Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, has come to Australia!
On November 20, King Charles III’s youngest sibling was spotted at Sydney airport and it’s been confirmed he will stay Down Under for three days before heading home on November 23.
During his quick visit, Edward will meet with a number of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award participants and organisers; in fact, he already began to do so today, November 21.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – colloquially known as ‘the Duke of Ed’ – is an international youth development program for young people aged 14-24.
The program has been running in Australia for more than 60 years and over 800,000 young people have participated in the Award in Australia since it began in 1959.
Previously, the Duke of Edinburgh title was held by the late Prince Philip – husband to the late Queen Elizabeth II and father to Charles and Edward as well as Princess Anne and Prince Andrew.
But despite Philip passing in April 2021, Edward only had the title bestowed upon him in March of this year.
Therefore, this visit marks the first time Edward has come to Australia since becoming the Duke of Edinburgh and the Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
And Peter Kaye, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, couldn’t be more excited.
“We look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness on his first visit to Australia since taking on the role of Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award earlier this year,” Peter said in a statement.
“This visit is part of a significant chapter for the Duke of Ed in Australia as we celebrate a recent record in the number of young people using the Framework.
“While the Duke of Ed has been operating in Australia for over 60 years, our growing number of participants indicate this Framework is now more relevant than ever amongst young Australians seeking to build essential life skills, access higher education and gain employment.”
