Kate becomes patron of Army officer’s Antarctica challenge
Captain Preet Chandi is aiming to become the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Princess of Wales has become the patron of an Army officer’s ambitious goal to be the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported.
Kate is formally backing Captain Preet Chandi’s challenge of travelling more than 1,000 miles across the frozen continent.
The two women spoke on the phone on Tuesday, when Kate wished the officer good luck with her expedition.
She will have to endure temperatures of minus 50C and wind speeds up to 60mph as the officer hauls a sledge, weighing around 120kg, loaded with her kit.
I want to bring people on this journey with me, to help them believe that nothing is impossible
Capt Chandi, who is due to begin her trek at the start of November and has 75 days to complete the journey, said: “My aim for this expedition has always been to inspire people to push their boundaries.
“I want to bring people on this journey with me, to help them believe that nothing is impossible.
“It is an absolute privilege to have the Princess of Wales as the patron.”
Kate has long been an advocate of the impact the outdoors can have on the wellbeing of others and the life skills, such as confidence and resilience, it nurtures.
In January 2021 the officer made history when she became the first woman of colour to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported.
She finished the route in 40 days, just short of the female world record of 38 days held by Joanna Davidson of Sweden.
Capt Chandi is a physiotherapist working at a Regional Rehabilitation Unit in Buckinghamshire, providing rehabilitation for injured soldiers and officers.