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 sunshine 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.
Prince Albert represented Monaco at the last five Winter Olympic Games in their Bobsleigh team. But even that is unlikely to compare as he faces cold and hostile conditions on his seven day trip, to highlight the environmental damage to the arctic regions that global warming is having.
At a recent news conference in Monte Carlo, Albert explained his thinking behind the trip to 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.
Environment campaigners 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 47 year old Prince Albert...