I completed the three stages of the Duke of Edinburgh Award between 1970 and 1974 and met Prince Philip at an awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 3rd June 1975. I found him very down to earth and he showed a great interest in what we had all undertaken and achieved. I found the DofE scheme enjoyable (e.g. learning about nature,), educational (e.g. first aid) and challenging (e.g. the expeditions and sport), as we are all naturally better at some things than others. Completing the award gave me much more self-confidence, equipped me with many practical skills which I have regularly used, as well as valued lifetime friendships with fellow award winners. It also looks good on your Curriculum Vitae as it says a lot about the qualities you possess.