"No driving like that on our roads!" Kate Middleton and Prince William's cheeky message to soldier rally team

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 Rally

 

The 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.