It is with great sadness that The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award acknowledges the death of our Founder HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, AK.
Sixty-five years ago, His Royal Highness established The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK and 62 years ago in Australia. Since then, it has been delivered in more than 130 countries and territories, equipping and empowering millions of young people to build the skills, confidence and resilience they need to support their communities and be ready for the world.
Peter Kaye the Australian CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award says:
‘The International Award family mourns the loss of our inspirational Founder. Prince Philip’s belief in the infinite potential of young people, coupled with his championing of non-formal education and learning, positioned him as a leader and thinker of truly global stature.
Through the personal leadership and involvement of Prince Philip, the Award that bears his name has transformed the lives of millions of young people since it started in 1956 and well over 750,000 in Australia. As young people face exceptional challenge and change in the wake of the current pandemic, this “do-it-yourself growing-up kit”, as he described it, is even more relevant today than ever. He was a hands on leader and consistently challenged and encouraged community, government and business leaders to recognise the power and potential of young people.
His Royal Highness’s vision, passion for, and commitment to, the work of the Award and the development of young people continued until the last. His determination, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. As will be his engaging, inquisitive and friendly nature’
Every year, more than a million young people participate in the Award worldwide with around 30,000 commencing their Duke of Ed challenge in Australia each year, supported by around 60,000 volunteers.
BOOK OF CONDOLENCES
If you would like to share a message of condolence, or a memory of the Duke of Ed and what it means to you, please share them here. We will collect these tributes to send an official letter of condolence from the Australian Award family to HM The Queen, HRH The Earl of Wessex, and their families.
Media enquiries: Peter Kaye AM, National CEO 0418 617357
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