The Prince of Wales may be out of the country, making his first official visit to Brazil, but his principality was still getting plenty of royal attention. As Prince William put the focus on the environment in Rio de Janeiro, his uncle, Edward, was highlighting the importance of the Welsh language as he met young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Prince Edward was at the Senedd in Cardiff to see some of the participants in current DofE awards in action. He gave them a helping hand as they tried out volunteering activities including sorting clothes for charity shops.
The Duke of Edinburgh is no stranger to that activity as his wife, Sophie, has volunteered at a range of organisations that recycle and sell pre-worn clothes.
And the Duke showed he also had another thing in common with Prince William. The heir to the throne is often seen wearing friendship bracelets, some donated by his children, in particular ten year old Princess Charlotte. Prince Edward tried his hand at making friendship bracelets as he spoke to DofE participants about their experiences on the scheme.
There was also a chance to hear about how the Award Scheme helps young people reach their potential as Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, DofE Chair of Trustees, and adventurer, Tori James, spoke to a group of participants.
Later, the Duke of Edinburgh travelled to The Pierhead to meet young Welsh speakers from Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg and Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni.
While the Duke is used to handing out awards for the scheme, it was his turn to receive recognition on behalf of the organisation. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was given Cynnig Cymraeg certificate from the Welsh Language Commissioner for its work to make sure its activities are available to all people in Wales in their preferred language.
Prince Edward had a chance to try out some more Welsh a little later as his visit concluded at Urdd Cardiff Residential Centre where DofE participants were learning first aid and practising orienteering skills ahead of taking on an expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has been providing Welsh language services for many years and also encourages as many Welsh speakers as possible to become leaders or take part in their DofE Youth Ambassadors programme.
Stephanie Price, Director – Wales at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said ”our ambition at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is to create a bilingual environment where young Welsh speakers and learners are supported to participate fully…..we’re strengthening partnerships with Welsh language organisations and we’ll continue to develop Welsh language resources.”
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales is in Brazil where he’s carrying out engagements linked to the environment ahead of the Earthshot Prize ceremony on November 5.
Prince William has already played beach volleyball on Copacabana Beach where he found out more about classes that help disadvantaged young people.
He also met lifeguards on the beach and heard about work to promote sustainability on the sands and among those who come to enjoy them.
And Prince William being Prince William and Brazil being the ultimate home of football, the heir to the throne headed to the Macarana Stadium to team up with double World Cup winner, Cafu, for a leadership programme for 75 young changemakers.
