The Duchess of Edinburgh has been confirmed as the new Royal Patron of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), with the announcement made during a visit to The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.The engagement represented her inaugural official appearance in the patronage role.AFPST works with wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans, using adaptive skiing, snowboarding and Nordic disciplines to help rebuild their confidence and sense of community. The charity also provides routes into coaching, competitive sport and adventure activities.The Duchess of Edinburgh has been confirmed as the new Royal Patron of the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST), with the announcement made during a visit to The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead. | PADuring her time at the centre, the Duchess spoke with athletes, coaches, volunteers and board members.She observed a training session and took to the indoor slopes alongside participants, hearing directly how snow sports contribute to rehabilitation and recovery both domestically and overseas.Elizabeth Winfield, the charity’s Chief Operating Officer, welcomed the Duchess and outlined the full scope of AFPST’s programmes.A key highlight of the visit was Project VIDDA, one of the charity’s flagship undertakings for the year ahead, which will send a group of amputee veterans on an Arctic expedition aimed at showcasing resilience, teamwork and recovery.During her time at the centre, the Duchess spoke with athletes, coaches, volunteers and board members. | PAThe Duchess spoke with Paralympian Steve Arnold, from Salisbury, and fellow expedition participant Terry Dixon about the planning and ambitions driving the challenge. The project builds on AFPST’s rehabilitation foundations to reach and inspire a broader audience.Elizabeth Winfield said: “The Duchess’s Patronage marks a defining moment in AFPST’s journey. It strengthens our ability to grow, to reach more veterans and to deliver the lifechanging programmes that sit at the heart of our charity.”Steve Arnold described the occasion as “a real privilege,” adding: “AFPST has given me the confidence to keep pushing my boundaries and setting new goals.”The Duchess also witnessed AFPST’s innovative work first-hand, meeting snowboard athlete Darren “Swifty” Swift, a double above-knee amputee from Uxbridge, who explained how new equipment and techniques are making the sport accessible to those with the most complex injuries.Mark Bottrill and Megan Brook, who contribute to this development work, were also present.Ben Gallagher, a Cirencester-based veteran who serves as athlete, coach, team manager and board director, briefed the Duchess on the charity’s rehabilitation programme operating in Ukraine. Snowboard instructor Paul Hursthouse from Stroud provided further insight into how adaptive snow sports are aiding personnel affected by the conflict.Sophie also learned about AFPST’s pathway model, meeting Kevin Drake, Marcy Halon and Andrew Haugen, all of whom have progressed from injured athletes to qualified instructors.Andrew’s partner, Michaela Haugen, offered a family perspective, describing the positive impact the programme has had on their home life as well as on the slopes.Athlete Dan Eden, who is training for a 24-hour Nordic ski world record attempt to raise funds for the charity, said: “The Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) has transformed my life.Through world-class coaching and elite training in cross-country Nordic skiing and biathlon, AFPST restored my purpose, confidence, and competitive spirit.”Nordic athlete Lyndsey Kelly also spoke to the Duchess about how cross-country skiing has supported her own recovery.Over the past year, the charity has run UK training camps and military competitions, taken approximately 90 athletes and staff to Winter Park, Colorado, and backed Scott Meenagh as he competed at his third Paralympic Games.