The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were praised today for championing a group of soldiers who recreated the famous Scott-Amundsen race to the South Pole.
William and Kate were greeted by sunshine that had followed heavy showers when they arrived at Goldsmiths' Hall in the City of London to meet the adventurers after their epic challenge.
The Duke is patron of the expedition and sent the men a message of congratulations when they reached their goal in January.
The teams were completely unsupported during the trek, carrying their food and fuel across the ice for 70 days in sledges weighing 140kg each.
Both groups retraced the exact routes of the original explorers and carried copies of Scott and Amundsen's diaries from the original expedition, reading extracts each evening when they rested.
The re-enactment repeated history with the Amundsen team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley, arriving at the geographical South Pole in January a week ahead of the Scott group, led by Warrant Officer Mark Langridge.
The challenge has raised vital funds for the Royal British Legion's £30 million commitment to the Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall, to help wounded, injured and sick service people recover.
Robert Lee, a spokesman for the Legion, highlighted the importance of the trek having royal backing: "It was first of all really great for the personnel taking part in the race to know they had the Duke's backing, it was a huge morale boost.
"The fact he's here today with the Duchess of Cambridge is a great recognition of the contribution these Army personnel have made to the charity and a great boost to the fundraising effort.
"We expect this to lead to further donations to Battle Back."