The Duke of Edinburgh carried out a meaningful engagement this week with strong family ties.
The Duke visited Woodrow High House on Wednesday 7 June – following in the footsteps of his father who carried his first official royal engagement there . The activity centre in Amersham, Buckinghamshire a part of London Youth, an organisation that has provided support for youth development for well over a century.
London Youth works to support capital region youths in six different areas: the arts, employability, mental health and wellbeing, sports, and youth social action. In 2022, they worked with over 28,000 youths in and around London.
Woodrow High House is one of London Youth’s outdoor facilities where youngsters are able to take part in outdoor learning while living in London.
Prince Edward met with staff members and volunteers at the facility, as well as many children and teens taking part in programming. Throughout his visit, he was able to take part in archery lessons, watch visiting school children take part in climbing, and meet with groups developing camping skills. He also met with the London Youth Youth Board and listened as they shared their experiences of taking part in programming when younger.
The Duke of Edinburgh became the Patron of London Youth in 2020, following in his father’s footsteps. Prince Philip was Patron for over 70 years, and it was his first ever charity Patronage.
In addition to London Youth being the late Duke of Edinburgh’s first charity patronage, his first official royal engagement was a visit to Woodrow High House, making Prince Edward’s visit all the more poignant. Over his seven decades as Patron, Prince Philip visited Woodrow High House on four occasions.
The current Duke of Edinburgh has been building more connections with his father’s work and legacy. In addition to his London Youth patronage, Prince Edward has also become patron of The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, a youth award scheme that his father founded and was patron of for over 60 years.
