Prince Edward presents youngsters with Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards during online ceremony

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has presented young people with their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during a virtual award ceremony,

By James Graves

Published 20th Apr 2020, 17:00 GMT

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The Queen’s youngest son was joined by celebrities including singer Marvin Humes, tennis coach Judy Murray, TV presenter Chris Tarrant and actor Hugh Bonneville for the online presentation.

The video messages were sent to more than 8,000 new Gold Award holders who were originally supposed to receive the accolade at Buckingham Palace with the stars acting as guest presenters.

The ceremonies arranged for March and April were cancelled when lockdown restrictions were imposed.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was set up by Prince Philip in 1956 and is awarded to 14-24-year-olds.

Prince Edward completed the Gold Award himself as a young man and referenced his experiences in his virtual speech.

Prince Edward has been a trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme since 1988.

The Queen