Year in review: The Earl and Countess of Wessex's work in 2016
Published 13/04/2017
The Earl and Countess were closely involved in the anniversary celebrations for several charities including The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Childline and MENCAP – an organization that supports people with learning disabilities.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex have published a review about their work and activities in 2016.
Both The Earl and Countess were involved in celebrating significant milestones of the past year including The Queen's 90th birthday, the 70th anniversary of MENCAP and the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
As a trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Earl presented nearly 3,000 young people with their awards individually attended over 60 events on behalf of the organisation and a further 64 for the International Award.
The Countess was also key in marking the Diamond Anniversary of the charity – helping raise awareness of the charity's work by taking part in the 'Diamond Challenge', cycling over 445 miles from the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh to Buckingham Palace over six days, raising over £300,000 for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Other highlights for the The Earl included a two day symposium on the decline of coral reefs convened by His Royal Highness at St James's Palace, the 50th anniversary of the awarding of a Royal Charter to the University of Bath and the International Youth Arts Festival.
The Countess was involved in celebrating the anniversary of Childline, the inaugural NSPCC Childhood Champions Awards and a number of engagements to celebrate the huge success of Team GB women's hockey in the Rio Olympic Games 2016. In 2016, Her Royal Highness also took on the Patronage of the Defence Medical Welfare Service.
