Golden girl Louise receives Duke of Edinburgh award from proud father

THE Duke of Edinburgh yesterday presented his daughter with a gold certificate under the award scheme that bears his title.

- BY NICK FORBES

Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor was one of more than 600 young people whose gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) achievements were celebrated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

This year also marks the 70th year of the scheme started by Edward’s father Philip in 1956.

Edward, who became Duke of Edinburgh after Philip’s death, handed his 22-year-old daughter her certificate at an informal ceremony in the palace’s West Drawing Room.

They were accompanied by a group of people who were speaking at the event, including Olympic curler Bruce Mouat and other award holders.

After speaking about the bronze, silver and gold DofE awards, Edward turned and pointed to his daughter, saying: ‘‘We've got someone else who’s actually done all three.’’

She replied: ‘‘Just about.’’

The Duke asked her if she had ever been given a certificate and she explained she had, but they had arrived in the post.

Lady Louise added: ‘‘I did mine mainly during Covid so they didn’t really award anything, so, nice to get it now.’’