Prince William's Antarctic Patronage: A Legacy of Exploration and Environmental Advocacy
In a poignant announcement that bridges personal tribute with global environmental consciousness, Prince William has formally assumed the role of Patron for The Onwards Expedition. This forthcoming Antarctic crossing, led by intrepid explorer Max Worsley, follows the exact 1,400-kilometre route to the South Pole that tragically claimed the life of Max's father, Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley MBE, a decade ago.
A Father's Fatal Ambition and a Son's Determined Tribute
The Prince of Wales, 44, expressed profound pride in supporting this ambitious venture, having previously served as Patron for Henry Worsley's second and third polar expeditions. "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," Prince William stated.
Henry Worsley, a decorated former British Army officer and SAS soldier, was a renowned polar explorer. His endeavours included leading a team retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's Nimrod expedition route and participating in a race to the South Pole following the paths of Amundsen and Scott. His final attempt in 2015 aimed to achieve the first solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica. Tragically, after 70 gruelling days and coming within approximately 30 miles of his goal, he was airlifted to a hospital in Chile where he succumbed to multiple organ failure.
His final audio dispatch poignantly echoed the words of his hero, Shackleton: "When my hero, Ernest Shackleton, was 97 miles from the South Pole... he said he'd shot his bolt. Well, today I have to inform you with some sadness that I too have shot my bolt."
The Onwards Expedition: Facing Extreme Conditions for a Greater Cause
Announced on the tenth anniversary of his father's death, Max Worsley will embark this November alongside Norwegian adventurer Martin Nesse. Their journey is a completely unsupported ski trek from the continent's edge to the Geographic South Pole, covering 1,349 kilometres. They will confront brutal Antarctic conditions, including temperatures plunging to -40°C, hurricane-force winds, and a climb to 2,800 metres above sea level.
For Max, who grew up with his father's expedition maps on the kitchen table and dreamed of joining him since age 14, this is a profoundly personal mission. "I'll take his diary from his last expedition and I'll read from it from exactly the same spot that he wrote it," he told The Times. "This is something I had a dream of doing with him... In one sense we will still be doing it together."
He added, "I miss him so much but the grieving process for me is complete. I see him as an incredible man, an incredible dad and someone who inspires me every day... But it's not the only reason why I'm doing this."
Beyond Tribute: A Platform for Environmental and Youth Advocacy
The expedition's objectives extend far beyond a personal memorial. Max Worsley has articulated a clear dual mission: to elevate global awareness of Antarctica's critical role in planetary health and to inspire the next generation of explorers and environmental stewards.
"While this journey is inspired by the great explorers of the past, mine and Martin's focus is firmly on the future," Max explained. "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."
In alignment with these goals, The Onwards Expedition will actively support two key organisations through fundraising and awareness campaigns:
- The Earthshot Prize: Prince William's flagship environmental initiative, described as the world's most impactful environmental award, designed to identify and accelerate innovative climate solutions globally.
- British Exploring Society: A charity dedicated to creating transformative wilderness expedition opportunities for young people, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a connection with the natural world.
Prince William emphasised this broader purpose, noting, "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."
Max Worsley expressed his honour at having the Prince's continued support, stating, "It is a great honour to have The Prince of Wales as Patron for my Antarctic project... after the support he so kindly gave my father for his final expedition." He reiterated the commitment to youth engagement: "We also want to help and encourage young people to connect with nature, giving them opportunities to get outdoors and become curious and confident in wild places."
As preparations advance for this November's departure, The Onwards Expedition stands as a powerful narrative intertwining familial homage, extreme human endeavour, and a urgent call for environmental stewardship, all under the esteemed patronage of the future King.
