I was not a beater of children and as a consequence I've always been, I think, very agreeable and co-operative.

The Sherpas play a very important role in most mountaineering expeditions, and in fact many of them lead along the ridges and up to the summit.

I have a number of heroes I still have warm feelings about. [Derek] Shackleton, for instance, was definitely, and still is, one of my great heroes.

We shared a philosophy together [with June Hillary]. We believed very strongly in the welfare of helping other people, particularly the Third World people.

Boredom has always been a problem.

Nothing can replace courage, a resounding motivation and that little bit of luck.

I'm definitely a Queen supporter. She was great.