Inspired by the Moray Badge, which he had worked for whilst a pupil at Gordonstoun School, The Duke of Edinburgh launched a pilot award scheme ‘for Boys’ in 1956 as its chairman.

The first Gold Awards were made in 1958, when a parallel scheme ‘for Girls’ was piloted, and the charity was established in 1959. A combined scheme for ‘Young People’ aged 14 to 21 was launched in 1969, and extended to those up to 25 in 1980.

The three Award levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, include four sections: service, expeditions, skills and physical recreation. Perhaps more than anything else, this challenging programme demonstrates The Prince's keen interest in and support for the personal development of young people.

More than four million people in over 60 countries have taken part since its inception in 1956.

Prince Philip has served as the scheme's Patron and Chairman of Trustees since its beginning, and devotes much time presenting Gold awards and meeting both participants and helpers, in the UK and overseas.