I had the pleasure of being at St James Palace with my Son Philip, to get his Gold D of E award in November 2012. Never actually expecting the Duke to attend, as he had been very poorly on several occasions that year, as it had been a particularly busy year for the queen and Duke of Edinburgh because of the many events held to celebrate her diamond jubilee. I got the feeling nothing was going to keep him away from this event though. It was so inspiring watching him engage with the groups of air cadets that day, chatting and joking along with them. He did not make it look like it was run the mill meet and greet session; he seemed to genuinely enjoy listening to them and hearing what the cadets had done to achieve their Gold awards. I think there about 300 cadets there that day, split into groups, in different rooms in the Palace; so, it had to have been a long day for the Duke to be in his feet and meet and Greet, but he looked as if he was in his element. And at 91 years of age at the time, this is some dedication to duty and service. The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme is just one the amazing legacies he has left behind.

The scheme has done so much to inspire many children and young adults over the years.
My son who had wanted to join the RAF but couldn't due to health issues, was so inspired by his cadet activities as well as the D of E scheme, that he has dedicated his spare time to air cadets, eventually becoming Commanding Officer of his own squadron. Helping inspire others to achieve bigger and better things. And encouraging them along the D of E path.

I can't thank this scheme enough for what it has done for my Son. Helped him grow in confidence and great maturity at a very young age with great leadership skills.

So a big Thank you to the Duke and all involved in the scheme.