Following the announcement of Prince Edward having The Duke of Edinburgh title conferred upon him by The King last week, it has been announced the 59-year old will now become the new Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The Patronage were previously held by his late father, Prince Philip. The late Duke of Edinburgh founded the Award in 1956.
Prince Edward has been announced as the new Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh Award. (DofE).
Prince Edward has had a long-standing history with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as he achieved the Gold Award in 1986 and then went on to become a Trustee of the DofE since 1988 and of the International Award since 2006. As a passionate supporter of the Award, he has travelled across the world in support of participants and volunteers who help those achieve their Awards.
Speaking about his new Patronages, The Duke of Edinburgh said: ‘Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time. Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father 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.’
‘Above all, I hope to ensure 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.’
HRH has supported participants of the Award. (DofE).
Ruth Marvel, CEO of the DofE, said: ‘It’s fantastic that The Duke is to become the DofE’s Patron, at a time when young people need our support more than ever. He has played an active role in our charity for many years – meeting young people from all over the UK to hear about the difference they’re making in their communities, and the impact their DofE has had on them.’
‘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. We look forward to working with The Duke to give even more young people the life-changing chance to do their DofE in these crucial coming years.’
Edward was given his Gold Award by his late father, Prince Philip. (DofE).
Stephen Peck, Interim Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer of the International Award, said: ‘We are delighted by the news of The Duke’s patronage. He has always been exceptionally dedicated to the Award; a champion of non-formal education and how it can make a life changing impact to young people all over the world.’
‘Like our Founder, The Duke believes in the potential of young people and the power they have to create a bright future for themselves and make a difference in their communities. 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.’
