I had the great pleasure of being introduced to HRH Prince Philip within the first month of starting to work for the DofE. I was fortunate to be a room marshal at a Gold Award Presentation at St James's Palace. Robert Lindsay, of Citizen Smith fame, was the room guest speaker. You could hear a pin drop as the room was informed of The Dukes imminent arrival. The Duke put the young people at their ease and was genuinely interested in the activities they had taken part in. One abiding memory was how he always referred to "Service" when discussing the volunteering section. On being introduced as a new member of DofE staff he was keen to find out where I had previously worked which by coincidence was an Environmental Charity of which The Duke was also Patron. I shall always remember the handshake - the hands of a workman, one used to getting hands on projects.
The second time I met him was at The Diamond Anniversary GAP at Buckingham Palace - a scorcher of a day, but at 95, The Duke was out and about the Palace Gardens meeting young people, laughing and joking with parents and leaders, not for a few minutes but for a considerable time given his age and weather conditions.
I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work for the DofE as Operations Officer in the north of Central England Region and look forward to growing the legacy of The Award in the years to come.