by
Victoria Murphy
The royal couple congratulated the Race2Recovery disability team after their victory in the Dakar Rally
Kate Middleton
and Prince William sent a cheeky message to a hero soldier rally team
saying: "No driving like that on our roads when you’re back!”
The royal couple congratulated the Race2Recovery disability team after their victory in the Dakar Rally.
Kate and William, who have followed the team’s progress since day one, said in their message: “Many, many congratulations.
“We know it was not easy, but you have today become true record
holders as the first ever disability team to complete what is one of the
world’s toughest challenges.
“What you have achieved was a triumph of perseverance and teamwork, and you have shown the world what true valour looks like.”
The couple, who are expecting their first child in July, also
quipped: “We hope you get some rest now, and, please, no driving like
that on our roads when you’re back!” In action: The Race2Recovery team during the RallyThe injured soldiers are the first disability team to complete the grueling race.
They crossed the finish line in Santiago, Chile on Saturday after
spending 15 days driving off-road through South America to raise money
for Tedworth House Personnel Recovery Centre in Tidworth, Wilts.
On the way three of their team members were hospitalised with broken
bones after a taxi crashed into their Land Rover Defender in a smash
that killed the taxi driver and one passenger.
Of the four vehicles that started out just one reached the finish
line, driven by Major Matt O’Hare and Corporal Phillip Gillespie, but
the team was “ecstatic” with their achievement yesterday.
They were able to carry out the challenge after William, Kate and
Harry gave them £100,000 - the first handout from their Endeavour fund
set up to reignite the “fighting spirit” in injured servicemen and
women.
Major O’Hare, 32, said: “It’s not quite sinking in that we’ve actually done it.
“I’m ecstatic and am so proud and pleased for the whole Race2Recovery team.
“Our other drivers and co-drivers who were forced to retire earlier
in the race became an integral part of the support team as we continued
the challenge and so this really is a team success.”
Captain Tony Harris, 31, a below the knee amputee as a result of
injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan, said: “To be standing
here in Santiago knowing we’ve finished, two weeks after starting out on
this epic journey, feels absolutely brilliant.
“The team have shown huge dedication, going without sleep and putting in some serious hours of hard work.
“We’re also very mindful that three of our members weren’t able to
follow the whole journey with us after being injured in a road traffic
accident earlier on the event.
“We’re very grateful that they have all made a good recovery but our
thoughts have always been with those others involved in the accident who
were less fortunate and our sympathy remains with their families.”
The Dakar Rally, formerly known as ‘The Paris-Dakar’, is an annual
off-road desert race organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation.
It's considered the ultimate driving, mechanical and navigational test with only 40% of all competitors completing the course.
Prince William’s bride-to-be Kate Middleton exudes royal style from her head to her toes. Kate seems to have a special liking for one special hair accessory — the Fascinator, a younger, more modern version of a hat, which is typically an ornate hair accessory that can feature feathers, beads, flowers and other fancy trimmings.
Retailers in the UK said that sales of fascinator head pieces have risen 65% and thousands have been sold in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in the six months since the wedding announcement. Kate Middleton, who has brought fascinators back en vogue in the UK, is getting credit for making the feathered “Fascinator” headwear a must-have in the United States.
Fascination over the Fascinator is growing in the United States, with Google searches up 50% for this style of hat since January.
Kate has worn fascinators on several different occasions, showing women that this is a great accessory that can change up their look. There is no denying that fascinators look so elegant on her.
Fascinator sales have soared recently at Cedar Park, Texas-based Serendipity Tiaras, an online seller and supplier of bridal accessories such as veils, broaches, tiaras and fascinators to bridal boutiques.
“Orders are coming in from all over but most are from California, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” said Serendipity Tiaras owner Lauren Logan.
In the United States, brides tend to prefer headbands, veils and tiaras. The jump in fascinator orders thus caught Logan by surprise.
In fact, at Serendipity Tiaras, fascinator sales have now trumped orders for tiaras, considered to be the traditional wedding headpiece.
“Orders are coming in for all kinds of feathered fascinators. Customers also want fascinators with a small spray of flowers, tulle or with a hat,” she said.
Logan said prices for her China-made fascinators range from $35 to $100. As demand heats up, Logan said some of her styles are on backorder but promises to fulfill each order as quickly as she can.
David’s Bridal, the nation’s largest seller of bridal gowns and accessories used to sell fascinators but only in select stores.
“Demand is up now so we’re making sure we have more of them in stock and we now sell them in all of our stores,” said Dan Rentillo, the company’s design director.
“We are capitalizing on the sudden popularity of fascinators,” said Rentillo.
“In the past, the fascinator was perceived to be an older look,” Rentillo said.”Kate, who is such a style icon, is showing that younger people can pull it off and have fun with it.”
In the United States, fascinators are now seen popping up at parties and other events.
