The Duke of Edinburgh visits the Asia Pacific

Auckland, New Zealand

The Duke of Edinburgh has begun his visit to the Asia Pacific!

On Thursday, His Royal Highness, in his role of Global Patron of the International Award, was officially welcomed to Aotearoa during a Mihi Whakatau at Bluelight in Auckland.

Celebrating 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, His Royal Highness met Award participants as they completed a range of activities, including high ropes, camp skills, and adventurous journey planning.

Later in the day, The Duke met 40 young trainees on The Spirit of New Zealand – His Royal Highness previously completed his own Gold Award on its sister ship The Spirit of Adventure, and spoke to the young trainees about their experience on the ship.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust, an organisation dedicated to developing leadership skills, courage, and resilience is also celebrating their 50th anniversary!

Christchurch, New Zealand

Over the weekend, The Duke of Edinburgh continued celebrations for The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award in New Zealand.

In Christchurch, His Royal Highness joined 100 young people to hear more about the sports and activities they are undertaking as part of the Award.

At Southshore Spit Reserve, students from participating schools and youth organisations showcased their skills, as The Duke joined them in their sports, conservation activities, and shell art.

New South Wales, Australia

Earlier this week, in Sydney, The Duke of Edinburgh visited the PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club), where he met young people and spoke to participants currently following The Duke of Edinburgh Award framework.

The Duke also met with a team of young people who participated in a pilot Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program at Mannus Correctional Centre.

Later, His Royal Highness joined The Duke of Edinburgh Award at NSW SES headquarters in Marrickville where he met with a few of the incredible Emergency Responders and Volunteers including Surf Lifesaving Australia, NSW Marine Rescue, the Rural Fire Service and St John's Ambulance.

For those taking part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award, volunteering is a compulsory section and a fantastic opportunity to develop important skills.

Banten, Indonesia

On the final leg of The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to the Asia Pacific, His Royal Highness was in South Tangerang in Indonesia.

Here, His Royal Highness spoke to Award holders and alumni at the British School Jakarta, learning about the incredible impact of The Duke of Edinburgh Award in Indonesia. 

The Award was first established in Indonesia in 1993 and since then approximately 30,000 young people have participated in the Award, with millions more benefitting from its impact in communities around the world. 

The Duke also visited Museum Macan, highlighting the UK and Indonesia’s impactful work in the arts and culture sector through the British Council and celebrating the Indonesian arts community.