Having got my gold award in 2009, the presentation was on his 88th birthday but we weren’t to say anything about it as he requested not to. The DofE states it’s our day, we only get this kind of celebration once, he has a birthday every year.

In my presentation group there was a sea cadet in full uniform so he zoned in on him, asking the most intricate naval questions and enjoying seeing the young cadet getting flustered!
The DofE addressed the families too and make everyone laugh.

He was a warm funny genuine man and may he rest in peace