The Duke of Edinburgh has been named patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and International Award, following in his late father’s footsteps with the royal youth awards scheme.
Edward, who was named Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday last week, has been involved with the Awards since 1988. He joined the Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in 2006.
The late Prince Philip founded the award scheme in 1956 to motivate and encourage young people to learn vital life skills. Edward received his Gold Award in 1986.
In a statement, Edward noted the family legacy, saying that the award scheme has “been a major part of my life for a very long time.”
He added that succeeding his father as patron “is a particular honour and quite a responsibility. Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing The Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate.”
Edward has travelled widely on behalf of both the UK Award and the International Award as a key part of his royal duties and said that he aims to ensure that the Award “to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The Duke of Edinburgh Award’s chief executive officer said in a statement, “The Duke shares our belief that opportunities for enrichment and personal development – like the DofE – should be available to all young people, so they can develop the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in an uncertain world.”
Stephen Peck, the Interim Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer of the International Award, added: “On behalf of the 130+ countries delivering the Award, we are excited to continue working closely with The Duke as the Award continues to reach more young people around the world.”
Edward’s announcement as Duke of Edinburgh Award patron coincides with a visit to the East Midlands, where he will meet young people from Derby and Nottingham who are working to achieve their own awards.
