More used to Grand Prix cars than dog sleighs, Monacos Prince Alberts forthcoming trek to the North Pole has been greeted with surprise by many.
But the Prince is fairly accustomed to the cold, in contrast to the Mediterranean warmth of Monaco where he became ruler last July following the passing of his father Prince Rainier, who had ruled the tax haven for over 50 years.
Albert represented Monaco at the last five Winter Olympic Games in their Bobsleigh team. And he is going to face some cold and hostile conditions on his seven day trip to bring to the attention of fellow world leaders the environmental damage to the arctic regions that global warming is having.
Speaking at a recent news conference in Monaco, Albert explained his thinking behind the trip to assembled journalists.
If in our modest way, by this action we are able to bring environmental problems to the forefront and force some leaders to take stronger actions, this expedition will have achieved its objectives.
Environmentalists have welcomed Alberts expedition, and his image in the worlds media is changing from that of a playboy millionaire to a responsible leader.
In 2002...