Kate Middletonis congratulatingCaptain Preet Chandion her record-breaking expedition in Antarctica — in person!
Captain Chandi is now visiting schools across the U.K. to share her story and inspirational message to push boundaries. At her hometown school, Chandi made a speech to students and presented an award to Simrat Soggi, one of the winners of her national school logo competition.
Princess Kate and Preet Chandi.Arthur Edwards/AP/Shutterstock
Princess Kate joined students taking part in activities related to Chandi’s expedition and her preparation for it, including some examples of how she trained and the types of food she consumed. The royal removed her white blazer and put on a harness to drag a series of tires across the floor behind her, simulating how Chandi pulled her sled.
Kate Middleton with Preet Chandi.Arthur Edwards/AP/Shutterstock
“I need to do some training,” Kate said after the exercise, according to theDaily Mail.
Princess Kate and Captain Chandi then spoke to students about building resilience and mental well-being in all aspects of life.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Arthur Edwards - WPA Pool/Getty Images
“Record breaker. History maker.@PreetChandi10is a shining example of fortitude,“read the captionaccompanying photos from the outing. “Today it’s been fantastic to hear all about her polar expedition and see how she is inspiring the next generation of young girls to believe they can achieve anything they put their mind to.”
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Although Chandi fell short of completing her goal of trekking coast-to-coast, the explorer shared that she was proud of her accomplishment.
“I’m disappointed that I ran out of time to make the crossing of Antarctica which would have been around another 100 miles. But I also feel I did everything I could. I didn’t take a single day off in 70 days and pushed the hours every single day,” she wrote onInstagram. “I’m also proud of myself, I kept going when it was tough, when I thought I couldn’t do anymore. I wanted to continue to push my boundaries and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
Buckingham Palace announced Princess Kate’s patronage of Chandi’sinspiring expeditionin October 2022, with the Princess of Wales voicing her support for the “extraordinary challenge” in an accompanyingInstagrammessage. Chandi set out on the ambitious mission to inspire future generations to believe in themselves, push themselves and promote empowerment through the great outdoors.
Last winter, Chandi made history as the first woman of color to reach the South Pole alone and without aid, trekking 700 miles over 40 days,The New York Timesreported. In recognition of her accomplishment, she was awarded an MBE inQueen Elizabeth’sBirthday Honours List.
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales.Arthur Edwards/The Sun/AP/Shutterstock
The Princess of Wales is a longtime advocate of the impact the outdoors can have on well-being and the life skills it nurtures, such as confidence and resilience. She is committed to promoting this to young people, including through her work with organizations such as the Scouts, of which she is joint President.
source: people.com
