Prince Harry Begins Trek to North Pole

ByABC News
March 29, 2011, 11:18 AM

March 29, 2011— -- Prince Harry arrived in Norway Monday, meeting up with the four members of the Walking With the Wounded team. Together, they will head out to the North Pole.

"This project exemplifies the tenacity and courage of those who serve our country," Prince Harry said. "It really is that simple."

Those four soldiers have been training for 18 months for a 200-mile trek that will take 25 days. The prince, who served in Afghanistan and has been doing his own training at a base in England where he's in the British Army, will be with them for the first five days.

Is Harry up for the challenge?

"Not as ready as these guys are," the prince said. "I'm just here to give them as much support as possible."

Capt. Guy Disney, 28, was ambushed in 2009 by insurgents in Afghanistan, leaving his left leg shattered. He will make the journey on a metal prosthesis.

Pvt. Jaco van Gass, 24, who was in the Parachute Regiment, lost his left arm in Afghanistan in 2009 after being crushed by a rocket-propelled grenade five months into his second tour.

"You need to know what you are capable of doing," he said. "I think this is one of the most challenging things there will be but I do believe we can do it."

The foundation, called Walking With the Wounded, was started by Disney and van Gass. If they meet their goal, they will be the first amputees to reach the North Pole. Prince Harry has been an enthusiastic supporter from the beginning.

"They're a huge example to us all," the prince said. "These guys, and all the other wounded serviceman and women around the country, and just what a wonderful inspiration they are to take on this massive challenge."

For more information and to donate to Walking With the Wounded, click here.