The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has announced this morning that the newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh will be the charities’ new patron.
Prince Edward, a passionate supporter of the DofE and Duke of Edinburgh's International Award for decades, and having achieved his own Gold Award in 1986, takes on the patronage previously held by his father who founded the Award in 1956.
King Charles III handed his late father's title, the Duke of Edinburgh, to his brother Prince Edward in celebration of his 59th birthday on Friday.
The late Prince Philip wanted his son to take on the historic title to mark his decades of commitment to the DofE, the youth scheme which is one of the former Duke's greatest legacies.
The newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh has said it is an honour to become patron of the award to which his father, Prince Philip, gave his title.
He 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.
We're delighted to announce HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as Patron of the DofE and @intaward.
— DofE (@DofE) March 14, 2023
The Duke is a Gold Award holder, has been a passionate supporter of both charities for decades – and shares our belief in the limitless potential of young people. pic.twitter.com/pU7Xn17WuZ
“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.”
The Duke has wasted no time in taking to his new role, having already hosted 10 DofE participants at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, yesterday as award scheme trustee.
This was his first engagement with participants since he was named Duke of Edinburgh.
He is also due to meet with young people and DofE volunteers at various other locations across the UK this week including Derby, Nottingham and Portland College in Mansfield.
Chief executive of the DofE, Ruth Marvel, 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.”
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