The Princess of Wales has become the patron of an Army officer's Antarctica challenge. Kate is formally backing Captain Preet Chandi's ambitious goal to be the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported. The journey will see Ms Chandi's travel more than 1,000 miles across the frozen continent. She will have to endure temperatures of minus 50C and wind speeds up to 60mph whilst hauling a sledge, weighing around 120kg, loaded with her kit. Kate has spoken on the phone with the officer w

The Princess of Wales has become the patron of an Army officer's Antarctica challenge. Kate is formally backing Captain Preet Chandi's ambitious goal to be the first woman to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported. The journey will see Ms Chandi's travel more than 1,000 miles across the frozen continent. She will have to endure temperatures of minus 50C and wind speeds up to 60mph whilst hauling a sledge, weighing around 120kg, loaded with her kit. Kate has spoken on the phone with the officer wishing her luck on the gruelling trip. Capt Chandi said it "is an absolute privilege to have the Princess of Wales as the patron."