Prince Harry to be Royal Patron of Khumbu Challenge 09

Published 4 November 2008

Prince Harry will become Royal Patron of Khumbu Challenge 09, an adventure training expedition for wounded Service personnel to the base of Mount Everest that will take place in Autumn 2009. The Prince launched Khumbu Challenge at an event with wounded Service personnel at Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth, on Tuesday 4th November 2008.

At the event, the Prince signed expedition flags that will be raised at the Mount Everest Base Camp in November 2009 by the wounded personnel.

Khumbu Challenge 09 is a Royal Navy adventurous training exercise that will include personnel who have been seriously wounded or traumatised in Iraq and Afghanistan. These personnel will train for a year before embarking next October on a testing trek to Everest Base Camp and an ascent of Kala Pattar.

Eighty-five personnel in total will take part in the challenge, including many experienced and able bodied personnel.

The aim of Khumbu Challenge is to enhance the rehabilitation programme of some of the most wounded personnel from current conflicts.

Cpl Steve Perry RM, who is organising the Challenge, said:

“Khumbu Challenge provides a fantastic vehicle to get some of the most wounded heroes who have fought for this country back on track with their lives.

“We are privileged to have Prince Harry as Royal Patron of this expedition and look forward to his future involvement with the team and expedition.”