There's been quite the storm across the UK over the past week, and the days ahead are continuing to look wet and windy for most us. Dressing for the British climate has never been smooth-sailing, but we all know that layering up is the most practical way to cope. And, it looks like the Princess of Wales has found the perfect insulating layer for the gloomy weather days ahead.
Taking to Instagram to mark Mountain Rescue Awareness Day over the weekend, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a family photograph from the Princess' Three Peaks Challenge in June. Her expedition involved climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in just 24 hours and saw her brave a whole range of trying weather conditions. Kate therefore needed the right kit to see her through the arduous challenge.
One of the key pieces Kate relied on was the 'Harkila Womens Sandhem Pro Insulated Cardigan'; a fitted jacket with a quilted, insulated torso ('Thermo Poly Shield' lining) and knitted wool fleece sleeves. As well as being warm, the piece is also wind-repellent, making it ideal for windy weather. It's 'lightweight, quick-drying and moisture-wicking' so it works well as an in-between layer.
Härkila Harkila Sandhem Pro Insulated cardigan
Härkila Harkila Sandhem Pro Insulated cardigan
While Kate's exact jacket is an investment piece at £230, there are some sizes which can sparingly be found on sale at Phillip Morris & Son and Ian Coley Country. However, there are also other versions out there with similar characteristics at a lower price point. The 'LeMieux Maddie Hybrid Jacket' in 'cocoa' is the closest visual match, and also offers lightweight warmth to work well as a handy middle layer. Otherwise, Berghaus 'Nula Hybrid Synthetic Insulated Jacket' appears to share many of the same qualities of Kate's jacket but at almost a third of the price due to being on sale:
Berghaus Women's Nula Hybrid Synthetic Insulated Jacket - Red
The Princess of Wales took on the National Three Peaks Challenge 'not simply as a physical endeavour but as a chance to explore life beyond diagnosis and to give something back,' she wrote in a personal social media post. Her brother, James Middleton, later revealed that the expedition began as an idea while Kate was recovering in hospital, and he said he was 'incredibly proud' of his sister.
'Two years ago, I told you we’d climb this mountain together. We talked about climbing mountains while you were in hospital, and about the incredible healing power that nature can have for both the body and the mind. So it was such an honour to join you for your Three Peaks Challenge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity,' James wrote in a post on his own page.
