Prince Edward has arrived in Sydney for a three-day visit in support of a popular program for young people.
The royal will meet with a range of Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants, volunteers and community leaders during his visit.
The Duke of Edinburgh himself walked through Sydney Airport flanked by a team of helpers on Monday night after arriving on a commercial flight from New Zealand, where he’d also been working to support the program.
Peter Kaye, the award’s Australia CEO, said the organisation was looking forward to the duke’s visit.
“This visit is part of a significant chapter for the Duke of Ed in Australia as we celebrate a recent record in the number of young people using the framework,” he said.
“While the Duke of Ed has been operating in Australia for over 60 years, our growing number of participants indicate this Framework is now more relevant than ever amongst young Australians seeking to build essential life skills, access higher education and gain employment.”
The duke will also take part in an awards ceremony for the gold level of the award, available for young people aged 16 and up.
Prince Philip founded the award in 1956, it came to Australia 1959 and has since counted more than 800,000 participants.
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The “Duke of Ed” can take more than a year to complete depending on age and includes a self-designed program featuring volunteering, physical activity, learning or improving skills and a team “adventure”.
“We know the classroom is not the only place for learning, which is why The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is dedicated to helping all young Australians realise their passions and develop important life skills such as building resilience, confidence, perseverance and; pushing themselves out of their comfort zones,” Kaye said.
“The award framework plays an important role in helping young people find their purpose, passion and place in the world and become world ready.”
