The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, demonstrated her skiing abilities on artificial slopes during a visit to the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) in Hemel Hempstead. The visit on Monday marked her new role as the charity's first royal patron. The Duchess, 61, wore a blue jacket, white trousers, and ski boots while engaging with athletes, coaches, and board members. She also participated in laser rifle target practice and took to the slopes herself.
The AFPST supports wounded, injured, and sick serving personnel and veterans by assisting them with alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic disciplines. The program aims to help individuals regain confidence and connect with others.
During her visit, the Duchess learned about Project VIDDA, an upcoming initiative that will send a group of amputee veterans on an Arctic expedition. Elizabeth Winfield, AFPST's chief operations officer, called the Duchess's patronage a "defining moment" for the charity, stating it will strengthen their ability to grow and reach more veterans.
The Duchess also met snowboard athlete Darren "Swifty" Swift, a double above-knee amputee, who demonstrated how new equipment and techniques are making the sport accessible for individuals with complex injuries.
In February, 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 praised her "warmth, curiosity and encouragement" towards the athletes on Instagram, noting her genuine enjoyment in meeting them and hearing their stories.
Earlier in the summer, the Duchess debuted a new hairstyle, a short bob, during a visit to the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in Hertfordshire. She has previously been seen with longer hair, with her last public appearance showing her hair past her shoulders on June 24.