Duke hails gold award winners at palace event

THE Duke of Edinburgh has hosted a celebratory event for winners of the gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, telling them: “I hope you’ll continue to make a difference to others in the future.”

The ceremony at Buckingham Palace yesterday was the first of four events for gold award winners and their guests, which will see more than 8,000 young people celebrated in the palace gardens over the course of two days.

Addressing the audience, Edward said: “I trust when you look back that the experience was a good one, and that it was an enjoyable one – that you did have fun, although I’m guessing there were probably times when you were wondering why you were doing it and, if it was anything like mine, it was probably halfway through your adventurous journey.

“But it’s a great feeling when you get to the end and it’s that feeling at the end, that sense of achievement which I think is so important about this whole experience, and you’ll discover that goes on throughout life.

“There will be challenges, there will be times when you’ll wonder why, but it’s great when you get to the end.”

To achieve a gold Duke of Edinburgh award, participants must complete 12 months of volunteering, a four-day expedition, and various physical, skill-based and residential challenges.

Edward received his gold award from his father Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, at St James’s Palace in 1986.