Prince Harry's Arctic trek

Britain's Prince Harry is set to go on a gruelling trek to the North Pole with four wounded soldiers.

The third in line to the throne, is currently in training for the expedition, which leaves on March 23.

It hopes to raise £2million for the Walking with the Wounded charity, helping injured troops return to work.

Harry, 26, is planning to join the injured soldiers - who will be pulling sledges - for at least a week of their month-long adventure, which is expected to finish at the end of April.

Clarence House has confirmed Harry wants to take part in the expedition as the charity's patron but only if his training as an Apache helicopter pilot allows.

A spokesperson added: "He would still very much love to join the expedition, and if he can, he will.

"However, his military training commitments mean he will not know for some weeks whether this is going to be possible, so in the meantime, he is following preparations closely."

The prince - whose tough training involves dragging tyres - will face the same dangers as the rest of the group, including minus 60 degrees temperatures, the risk of falling into freezing water and attacks by polar bears.

The soldiers - who launched their expedition yesterday (12.01.11) in London's Trafalgar Square - were all injured in Afghanistan, where Harry has served with the Armed Forces.

They include Guy Disney and Jaco Van Gass, who both lost limbs in the conflict, Martin Hewitt, whose right arm was paralysed by a bullet and Steve Young who suffered a broken back.

Captain Disney said of the prince: "I've heard his training is going well and he's getting fit for the expedition."