Duchess Sophie Hits the Slopes as New Patron of Para Snowsports
Photo: The Royal Household
The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team in Hemel Hempstead, announced her appointment as Royal Patron, and promptly strapped on skis herself.
On Monday 10 August, Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh visited the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, and brought happy news with her: the Duchess is becoming the organisation's Royal Patron.
The Duchess arrived in full ski gear, with a panda motif on her goggles. Photo: The Royal Household
The Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team is an independent service charity that supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans through snowsports. During the visit, the Duchess was shown around by Chief Operating Officer Elizabeth Winfield, watched athletes in training, and met the coaches, volunteers and board members working behind the scenes.
The Duchess met the athletes during training in the snow centre. Photo: The Royal Household
And the new Patron did not settle for watching: the Duchess strapped on skis and took to the slope together with the team.
The Duchess showed solid skiing technique on the slope. Photo: The Royal Household
Skiing down the slope with the team's athletes. Photo: The Royal Household
Plenty of laughter from the new Patron. Photo: The Royal Household