The Duke of Edinburgh presented his daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award certificate at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Friday. Lady Louise was among more than 600 young people whose Gold Award achievements were celebrated at the event, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the award scheme founded by Edward's father, Prince Philip, in 1956.
A Family Tradition
Edward, who became Duke of Edinburgh after Philip's death, handed the framed certificate to his 22-year-old daughter during an informal ceremony in the palace's West Drawing Room. They were accompanied by a group of speakers, including Olympic curler Bruce Mouat and other award recipients. After speaking about the bronze, silver, and gold DofE awards, Edward turned and pointed to his daughter, saying: "We've got someone else who's actually done all three." Lady Louise replied: "Just about."
The duke asked her if she had ever received a certificate, and she explained that she had, but they arrived by post. "I did mine mainly during Covid so they didn't really award anything, so, nice to get it now," Lady Louise added. Edward then ushered her across to where other guests stood and gave her the certificate, saying: "It's all a bit staged, but it's just to prove that you actually did get it." He added: "Many congratulations and very well done."
Following in Philip's Footsteps
In handing Lady Louise her certificate, Edward followed in the footsteps of his own father, the late Prince Philip, who gave Edward his own Gold Award certificate at St James's Palace in 1986. Edward shared this memory as part of a "digital scrapbook" on the DofE website for the 70th anniversary. He recalled: "One thing that is ingrained on my memory is my gold award celebration. Usually, my father would give the bunch of award certificates to a presenter to distribute, but this time he talked to our group, gave me my certificate and then said: 'Well, since I've given you that one, I'll give you the rest,' and handed the whole lot to me to hand out."
After the indoor ceremony, the party moved to the palace gardens, where Edward addressed the assembled award recipients and their families. He told them: "Just feel a bit proud of what you have managed to achieve. And when you leave this garden, just walk a few inches taller. Because there are others out there who will say: 'Oh, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, I can do that.' The difference is, you know you can. Well done."
Celebrating Achievements
Following speeches from Bruce Mouat and award recipient Isla Ranger, Edward mingled with attendees, congratulating them on their achievements. During her speech, Ms Ranger told the audience she started the Bronze DofE as "a great chance to hang out with my friends and achieve something." She continued: "I realised quickly that the award was much more than that and through the sections, I discovered new passions and opportunities. Finishing my gold award is not where my journey will end. I hope to continue to volunteer with future expeditions in my local area. The skills I have developed will also stay with me for the rest of my life."
Helen Anderson, DofE award director for Scotland, said: "It's an absolute privilege to be celebrating our amazing gold award holders in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Gardens today – who through their DofE, have shown extraordinary perseverance and resilience, and developed core skills for life. It's incredible to think that 70 years ago, 7,000 young people in the UK started a DofE journey; fast forward to 2026 and this number shoots up to over 345,000. As young people navigate an uncertain time, we will continue to champion opportunities that build their confidence, resilience and human skills."
