The Duke of Edinburgh visits Germany and the Czech Republic in support of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Monday 22 May

The Duke of Edinburgh was welcomed to Germany by the UK Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Mrs Jill Gallard, before joining a lunch with members of the Bundestag at the British Embassy.

At Schule am Schillerpark School, His Royal Highness joined the Minister of Education Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Senator of Education Katharina Günther-Wünsch to meet young people at the school who a participating in the The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Active in more than 130 countries, currently over 3,000 young people are participating in the scheme in Germany.

During the visit to the school, The Duke was shown a display of DofE implementation at the school, and paid a visit to the ‘Waffle Stand’ – a student enterprise founded by young people working towards their Award.

His Royal Highness, accompanied by Vanessa Masing, National Director of the Award in Germany, joined in a Roundtable Discussion.

At James-Simon-Galerie, The Duke attended a Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Ceremony.

His Royal Highness also presented the Founder’s Medal of the DofE International Award Foundation to Klaus Vogel, DofE Founder in Germany and National Director from 1995 – 2020.

The event finished with The Duke signed the Golden Book of Berlin – which also recently signed by The King and Queen during their state visit to Germany in March.

Tuesday 23 May

The Duke’s second day in Berlin started at Alexander Haus, where he received a tour and learnt more about the history of the house and its occupants.

Built in 1927 for Jewish doctor and former president of the Berlin Medical Association Dr. Alfred Alexander as a weekend and summer house for the family, the house has been empty since 2003.

In 2013 an initiative was established by local residents and members of the Alexander family, the aim is to transform property into a Centre for Education and Reconciliation.

His Royal Highness also met community volunteers working at Alexander Haus, as well as school children who were taking part in a literacy workshop.

Following a plaque unveiling and goodbyes, The Duke departed Berlin for Prague, Czech Republic.

On arrival at Spandau Central Station, His Royal Highness was welcomed to the Czech Republic by the UK Ambassador, Mr Matthew Field OBE.

There was also the chance to view the monument to Sir Nicholas Winton and the Czech Kindertransport, where The Duke laid flowers.

At the Ambassador’s residence, His Royal Highness attended a youth reception which included those who are currently participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

DofE was first brought to the Czech Republic in 1995, and in 2013 The Duke first visited the country when the Award established a new national office in Prague.

Wednesday 24 May

At Prague Castle, The Duke had a meeting with President Petr Pavel.

Next, His Royal Highness paid tribute to his father at the Tree Alley of HRH Prince Philip in Vestec u Prahy.

The trees were planted last year in tribute to the late Prince Philip, who founded the DofE.

The Duke met groups of DofE Award participants who were involved in the tree planting and are involved in environmental projects.

At the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, His Royal Highness was welcomed by Mrs Vera Kovarova, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, and was introduced to members of the Czech DofE’s Youth Advisory Board.

The Duke then joined parliamentarians for a roundtable discussion on non-formal education.

At the Czech Senate, His Royal Highness then joined a Gold Award ceremony, where he presented certificates and met all the young people who have achieved their DofE Gold Award in the last two years.

Thursday 25 May 

At Youth Centre for Award in Action, The Duke met students who are participating in the DofE and was shown some of the activities they are learning as part of the Award.

During the visit, His Royal Highness also able to meet those who run the DofE scheme in the Czech Republic.

Next, The Duke visited the Operation Anthropoid Memorial and the Cathedral of Saints Cyril & Methodius where he laid flowers at the memorial.