The Prince of Wales may be out of the country, making his first
official visit to Brazil, but his principality was still getting
plenty of royal attention. As Prince William put the focus on the
environment in Rio de Janeiro, his uncle, Edward, was highlighting
the importance of the Welsh language as he met young people
involved in the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Prince Edward was at the Senedd in Cardiff to see some of the
participants in current DofE awards in action. He gave them a
helping hand as they tried out volunteering activities including
sorting clothes for charity shops.
The Duke of Edinburgh is no stranger to that activity as his
wife, Sophie, has volunteered at a range of organisations that
recycle and sell pre-worn clothes.
Award
And the Duke showed he also had another thing in common with
Prince William. The heir to the throne is often seen wearing
friendship bracelets, some donated by his children, in particular
ten year old Princess Charlotte. Prince Edward tried his hand at
making friendship bracelets as he spoke to DofE participants about
their experiences on the scheme.
There was also a chance to hear about how the Award Scheme helps
young people reach their potential as Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson,
DofE Chair of Trustees, and adventurer, Tori James, spoke to a
group of participants.
Later, the Duke of Edinburgh travelled to The Pierhead to meet
young Welsh speakers from Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg and
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni.
While the Duke is used to handing out awards for the scheme, it
was his turn to receive recognition on behalf of the organisation.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was given
Cynnig Cymraeg certificate from the
Welsh Language Commissioner for its work to make sure its
activities are available to all people in Wales in their preferred
language.
Prince Edward had a chance to try out some more Welsh a little
later as his visit concluded at
Urdd Cardiff Residential Centre where DofE
participants were learning first aid and practising orienteering
skills ahead of taking on an expedition.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award has been providing Welsh language
services for many years and also encourages as many Welsh speakers
as possible to become leaders or take part in their DofE Youth
Ambassadors programme.
Stephanie Price, Director – Wales at the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award said ”our ambition at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is to
create a bilingual environment where young Welsh speakers and
learners are supported to participate fully…..we’re strengthening
partnerships with Welsh language organisations and we’ll continue
to develop Welsh language resources.”
Award
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales is in Brazil where he’s carrying
out engagements linked to the environment ahead of the Earthshot
Prize ceremony on November 5.
Prince William has already played beach volleyball on Copacabana
Beach where he found out more about classes that help disadvantaged
young people.
He also met lifeguards on the beach and heard about work to
promote sustainability on the sands and among those who come to
enjoy them.
And Prince William being Prince William and Brazil being the
ultimate home of football, the heir to the throne headed to the
Macarana Stadium to team up with double World Cup winner, Cafu, for
a leadership programme for 75 young changemakers.
