It is with great sadness that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh has passed away, I have fond memories of chatting to him when I received my Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award at Buckingham Palace in 1979, It was a very special time in my life. With my two sons also receiving their Gold Awards as well, he will be greatly missed, such a lovely man, a true inspiration to young people over the years. As a Duke of Edinburgh Supervisor and Assessor, I will continue to support the Duke of Edinburgh Award and his vision to provide young people with the opportunity to discover their true potential through the scheme.

My thoughts and preys are with his family at this very sad time.