Royal Watch News

Prince Andrew to abseil down The Shard

Jul 13, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Andrew

Britain's Prince Andrew is to abseil down The Shard.

The 52-year-old royal will be joined by the British Foreign Secretary William Hague's wife Ffion and 20 others as they make the descent down Europe's tallest building in London on September 3 to raise money for the Outward Bound Trust and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Commenting on the exciting venture, Andrew - also known as the Duke of York - said: 'I am delighted to lead the descent of The Shard.

'I am also very proud, as the Chairman of The Outward Bound Trust, of the work the Trust undertakes with young people to give them challenge through adventure.'

An aide close to Andrew added: 'He's thoroughly up for it.'

The prince - Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh's second son - will be training with the Royal Marines in preparation for the descent down The Shard, which is 1,016 feet tall.

The Duke of York was at the opening of London's newest landmark earlier this month.