Happy birthday to our Patron and founder

London, 9 June 2011 – On behalf of the International Award Association we would like to congratulate our Patron and founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as he celebrates his 90th birthday on 10th June.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s commitment to young people began in 1956 when he founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as a way to provide an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding personal development programme for young people.

Global interest

From the very beginning The Duke of Edinburgh's Award attracted interest from outside of the UK and by the early 1970s the Award was operating in around 30 countries. The International Award, as it is known globally, now has a presence in 132 countries with 845,000 young people participating annually.

From the Award’s founding, Prince Philip has been committed to engaging with young people from all backgrounds. Around the world, the Award Programme is providing opportunities to vulnerable young people including former child soldiers in Uganda and street children in India.

Gilly Shirazi, Secretary General of the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association, said:


“Through the dedicated leadership and involvement of our founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the International Award continues to transform the lives of people around the world. Over 7 million young people have undertaken the Award Programme to date. These are outstanding statistics and ones which we will continue to build upon, ensuring that we meet our vision to reach more young people from diverse backgrounds and equip them as individuals to success in life.”

Unwavering commitment

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh continues to devote much of his time to the Award Programme, presenting Gold Awards to UK participants at St James’ Palace, attending fundraising events and meeting hundreds of participants and volunteers both in the UK and overseas every year.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association is planning a celebration event in honour of our founder’s birthday, due to take place later in the year.

We would like to thank our Patron for his continued passion, support and devotion to the International Award and wish him a very happy birthday.