The Duchess of Edinburgh leaped from Heathrow to the snowy peaks of Méribel, France on February 5 as patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association in spectacular Alpine style.
Once on the ground at Three Valleys resort, a favorite scene for elite snow sports competition, her day started with a front-row vantage point of the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships.
The annual tournament pits athletes from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF against each other across skiing, snowboarding, telemark events and plenty of military camaraderie on the piste.
Later, the Duchess joined athletes, coaches and volunteers at a festive reception on the occasion of the association’s 75th anniversary.
Sohpie mingled with competitors across all three services and even gave a speech to more than 300 guests to honor their dedication.
The evening ended at the Hôtel l’Éterlou, where HRH clinked glasses with service members and supporters alike.
Sophie and her husband Prince Edward will reunite for the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, which start on March 7.
