Prince Harry stranded in the Arctic
While we're basking in 24C sunshine, give a thought for Prince Harry, who's been left stranded in the freezing temperatures of the Arctic.
The royal's flight home was delayed when a crack formed in the ice on the runway, leaving him stuck on an ice cap in temperatures as low as -40C.
The prince has been trekking with wounded soldiers in the North Pole in aid of the charity, Walking with the Wounded, of which he is patron. The team of six includes four soldiers who were injured in Afghanistan, two of them amputees. They're hoping to raise £2 million for charity.
Prince Harry joined them for the first stage of the 200-mile trek, but could now be stranded there for an extra two days.
A St James's Palace spokesman said he would spend an extra day trekking before returning to the air strip at Ice Camp Barneo to await the first available flight.
He told the Telegraph: 'We are not expecting things to be delayed any more than 48 hours and he will be back in time to resume his military training early next week.'
Russian engineers were working to repair the one-metre wide crack in the landing strip but if their efforts fail they will be forced to find a new location for a runway.
A spokesman for the camp, said: 'The crack was caused by freezing temperatures. Conditions are very unpredictable and can change very quickly. The weather is not on our side.'
Expedition spokesman Alex Rayner added: 'It is a feat of engineering to build a runway on what is effectively a floating piece of ice on the Arctic Ocean.
'Open water leads are very common despite the horrendous temperatures of -35C, and we know that the airfield crews are working round the clock to re-build a new runway on the ice-cap.
'We will continue to monitor the situation and hope to have Prince Harry back on dry land within the next 48 hours.'
We certainly wouldn't want him missing a very important April date!
Related articles
Prince Harry to join four-week Arctic trek
Royals book rented minibuses for wedding (but Charles is going in his Roller)
Ten of the best places in London to watch the royal wedding
