We were delighted to see two of our UVI students, Milly H and Lottie S, join with 2023 Leavers, Tessa and Phoebe, as guests of honour at a Garden Party in the Buckingham Palace Garden held to celebrate their achievement of completing the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award. The celebration saw The Duke of Edinburgh – who received his own Gold Award from his father Prince Philip at nearby St James’s Palace in 1986 – congratulate attendees in a speech from the Palace’s West Terrace. The Duke also met Award holders, hearing about the positive impact their DofE experience has had on them.

Here, Lottie S (UVI) reports on the experience:

'On Friday 10th May, Milly H (UVI) and I along with alumnae Tessa (2023 Leaver) and Phoebe (2023 leaver) had the prestigious honour of being invited to Buckingham Palace to receive our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Edward.

Upon arrival, we were allowed to stroll in the beautiful gardens of the palace. There were also various visiting speakers and then Prince Edward gave the keynote speech and officiated over the presentations.

High Tea was served throughout the afternoon and each recipient was given a commemorative travel mug as a souvenir. The sun shone beautifully all day and it was a truly memorable occasion.' Lottie S, UVI

The Gold DofE programme is a non-competitive personal challenge, open to all young people, which takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. Young people build their own programmes with activities in five sections – Physical, Skills, Volunteering, a five-day Residential and a four-day Expedition.

Congratulations to all our Gold DofE Award holders!