The Duchess of Edinburgh demonstrated her skiing proficiency on artificial slopes during a recent visit to Hemel Hempstead's Snow Centre, where she met members of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST). The royal, who is a known skier, engaged with athletes, coaches, and board members, also participating in laser rifle target practice.
Sophie, who recently accepted the position of the charity's first royal patron, learned about Project VIDDA, an upcoming initiative that will send amputee veterans on an Arctic expedition. Elizabeth Winfield, AFPST's chief operations officer, stated that the Duchess's patronage marks a significant moment for the charity, enhancing its capacity to support more veterans and deliver impactful programs. Winfield added that the Duchess's direct engagement with athletes highlights their resilience and the importance of projects like VIDDA.
The Duchess also observed the AFPST's adaptive sports work firsthand. Snowboard athlete Darren "Swifty" Swift, who has a double above-knee amputation, explained how new equipment and techniques are making the sport accessible for individuals with complex injuries.
This visit follows a prior engagement in February, where Sophie met with AFPST athletes in Meribel, France, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Kingdom's Armed Forces Winter Sporting Association. The organization expressed gratitude for the Duchess's attentiveness and warmth on social media, noting her genuine enjoyment in meeting the athletes and celebrating their achievements.
Earlier in the summer, the Duchess of Edinburgh debuted a new, shorter hairstyle at the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hitchin. The Duchess opted for a denim midi skirt and a blue blouse for the event, which promoted sustainable farming methods. This hairstyle change was noticeable after her appearance at the Sandringham Horse Driving Trials in June, where her hair still fell past her shoulders.