The Queen jokes with injured servicemen ahead of their trek to the South Pole
THE QUEEN joked around with a number of injured servicemen today, ahead of their Walking With The Wounded trek to the South Pole, which will include the charity's patron Prince Harry.
The three teams - who will battle it out on the frozen wasteland this winter - were introduced to Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh at buckingham Palace today by the Prince, who took the opportunity to show his grandparents some of the kit they will be taking with them.
And when asked if she had been to Antarctica, the Queen replied: "Of course not! I can't think of any reason why I'd want to!"
The Walking With The Wounded teams are making their final preparations for the 200-mile (322km) expedition before they set off on Sunday, and Harry showed the Queen and Duke the different types of jackets they will use.
And after taking a look at the equipments, Prince Phillip joked: "You'll regret you went!"
Adding that they will be in Antarctica "just long enough to get frost bite," the Duke then went on to wish them good luck.
Cpl Heath Jamieson from the Australian Army suffered a gunshot wound through the neck.
He said: "Since we've all been part of this, we keep pinching ourselves.
"It's amazing to meet the Queen and know we have her support."
Walking With The Wounded helps retrain injured military personnel for careers in civilian society.
Harry, 29, a captain in the British Army, will race with the UK team of injured soldiers.
The Prince, who took part in the Walking With The Wounded trek to the North Pole in 2011 for five days, broke a toe in a minor accident last month, but it is not thought to have badly affected his training.
Kensington Palace officials confirmed at the end of last month that the fourth in line to the throne will be taking part in the challenge, despite his injury.
“He’s broken his toe but he will still be taking part in the South Pole Challenge,” an aide said.
“It’s still very much on.”
Their aim is to reach the South Pole by December 17.