Charles test drives Canadian Rangers’ snowmobile
The royal met members of the organisation in Yellowknife.
![The Prince of Wales tried out a snowmobile for size and marvelled at its modern creature comfort of heated handles when he met Canadian Rangers (Chris Jackson/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/05/20/01/1aefcd7fdc8c617dd1fc2b4b1ef63f3cY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjUzMDkwMTY5-2.31874420.jpg)
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 Prince of Wales tried out a snowmobile for size and marvelled at its modern creature comfort of heated handles when he met the Canadian Rangers.
Charles did not need to be asked twice to sit astride the machine as he talked with members of the organisation in the Northwest Territories, near its capital Yellowknife, to learn about their role and the equipment they use.
The snowmobile costs 25,000 Canadian dollars (£15,643) and has all the accessories needed by the Rangers, who describe the vehicle as an essential piece of kit for the winter conditions when the landscape is covered in snow and ice.
As he sat on the machine he was told by Sergeant Andrea Fischer that the handle bars he gripped had heaters.
Charles, who was a keen skier, referred to riding a snowmobile in the past: “When I tried it 40 years ago there were no hand warmers.”
Earlier when he was shown a new rifle adopted by the Rangers and the older version they had used, a Lee Enfield rifle, he recognised it immediately and said: “When I was at school 60 years ago that’s what we were using.”
At the end of his tour of outdoor displays showcasing the Rangers he was presented with their uniform – a red hoodie – and made an honorary Ranger.