Key Points
- The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships in Méribel, France, as Patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association.
- She watched competitions involving Army, Royal Navy and RAF athletes in skiing, snowboarding and telemark events.
- The Duchess joined a reception marking the association’s 75th anniversary and delivered a speech to over 300 guests.
- The event is the 75th anniversary of the championships and the 20th time Méribel has hosted it.
- She travelled from Heathrow on 5 February and mingled with athletes, coaches and volunteers at the Hôtel l’Éterlou.
Méribel (Edinburgh Daily News) February 6, 2026 – The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the French Alpine resort of Méribel to support the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association at the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships.
As Patron of the association, she observed athletes from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF competing in skiing, snowboarding and telemark events during the annual tournament.
According to Geo TV, the Duchess jetted off from Heathrow on 5 February and enjoyed a front-row view of the competitions in the Three Valleys resort.
What did the Duchess do during her visit?
The Duchess later attended a celebratory reception to honour the association’s 75th anniversary, mingling with competitors, coaches and volunteers from all three services.
She delivered a speech to more than 300 guests praising their dedication before the evening concluded with toasts at the Hôtel l’Éterlou.
As reported by Simon Hunter of Forces News, the championships featured a sparkling opening ceremony with fanfare, fireworks and parades by teams from the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Armed Forces Para Snow Sport Team.
Why is this year’s event significant?
Forces News highlighted that the championships mark the 75th anniversary of the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships and the 20th occasion Méribel in the Les 3 Vallées region has hosted the prestigious competition.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff and President of the association, gave a speech at the opening ceremony attended by athletes, dignitaries and sponsors.
How was the opening ceremony conducted?
Competitors paraded under floodlights to entrance music, followed by a dramatic descent by officials from École Ski Français illuminated by LED lights and lanterns resembling Olympic torches, according to Forces News.
What are the Duchess’s upcoming commitments?
Geo TV reported that the Duchess and her husband Prince Edward will reunite for the XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo starting 7 March.
The visit underscores ongoing royal support for armed forces sports amid celebrations of key milestones in military winter competitions.
