Duke of Edinburgh becomes patron of the award donated by his father

The King passed his late father’s title of Duke of Edinburgh to his brother Prince Edward on Friday, on the occasion of his 59th birthday.

Philip wanted his son to take on the historic title to honor Edward’s decades-long commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth program that is one of Philip’s greatest legacies.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award have now announced that the Duke of Edinburgh will be the new Patron of Charities.

Edward, a passionate supporter of the DofE and International Awards for decades and having received his own Gold Award in 1986, takes over the patronage previously held by his father, who founded the award in 1956.

The Duke said: “Some say the Duke of Edinburgh’s award is in my DNA; It has certainly been an important part of my life for a very long time.

“Being able to take over the role of patron after my father is a special honor and a great responsibility.

“Maintaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world is close to my heart, as is pursuing the award’s long-term goal of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate.

“Above all, I hope to ensure that the award to which my father bestowed his title, those who attain it, and those who present it continue to enjoy the recognition they so much deserve.”

On Monday, the Duke received 10 participants in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

He met her in his role as Trustee of the Awards Scheme on his first engagement with participants since becoming Duke of Edinburgh.

On Tuesday Edward will visit the East Midlands where he will meet young people in Derby and Nottingham.

He will meet young DofE volunteers on a farm in the city of Nottingham and participants advancing their careers through DofE Business at Balfour Beatty’s national center in Derby.

The Duke will also attend Portland College in Mansfield, a residential and therapy college for young people with disabilities, where DofE is part of the college curriculum.

Ruth Marvel, Executive Director of DofE, said: “It is fantastic that the Duke will become Patron of DofE 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 across the UK to hear what they are 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 abilities 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 opportunity to do their DofE in these crucial years ahead.”