The Duke of Sussex has partnered with military charity Walking With The Wounded to launch an expedition in November designed to support former veterans overcome physical or cognitive injuries.
The Walk of Oman will begin on 20 November and conclude on 11 December.
The expedition, of which Prince Harry is a patron, will be a total of 400km and will see a team of ex-military personnel attempt to walk across Oman in just 21 days.
The former veterans will walk across part of the Empty Quarter, which is the world’s largest sand desert.
They will endure hostile conditions on the expedition, such as hunger, thirst and extreme temperatures.
The idea is that the expedition will highlight the courage and determination of military personnel who have been wounded while serving their countries and highlight the support needed for them to transition back to civilian life.
The team will trek approximately 20km to 22km each day and will be supported by a team who will be available to help in case of emergencies.
Commenting on the initiative, Prince Harry said: “At the end of this year, a year that has seen unprecedented global challenges, a group of veterans will be tackling a challenge unlike anything they’ve faced before. Facing searing temperatures and pulling a cart that weighs more than 3 times their own bodyweight, these veterans will need to summon incredible physical & mental strength.”
The Royal continued, “I am proud once again to support them and support the veterans whose courage, determination and resilience is a credit to all of us who have served. To the men and women selected for this team, good luck! I know people all over the world will be cheering you on.”
Ed Parker, CEO of Walking With The Wounded, added: “The charity has tackled the North and South Poles, walked the length of Britain and crossed the USA. The Oman Expedition creates a new challenge and sense of adventure.
“We are honoured to be walking across the Omani desert, a country so closely aligned in many areas with the UK, particularly with our military. The desert and intense heat of the Middle East is one environment we have not yet faced.”
Parker continued by explaining that Oman was chosen because of the “very close ties between our two nations”.
He continued: “The UK supported His Majesty Sultan Qaboos during the Dhofar Conflict in 1972 and the UK and Omani military continue to train closely with one another today.
“Our aims, as before, are to raise and maintain awareness of the challenges many face in the wider military community. The funds raised will support WWTW’s existing programmes -supporting those ex-service men and women who have struggled since they left the Armed Forces”
