Harry visits UK troops in Arctic Circle
The Duke of Sussex has arrived in snow-covered Norway to meet British servicemen and women undertaking winter weather training.
Harry arrived on a private jet at the remote Bardufoss air station shortly after 11.15am local time (10.15am GMT), where he was greeted by UK ambassador to Norway Richard Wood.
The duke is spending his first Valentine’s Day as a married man in one of the planet’s harshest climates, although the temperature of minus 2C (28.4F) was much milder than the minus 35C (minus 31F) servicemen and women can expect.
Harry’s trip marks the 50th anniversary of Commando Helicopter Force and Joint Helicopter Command deploying to the remote base, where military personnel are taught how to survive, operate and fight in the sub-zero conditions, as well as gaining experience of operating aircraft in severe cold weather and mountainous environments.
The multinational Exercise Clockwork, hosted by the Norwegian armed forces, comprises environmental flying qualifications, cold weather survival, and snow and ice driving courses.
The duke, in his role as Captain General Royal Marines, will spend the afternoon meeting military personnel living and training at the base.
He will also see field tents, snow vehicles and a Quincey Shelter, a makeshift shelter built of snow in which the elite forces are able to camp.
Harry was appointed Captain General Royal Marines in December 2017, taking over the role from his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, who held the appointment for 64 years.
He already has experience of colder climates, facing temperatures as low as minus 35C (minus 31F) on charity expeditions.
Harry took part in treks to the North Pole in 2011 and South Pole in 2013 with Walking With The Wounded.
Lieutenant Colonel David West, officer commanding Exercise Clockwork, said: “We are celebrating 50 years of Exercise Clockwork today and are honoured to be able to welcome the Captain General of the Royal Marines to Bardufoss to mark the occasion.
“Harry is used to rigours of harsh climates and so will fully understand the dangers of trying to live and operate in such an extreme environment.
“Clockwork continues to deliver vital training for our people.
“It provides essential experience in flying and surviving in the extreme cold hundreds of miles inside the Arctic Circle.
“For 50 years Commando Helicopter Force and its predecessors have operated in this region and the skills learnt here are more relevant than ever.”
