Duke of York to be new patron of Outward Bound charity

THE Duke of Edinburgh has handed over his patronage of the Outward Bound Trust to his son, the Duke of York, it has been announced.

Prince Philip has given more than 65 years of service and personal commitment to the educational charity, known for its characterbuilding outdoor adventures.

The 97-year-old Duke had remained its patron, despite stepping down from public service in 2017, and has now passed the responsibility on to his third child, Prince Andrew.

The Duke of York disclosed he had been interviewed by his father when a position opened up on the board of trustees years ago, with a view to him one day taking over the patronage.

Princess Beatrice, his daughter, has now also been elected to the board as a trustee.

The Duke of York, who has been chairman of the board of trustees since

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards of guiding the trust with the wise guidance of my father’

1999, said: “It is an enormous privilege to take up this appointment of patron from my father, who has been a stalwart supporter of the trust and its work since it was founded in 1941.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and rewards of guiding the trust these past few years with the wise counsel and guidance from my father.”

The patronage is one of just a small handful handed over by the Duke to his family since his retirement.

In 2016, the Duchess of Cornwall took over the role at Friends of the Royal Academy; and in 2018, the Prince of Wales became patron of the Royal College of Art.

The Duke of Edinburgh became patron of the Outward Bound Trust in 1953. His involvement was seen as pivotal in taking Outward Bound’s mission to more than 30 countries worldwide, helping more than a million young people to participate in outdoor learning programmes designed to develop character and produce self-belief and resilience.

Prince Andrew will be succeeded as chairman by Charles Phillips, the charity said.