The Duke of York has become the patron of the Outward Bound Trust, taking over the role from the Duke of Edinburgh. Princess Beatrice of York has also been elected to the organisation’s Board of Trustees.
Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Andrew would be following in his father’s footsteps on Tuesday morning. The Duke of York said, following the announcement, that it was ”an enormous privilege to take up this appointment of Patron from my father, who has been a stalwart supporter of the Trust”. The Duke of Edinburgh became patron of the Outward Bound Trust in 1953 and since then has helped support it as it expanded it work across thirty countries. He also famously hosted film star, Tom Cruise, at a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the Trust’s 75th anniversary.
The Trust was set up in 1941 by Kurt Hahn who founded Gordonstoun School which Prince Philip attended and which he and the Queen would choose for the education of their three sons. The Trust was originally established to provide training for merchant seamen who were joining the Royal Navy during World War Two. Since then it has developed into a global charity which aims to encourage and develop skills in young people through outdoor learning courses.
The Duke of York has been Chair of the Trust’s Board since 1999, a position which he got after passing an interview panel chaired by the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Andrew said that experience had ensured he always knew what his father expected from the organisation. As he took on his new role, the Duke of York added ”I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards of guiding the Trust these past few years with the wise council and guidance from my father”.
As Prince Philip stepped down from his role, the Chief Executive of the Outward Bound Trust, Nick Barrett, said ”The Duke of Edinburgh’s involvement has gone far beyond any mere call of duty, we are immensely thankful but also stronger for all his intelligent and thoughtful direction and interventions”.
As the handover of the patronage was confirmed, it was also announced that Princess Beatrice has now been elected to the Board of the Outward Bound Trust as a Trustee, following in the footsteps of her own father.