Lady Louise Windsor, aged 22, received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award from her father, Duke of Edinburgh Edward, at a special ceremony held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The event celebrated over 600 young individuals who achieved the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, established by Prince Philip in 1956. Edward, who assumed the title of Duke of Edinburgh after Philip’s passing, presented Lady Louise, a recent graduate of the University of St Andrews, with her certificate in a casual setting at the palace.
During the ceremony, Edward acknowledged various speakers, including Olympic curler Bruce Mouat, and highlighted the significance of the bronze, silver, and gold DofE awards before pointing out Lady Louise’s completion of all three levels. Lady Louise mentioned completing the award during the pandemic and receiving the certificate by mail, expressing gratitude for finally receiving it in person.
Edward then handed Lady Louise her framed DofE certificate, congratulating her on the achievement. This gesture mirrored a similar moment from Edward’s own past when Prince Philip presented him with his certificate in 1986 at St James’s Palace. Following the indoor ceremony, Edward addressed the attendees in the gardens, encouraging them to take pride in their accomplishments and stand taller as they move forward.
Among the attendees was Bryan Caine, a Gold Award recipient from 1966 and a long-time Scout leader, who shared his experience of meeting Prince Philip years ago. The event also featured speeches by other award recipients like Isla Ranger, who found the program mentally challenging but rewarding. Friends who completed the award together shared humorous anecdotes about their expeditions, highlighting the perseverance required.
The celebration concluded with Edward mingling with the guests, offering his congratulations and sharing in the joy of their achievements. The event served as a memorable occasion for all, marking the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program.
