The Duke of Edinburgh welcomes Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders to Buckingham Palace
Published
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.
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.
Related content
Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall
You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.
A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington
Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...
The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington
The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.
The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.
The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission
It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.
The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to the United States of America followed by a Royal Visit by The King to Bermuda
A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room
I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...
The King's speech at the Nigeria State Banquet
We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at...
The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day
Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026
Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...
Royal Household Gift Policy 2026
This Gift Policy seeks to provide a framework for the management of gifts by The Royal Household, on behalf of The Sovereign and other Members of The Royal Family.
A message from His Majesty The King congratulating Team GB and teams across the Commonwealth on their successes at the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.
As the Winter Games come to a close, my wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Olympic medal winners from Team GB, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on...
A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson
My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. I remember with great fondness meeting him...
The Queen hears about Avon and Somerset Police's approach to tackling domestic abuse
12 February 2026
A message from The King ahead of a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate carers
So to those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small...
A message from The King, following the attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia
My wife and I were profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the most dreadful attack at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia. We can only express our deepest...
