Prince Philip hands out Duke of Edinburgh awards for ‘final time’

Prince Philip attended the presentation reception for The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holders in the gardens at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday for what is thought to be the last time. He is 96 years old and has announced plans to retire from public duties in the autumn.

The Duke of Edinburgh has attended the presentation of youth achievement awards founded in his name for what is thought to be the last time.

The presentation reception for 350 Duke of Edinburgh gold award holders at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh yesterday is possibly Philip’s last official royal engagement in Scotland. He announced plans to retire from public duties in the autumn.

Since he founded the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards in 1956, six million people have taken part and 2.7 million awards have been handed out.

One of the guest presenters was Corporal Andy Reid, who lost both legs and his right arm while serving in Afghanistan in 2009 and spent just two weeks in hospital before returning home. He has since taken part in a 10K run and works as a motivational speaker.

He said: “It’s quite a historic moment and it’s great to be part of it.”