Kate Middleton sported a toned-down ensemble with trainers as she visited a college to celebrate a woman’s return from her solo Antarctica expedition.
Kate, who recently hosted a glitzy reception at BAFTA’S London HQ, was pictured at Landau Forte College in Derby on Wednesday as she celebrated the return of Captain Preet Chandi MBE.
The 41 year old royal was a patron of the Captain’s journey, which saw her break the record for the furthest unsupported solo polar ski expedition in history after covering 922 miles in 70 days and 16 hours.
Ever the fashionista, Kate sported a white wool blazer that featured gold buttons and structured shoulders as she walked through the school with faculty members.
She was also photographed accepting an arrangement of purple, white and pink followers with a massive smile on her face.
Later on in the event, Kate was photographed sitting down and could be seen clad in white trainers in quite the departure from her usual royal ensemble.
The Royal went on to complete challenges and activities that were supposed to replicate some of the hardships Preet experienced while on her expedition.
The Princess of Wales, alongside her husband, Prince William, are passionate defenders of the outdoors, with Kate previously speaking about the importance of outdoor activity as part of her early learning campaign.
Captain Chandi, who was dubbed “Polar Preet” at the event, attended the college as the first stop in her school tour that hopes to inspire the next generation of explorers.
She broke the record previously held by soldier Henry Worsley in 2015, who tragically passed away after collapsing from exhaustion towards the end of his journey.
She skied between 13 and 15 hours per day, with sometimes as little sleep as five hours, and all while pulling her kit on a sledge that weighed 19 stone.
She said: “Mentally, it was tough knowing I didn't have enough time to make the crossing, but the expedition was about pushing my boundaries and inspiring others to do the same, so how could I not continue?
“I'm disappointed I ran out of time to make the crossing of Antarctica, but I did everything I could. I didn't take a day off and pushed as hard as possible every day. I'm proud that I kept going when it was tough and I thought I couldn't do any more.”
A GoFundMe set up in her name raised more than £11,000, with half going toward an “adventure grant” for women carrying out “unique challenges” and the other half going towards her next expedition.
Steve Jones, expedition manager for Antarctic Logistics Expeditions, said: "Preet's aim of skiing more than 1,700km across Antarctica alone and without resupply is one of the most physically demanding challenges on Earth.
“Although she ran out of time after almost 71 hard days and did not complete the last leg of the planned route down the Reedy Glacier to the Ross Ice Shelf, she has skied further unsupported and alone than anyone in history.
“Her indomitable courage and determination are quite remarkable – she has pushed the boundaries of human endeavour.”
“The British Army is immensely proud of Captain Chandi,” added Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith.
“To achieve what she has in the face of extremely arduous conditions and battle on bravely, refusing to give up, and to be the best she can possibly be is a huge inspiration to so many around the world.”
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