/12.
Martin Nesse will be joining Max Worsley for the trying expedition
|THE ONWARDS EXPEDITION
His 2015 solo attempt to complete the first unsupported Antarctic crossing ended when he was evacuated on day 70, passing away shortly after in a Chilean hospital.
The Onwards Expedition will raise funds and awareness for The Earthshot Prize and British Exploring Society.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter