The Duke of Edinburgh visits Woodrow High House

Woodrow High House is a Grade II listed manor house in the Chilterns, steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. It was likely built mid-17th century, with notable residents including the Tyrwhitt-Drake family and wife and daughters of Oliver Cromwell. In one of the hallways, a bust of Prince Philip by sculptor Frances Segelman is proudly displayed. It was commissioned to mark 50 years of his work with the charity.

Outdoor learning is a key tenet of London Youth’s. The charity believes that all young Londoners – especially those who have limited opportunities to leave the city for a day trip, or overnight stay – should have access to outdoor adventure.

Before The Duke of Edinburgh took over in 2020, his father Prince Philip had been Patron of London Youth for over 70 years, his first charity patronage. During this time, he visited Woodrow High House, one of the charity’s two outdoor residential centres, four times.

Today, The Duke was welcomed by the centre’s staff team, alongside senior leaders at London Youth and given a walking tour of the expansive grounds. The tour included face to face meetings with outdoor instructors and children and young people from visiting schools.

The Duke also met with representatives from London Youth’s Youth Board, who gathered around the outdoor bushcraft circle to welcome His Royal Highness and share their experience of being young advisors to the charity.

The tour of the grounds ended at the site of the centre’s High Ropes activity, where The Duke was able to witness first hand a group of young people experiencing the thrills and adventure of outdoor learning.

Before departing, His Royal Highness had a special viewing of archival materials on the history of the centre, featuring pictures of his late father and visitors’ books signed by Prince Philip when he visited Woodrow.