The Duke of Edinburgh welcomes Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders to Buckingham Palace

Published 15 May 2023

In His Royal Highness’ role as Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), The Duke of Edinburgh will host four celebratory events for young people across two days – Monday 15 May and Friday 19 May 2023.

The Duke of Edinburgh hosts a Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Celebration

Throughout the week, over 9,000 young people will be welcomed to the Buckingham Palace Garden, and are the first Gold DofE Award Celebrations hosted by His Royal Highness as Duke of Edinburgh.

At these special events, the Buckingham Palace Garden was transformed into a festival-style celebration, with guests having the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and take part in a range of lawn games and activities.

During each event, guests will be invited to gather in front of the West Terrace Steps for the National Anthem and to hear speeches from The Duke of Edinburgh, DofE alumni and inspirational figures offering insights from their own lives and careers.

At the first celebration on Monday 15 May, The Duke gave a speech about the impact of the Awards, alongside television presenter, former professional footballer, and Silver DofE Award holder Jermaine Jenas.

19-year-old, Gold Award achiever Ffion Davies also told the attendees how the DofE gave her the confidence to follow her dream to become a firefighter.

His Royal Highness also met people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity, and resilience to complete their Gold DofE Award in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.

About The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Founded by Prince Philip in 1956, The Award helps young people build their confidence and develop key life skills in order to reach their full potential.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been a focus of The Duke of Edinburgh’s life and work for four decades since achieving his own Gold Award in 1986. His Royal Highness has played a leadership role in the Award’s development in the United Kingdom and overseas over many years, taking on many responsibilities for its charities from his father.

After becoming The Duke of Edinburgh in March 2023, His Royal Highness was announced Patron of the Award and its international counterpart.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity recently announced record-breaking participation numbers, with 537,759 young people actively taking part in 2022/23, 323,676 starting their DofE.