Prince Harry looks lovingly at royal wedding pic after leaving Meghan Markle at home on Valentine’s Day to join troops in Norway
PRINCE Harry today gazed lovingly at a snap of his wedding after leaving wife Meghan Markle at home for their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple.
The Duke of Sussex grinned as he spotted the photograph on the wall of a makeshift shelter built of snow during a visit to British forces undergoing winter survival training inside the Arctic Circle.
The 34-year-old, who is due to become a father for the first time when the Duchess of Sussex gives birth later this year, arrived in Bardufoss, Norway with temperatures around freezing point for his visit to the Bardufoss air station, some 200 miles (322km) within the Arctic Circle.
And Prince Harry was struck by the photograph of his wedding day, joking it was a “private shrine”.
The visit means Harry was without Meghan by his side for the romantic February 14th celebrations – despite her previously confessing she was a total “sucker” for the romantic day.
Back in 2015, the former Suits actress wrote on her lifestyle blog The Tig: “Hook, line and sinker, I am such a sucker for Valentine’s Day.
“Without fail, every February 14th, I wake up feeling like I’m immersed in a Robert Doisneau photo, waiting with bated breath to be dipped into a kiss.
“This is all happening in black and white, of course.”
The Duchess of Sussex also said she’d be spending the day “in Paris, if I had my way.”
But luckily for Meghan, Prince Harry is expected to return home from his trip this evening.
The romantic day comes as the couple have faced increasing drama as the former actress’ letter to her estranged dad was released.
The Duchess of Sussex begged dad Thomas Markle to stop “victimising” her and targeting her husband in the explosive handwritten note.
VISIT ON ICE
Harry’s trip marks the 50th anniversary of Commando Helicopter Force and Joint Helicopter Command deploying to the remote base, where military personnel are taught how to survive, operate and fight in the sub-zero conditions, as well as gaining experience of operating aircraft in severe cold weather and mountainous environments.
The multinational exercise, hosted by the Norwegian Armed Forces, comprises environmental flying qualifications, cold weather survival, and snow and ice driving courses.
The duke, in his role as Captain General Royal Marines, met with military personnel living and training at the base.
Harry also checked out field tents, snow vehicles and a Quincey Shelter, a makeshift shelter built of snow in which the elite forces are able to camp.
Harry was appointed Captain General Royal Marines in December 2017, taking over the role from his grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh, who held the appointment for 64 years.
Hook, line and sinker, I am such a sucker for Valentine’s Day.
Meghan Markle
The duke already has experience of colder climates, facing temperatures as low as -35C on charity expeditions.
Harry took part in treks to the North Pole in 2011 and South Pole in 2013 with Walking With The Wounded.
Lieutenant Colonel David West, officer commanding Exercise Clockwork, said: “We are celebrating 50 years of Exercise Clockwork today and are honoured to be able to welcome the Captain General of the Royal Marines to Bardufoss to mark the occasion.
“Harry is used to rigours of harsh climates and so will fully understand the dangers of trying to live and operate in such an extreme environment.
“Clockwork continues to deliver vital training for our people.
“It provides essential experience in flying and surviving in the extreme cold hundreds of miles inside the Arctic Circle.
“For 50 years Commando Helicopter Force and its predecessors have operated in this region and the skills learnt here are more relevant than ever.”
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