Young NI people thrilled to mix with ‘down-to-earth' royalty as they receive Duke of Edinburgh awards
The prince spoke with and congratulated the young people who received their accolades.
The gold award requires participants to complete volunteering, physical activity, and skill development over periods of months.
They must also complete an expedition for four days and three nights, then a residential setting away from home for five days and four nights.
Among those proud to receive the award was first year Queen's University student, Sarah Frazer (19).
She said: 'I did my gold award through school at Royal School Armagh, and it encompasses the expedition, which I did in Glencoe in Scotland. School took us over. For the residential section, I went to Coleraine and the New Horizons [festival] to set up the big tent for missions taking place there.
'For my skills, I play the violin, so I did my diploma. And for my physical, I do Scottish Highland dancing.
'It was an absolute challenge, I didn't think I could do it. I have done my bronze and silver, but the gold was really challenging.'
Also meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh was Royal School Armagh alumni James Anderson (21).
'For my volunteering section, I volunteered at my local Boys' Brigade, where I helped with the junior sessions,' he said.
'I helped coach football and things like that. For the expedition, we did four days in the Mournes.
'It was really rewarding to finish because it was quite difficult to trek through the Mournes. The residential was the most difficult part for me.
'It was probably the most daunting. I did mine in Lisnaskea at the Share Centre. Beforehand, I didn't really know what it was going to contain, I was quite scared. But I actually did it and enjoyed it.
'It is a really nice experience to meet royalty. Prince Edward was really down to earth.
'He asked us what we did for our award and what it was like.'
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Sam Montgomery (20) explained that the expedition was the least challenging part for him.
'I enjoyed the expedition, many refer to the expedition as being the hardest part,' he said.
'Especially if you are doing it through school. I think it is the easiest part because it was the most exciting.
'For my skills section, I played the accordion. I am now in my second year of university, I study law and politics at Queen's.
'Prince Edward seemed enthusiastic about the awards, I think it's important that he is so interested in it.'
Recently qualified paediatric nurse, Lauren Boyd (23), said the afternoon at the castle was 'gorgeous'.
'I did the award through Girls' Brigade. I was not quite the best in the group at putting up the tent, I was more there for holding up morale,' she said.
'For my sport, I did dance with Girls' Brigade and piano for my skill.
'For volunteering, I made powerpoints for my local church.
'My favourite part of it was the craic and definitely the company. I would encourage other young people to go through it.
'It's a great qualification to have and today is definitely a bonus. Being a paediatric nurse, it has definitely helped for skills, interviews and confidence.'
Eighteen-year old Ben Spires completed his award with Down High School in Downpatrick.
'I did mine last summer. Finally getting it is very rewarding, it will be great for my CV,' he said.
'It definitely gives you something to talk about in interviews. For my volunteering, I worked with my local Boys' Brigade.'
Completing her own with the RAF Air Cadets was Charlotte Burrows (22).
'I am currently working and doing a part-time course in college. I did my awards with the Air Cadets.
'I did a guitar for my skills, cycling for my physical and I volunteered with the Air Cadets, then I did my expedition.
'I have been with the Air Cadets since 2016. It has been a great day, the weather stayed dry and I got a chance to speak with the Duke of Edinburgh.
'He asked me how I got on with my Duke of Ed.'
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