The Queen of England’s youngest son, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, will visit Nashville on Thursday, May 23, to promote one of the Royal family’s principal charities for youth, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, founded in 1956 by the Queen’s husband, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting self-development program available to all young people ages 14 to 25, equipping them with the confidence and skills for a better future. Over eight million young people from over 140 countries have taken part in the Award’s self-development, recognition program.
On May 23, Gov. Bill Haslam and Mrs. Haslam will host Prince Edward at the Tennessee Residence for the inaugural Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ceremony in Tennessee, recognizing this year’s recipients of the prestigious DofE Award. Recipients will come from the Award’s delivery partners in Nashville, including: Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee; Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee; Montgomery Bell Academy; LEAD Academy; and the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Organization.
Later that evening, Prince Edward will attend a black tie Royal gala to benefit The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The gala will take place at Montgomery Bell Academy, which currently offers the DofE Award program to students. Tennessee’s First Lady, Mrs. Crissy Haslam, is serving as honorary chair of the gala, and Nashville philanthropist Ellen Martin is chairing the Royal affair.
Mayor Karl Dean and First Lady Anne Davis will attend The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ceremony and the Royal gala and have vowed their support to promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through the mayor’s youth development initiatives with Nashville schools and partnering youth organizations.
“The Award program aims to develop one’s entire self, creating responsible and experienced citizens and encouraging selfless service to others,” said Josh Randle, the U.S. Award’s National executive director. “It’s about personal discovery and building character, and the life lessons learned give participants the confidence and skills to make a difference within themselves, their communities, and the world.”
To earn a Duke of Edinburgh Award, participants choose their own activities in the areas of community service, skills, fitness, and adventurous journey. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards each require a successive degree of effort and determination over varying time periods.
“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award allows young people from all backgrounds to be connected in a way that no other international youth program can offer,” said Sam Haskell, board president of the U.S. Award.
“Our programs in Nashville are already making a difference, and we are very excited to bring Prince Edward back to Nashville in support of this great cause.”
Prince Edward last visited Nashville in 2004 for the Antiques and Garden Show, where he lectured on the historic restoration project at Windsor Castle.
The U.S Award program was launched in 2007 and currently operates in 30 states and the District of .Columbia with over 7,000 annual participants taking part. For more information on The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award visit <www.usaward. org>. For Gala ticket information call 202-534-1783.
