Prince William Announces Patronage of Antarctic Expedition
Prince William has declared his immense pride in supporting a daring new expedition across Antarctica, as he takes on the role of patron for explorer Max Worsley's upcoming 850-mile journey. The expedition will retrace the final trek undertaken by Max's father, Henry Worsley, a decade after the same route tragically claimed his life.
A Powerful Tribute to a Polar Legacy
The Prince of Wales, who previously served as patron for Henry Worsley's second and third Antarctic expeditions, described the new venture as a powerful tribute to his legacy. "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," William stated.
He continued, emphasising the dual purpose of the journey: "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."
The Onwards Expedition: Details and Dangers
Max Worsley, aged 31, will set out this November alongside Norwegian adventurer Martin Nesse. Their mission is to ski completely unsupported from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the South Pole, covering the exact 1,400-kilometre (870-mile) route his father navigated.
The pair will confront extreme conditions including:
- Temperatures plunging to -40°C
- Hurricane-force winds
- A gruelling climb to 2,800 metres above sea level
This physically demanding journey aims to reach the southernmost point on Earth, mirroring Henry Worsley's final polar challenge.
Fundraising for Environmental and Youth Causes
The Onwards Expedition has been established with clear philanthropic goals. It will raise funds for two key organisations:
- The Earthshot Prize: Prince William's global environmental award.
- The British Exploring Society: A youth development charity.
Max Worsley expressed his honour at receiving royal support, stating: "It is a great honour to have The Prince of Wales as Patron for my Antarctic project." He outlined the expedition's forward-looking vision: "While this journey is inspired by the great explorers of the past, mine and Martin's focus is firmly on the future."
He further explained their aim to use the platform to raise awareness of Antarctica's critical role in planetary health and to encourage young people to connect with nature and gain confidence in wild places.
Remembering Henry Worsley
Henry Worsley was a distinguished British Army officer and polar explorer. His notable achievements included:
- Leading a 2008 expedition retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod route.
- Returning in 2011 to lead a team racing to the South Pole via the paths of Amundsen and Scott.
Tragically, he died on January 24, 2016, at age 55, following an attempt to complete the first solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica. Forced to stop just 30 miles from his finish due to severe exhaustion and dehydration, he spent two days confined to his tent before calling for help. After being airlifted to a hospital in Chile, he underwent emergency surgery for a bacterial infection but succumbed to complete organ failure.
Prince William concluded his statement with words of admiration and support: "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."
