In his first interview from Antarctica, where the 29-year-old Prince has begun a 16-day charity trek accompanying wounded servicemen and women to the South Pole, Harry revealed what his family thought of his journey.
“My brother, yeah, I think he’s just quite jealous that I managed to get away from a screaming child,” he said of new dad Prince William.
Prince Harry told Sky News he had to reassure Prince Charles, who was understandably concerned about his son undertaking the challenging trek – his second of its kind after Harry completed a similar journey to the North Pole two years ago.
“My father was a little concerned, but I obviously tried to keep him calm and explain the North Pole was the dangerous one because we’re walking on a frozen ocean whereas this time there are crevasses,” he said.
“But hopefully the guides will take us around that. Apart from the frostbite you should be able to look after yourself as long as you just head south.”
Prince Harry in Antarctica. Picture: Twitter @SkyNewsRoyal
Prince Harry in Antarctica. Picture: Twitter @SkyNewsRoyal
Prince Harry in Antarctica. Picture: Twitter @SkyNewsRoyal
Prince Harry is well-prepared for the gruelling journey, facing temperatures as low as -45C. He spent weeks in preparation, including 24 hours in an ice chamber, and sustained a broken toe on the way which he described in an interview as “a massive fail”.
The helicopter pilot is joined by twelve servicemen and women who have lost limbs during battle.
Prince Harry took the team to Buckingham Palace to meet his grandparents, which they “absolutely loved”, but the young royal has been similarly humbled by the men and women on the trek.
“Every single person who takes part in this challenge is extraordinary,” he said.
“The fact these guys have made it to this point is extraordinary and I count myself incredibly lucky to be a part of it.”
Harry is patron of the Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge, and will race more than 330km to the South Pole to raise funds for military charities.
