Watch Harry's Arctic Heroes

Harry's Arctic Heroes is a BBC documentary series that follows a team of wounded soldiers as they attempt to reach the North Pole on foot. The show, which premiered in 2011, was presented by Prince Harry and served as a tribute to British servicemen and women who were injured while serving their country. Over four episodes, viewers are taken on a journey that combines adventure, survival skills, and inspiring human stories.

The show begins at the British Army's Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey where Prince Harry meets the four soldiers who will join him on the expedition: Captain Martin Hewitt, Captain Guy Disney, Private Jaco Van Gass, and Sergeant Stephen Young. All four men have suffered injuries while serving in Afghanistan, and the show seeks to highlight their resilience, determination, and courage. We learn about their injuries and their recovery process as they train for the ultimate challenge of reaching the North Pole.

From there, the team travels to Svalbard, a remote island off the coast of Norway, where they undergo their final preparations before setting off on their trek. They learn how to use the equipment they will need, including sleds, tents, and clothing designed for extreme cold. They also receive training in navigation and survival skills, including how to build a shelter and start a fire in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

The first episode focuses on the beginning of the expedition, as Harry and his team set off on their journey towards the North Pole. The conditions are harsh, with freezing temperatures and strong winds that make progress difficult. Viewers are given a vivid sense of what it's like to travel across the frozen Arctic tundra, as the soldiers pull their heavy sleds over the ice for many hours a day. We see them deal with blisters, frostbite, and exhaustion, as well as the psychological challenges of such a grueling trip.

In the second episode, the team faces even greater challenges as they encounter open water that they must cross using air mattresses and makeshift paddle. They are also forced to navigate their way through areas of thin ice, which add an extra level of danger to their already perilous journey. Along the way, viewers get to know each of the soldiers better, as Prince Harry spends time with them individually and learns about their backgrounds, motivations, and hopes for the future.

The third episode sees the team approach the North Pole itself, but it's far from a smooth journey. They face increasingly difficult conditions, including deep snowdrifts that make progress slow and exhausting. They also have to deal with areas of open water that threaten to separate them from their sleds and supplies. Despite these setbacks, the soldiers keep pushing forward, motivated by a desire to prove themselves and to inspire others who have suffered similar injuries.

The final episode brings the team to the end of their journey, as they finally reach the North Pole after weeks of hardship and adversity. It's a moment of triumph that highlights the incredible resilience of the soldiers and their ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Along the way, we see the emotional bonds that have developed between the soldiers, as they have relied on each other for support and encouragement. The show ends with a sense of pride and accomplishment, as the team returns home to a heroes' welcome and a newfound sense of purpose and hope.

Harry's Arctic Heroes is a moving and inspiring documentary series that showcases the bravery and determination of four wounded soldiers as they take on one of the toughest challenges in the world. It's a testament to the power of human resilience and the enduring spirit of the British Armed Forces. Through breathtaking footage and personal interviews, viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of these incredible men and the struggles they have faced, while also highlighting the importance of rehabilitation and support for wounded veterans. Overall, it's a show that leaves a lasting impression and reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of those who serve their country.

Harry's Arctic Heroes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between August 23, 2011 and on BBC