I still remember the excitement and nerves as I re-read through my notes on the train heading into London for my second Gold Award Presentation at St James Palace. This time I had been tasked with being a Steward in the Queen Anne Room and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh was going to be in attendance. As I was given the 5 minute signal for his arrival I felt my heart race and started to speak faster- I can do this. The doors opened and there he was, immediately smiling, making a joke and putting the whole room at ease. What was i worried about, his presence, his humour and warmth towards the young people was relieving.
I am Proud to work at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to meet HRH on a couple of occasions before his retirement from public service.