LAUNCHING AN EPIC RIDE FROM LONDON TO MONACO LADY AMELIA WINDSOR THE YOUNG ROYAL ON HER LOVE OF NATURE - AND HER MISSION TO TURN THE TIDE AND HELP SAVE THE PLANET

'I like to look at the natural forms around me. There are so many beautiful places in the UK that we're spoilt for choice'

- SALLY MORGAN

Against the magnificent backdrop of Somerset House, excited cheers from more than 100 cyclists filled the air as Lady Amelia Windsor proudly cut a blue ribbon to launch an epic London to Monaco bike ride.

Taking in seven countries in just eight days, via the soaring snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps and sparkling Italian Lakes, the 620-mile journey was due to end with a champagne finish and a personal welcome at the palace of another royal – Prince Albert of Monaco.

The annual ride, which raised over £100,000 before it had even begun, was in aid of the ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation, for which 28-year-old model Amelia is an ambassador.

“It was fun and such an honour to be asked to start it off,” she exclusively told HELLO! as we joined her for the event. “The cyclists seemed good to go and, in my opinion, very brave.”

Displaying her green fashion credentials for the occasion in her favourite multicoloured the occasion in her favourite multicoloured Quad dress, which was crafted in recycled fabric by Kitty Joseph, a British designer of sustainable and ethical fashion, she continued: “I don’t think I’d be able to cycle that far – I’d have to practise a bit first – but I’m sure it would be an amazing experience.

“Although I grew up riding a bike in Cambridge, where it’s easier to cycle, I don’t do it in London as I’d find it terrifying. I walk everywhere instead.”

However, Amelia, who is the Duke of Kent’s granddaughter, recalled how she went cycling on a holiday in the Alps in August – on an e-bike.