Prince Edward, who is the Royal Patron of the BPA, met with team officials and the 15 British athletes who competed in Sochi, where they secured Britain's best ever finish at a Winter Paralympics.

Chief among them was Alpine skier Kelly Gallagher, who along with guide Charlotte Evans secured Britain's first ever gold medal at a Winter Paralympic Games in the women's visually impaired super-G.

Fellow Alpine skier Jade Etherington, and her guide Caroline Powell, became the most successful British women in winter Paralympic history after they bagged three silver medals in the visually impaired downhill, slalom and combined events, while also adding bronze in the super-G race.

Wheelchair curlers Aileen Neilson, Gregor Ewan, Jim Gault, Bob McPherson and Angie Malone secured Britain's final medal of the Games when they overcame China to take bronze.

Kelly Gallagher shows off her Paralympic gold medal to Prince Edward during his visit to BPA's offices in London ©Getty Images



Speaking about the reception with Prince Edward, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014, Penny Briscoe, said: "This has been the most fantastic honour.

"After a wonderful Paralympic Games with so many outstanding performances, it is great that our Royal Patron wanted to show his support for the team by celebrating with a special event.

"The Earl of Wessex is incredibly busy and has many demands on his time, so everyone here was delighted when he said he could attend this event for the athletes.

"We are delighted to be receiving him today and look forward to spending some time with him talking about the Games and the team's fantastic performances."

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