Prince Harry's Friend Beats World Record Cycling Across America To Make It To Royal Wedding

May 15, 2018

The royal wedding is almost about to start. The preparations have already begun, and the excitement is rising with every minute!

We dropped in on the Kitchens at Windsor Castle, who will shortly begin final preparations for the #RoyalWedding.

Take a look behind the scenes with Royal Chef Mark Flanagan and his team: https://t.co/91PHLXKv3v pic.twitter.com/2W3w1IhQdh
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) May 14, 2018

As the guests start to arrive in the UK, there is one person Prince Harry is hoping to see – his old friend from military training, who was cycling across America at the time when he received an invitation.

Dean Scott had a mission. He embarked on a challenge to cycle the length of South and North America. The journey should have taken 110 days. He began his adventure on February 1 before the invitations were sent out.

But halfway through the journey, he found out that Prince Harry wants him to witness how he and his bride will be walking down the aisle, Scott was extremely motivated to speed up.

That was my new motivation. I surprised myself really. It’s a bit surreal still.

Dean Stott not only finished just in time for the wedding — he also beat the Guinness World Record by 18 days!

via GIPHY

Former Aberdeen special forces soldier @Dean_deanstott breaks Pan American Highway world record - thanks to chat with Prince Harry https://t.co/VrKHKykIRd pic.twitter.com/4pHWqsTXN4
— Evening Express (@EveningExpress) May 14, 2018

The amateur cyclist admitted the challenge was “one of the hardest things” he’s ever done:

After over two years of training, I’m delighted to have not only finished but broken the Guinness World Record. There were definitely moments where I thought I couldn’t finish but the support has helped me make it to the finish line.

The new world record holder came to the finish line in 99 days. He started cycling after having an injury that affected his running ability. It was Prince Harry who inspired him to do the challenge.

via GIPHY

People reacted to his incredible journey on Twitter:

HUGE congratulations to @Dean_deanstott @pah_2018!!! Amazing journey, 2 world records and over half a million pounds raised for @heads_together charity partners!! 💚💙 https://t.co/6UvsTYDnTw
— Best Beginnings (@bestbeginnings) May 13, 2018

Dean-what a great achievement and thanks very much for supporting @MindCharity and the @heads_together charities. Look forward to seeing you post-recovery.
— Paul Farmer (@paulfarmermind) May 13, 2018

Dean, you are truly inspirational. You didn’t just break the world record, you absolutely smashed it! Plus the fact you have already raised so much money and awareness for mental health. Just incredible 👍
— Jon Salmon (@jonsalmon) May 13, 2018

An amazing achievement congratulations @Dean_deanstott on you incredible ride and your fund raising effort! https://t.co/UXmPepdstm
— Gareth Rees (@GarethReesXV) May 13, 2018

Unbelievable effort Dean @pah_2018 in just 99 days 12hrs 56mins 2 X New GWR also set. All for a fantastic cause @heads_together #MentalHealthAwareness. pic.twitter.com/pzGiqkXG84
— Andy Green (@greendog756) May 13, 2018

Scott also wanted to raise more than £1 million ($1.36 million) for charities focused on mental health. He said:

Thanks to people like Prince Harry and the Heads Together charity partners, mental health is being spoken about much more and I hope by doing this, I have been able to inspire even more people to speak out and get the help they need.

Dean Scott is now excited to see his wife and two children earlier than planned. He jokes his wife would have divorced him if they had to miss the royal wedding.