The Duchess of Edinburgh flew from Heathrow to the snow-capped peaks of Méribel, France, on February 5, as patron of the British Armed Forces Winter Sports Association, in spectacular Alpine style.
Once on the ground in the Trois Vallées resort, a favored scene for elite snow sports competitions, his day began with a front row view of the Inter‑Service Snow Sports Championships.
The annual tournament pits athletes from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF against each other through skiing, snowboarding, telemarking and plenty of military camaraderie on the track.
The Duchess later joined athletes, coaches and volunteers at a reception to celebrate the association’s 75th anniversary.
Sohpie mingled with competitors from all three services and even gave a speech to over 300 guests to honor their dedication.
The evening ended at the Hôtel l’Éterlou, where HRH toasted with the soldiers and his sympathizers.
Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, will meet for the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo from March 7.
