The Duke of Edinburgh met a diverse range of participants undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Kathmandu today.

The Award, established in Nepal for ten years, has benefited over 6,000 young people through building lifelong skills and experiences, and is implemented by a team of over 500 volunteers.

At the British Embassy, The Duke presented 19 young Nepalis with the Gold Award (and two were awarded in absentia) – the highest achievement in the Award program and a culmination of hard work and self-development by the young people, reads a statement issued by the British Embassy in Kathmandu.

Separately The Duke met young participants from a range of backgrounds – including young people from government schools, the Scouts, SOS Children’s Villages, and those from underprivileged communities who benefit from the program funding from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, of which the Duke is Chair of Trustees.

 At the award ceremony His Royal Highness said, “To achieve your Gold Award takes courage, commitment and tenacity – you should be exceptionally proud of what you’ve achieved.”

 Finally, at an evening reception hosted by His Majesty’s Ambassador Rob Fenn, the Duke and Duchess met over 200 people who represent the UK-Nepal friendship.

With a particular focus on young people and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the Duke and Duchess interacted with a range of young people, including: those who are participating in the Awards, young entrepreneurs, women’s rights activists, tech experts, recipients of UK honors and Nepalis and Brits who represent a new generation of friendship between our countries.

At the reception, Sue Layden – whose father was the first director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK and led the first successful Everest expedition - announced a new initiative that will support 10 young people to do their Award expedition in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area where they will work with local schools and on a red panda conservation project.