I completed my DofE Gold in about 1996, having carried out a range of activities including rifle shooting, volunteering as a scout assistant leader and expeditions across most of the UK.

My final Gold Exped was a month long trip to Bolivia and Peru organised partly through DofE. It was an experience I won't forget and it was only topped by having a brief chat to the Duke at my Gold presentation as we had both been to Machu Picchu.

The Duke was a true Gent, relaxed and easy to talk to despite a huge difference in age and background. His stamina was seriously impressive and he never seemed tired of talking to people about their experiences.

I later joined the Army and was proud that he was Colonel-in-Cheif of the corps I joined - the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.