William says lack of Duke of Edinburgh Award is ‘sore subject’ with grandfather
The Duke of Cambridge made the joke as he presented youngsters with their gold award.
The Duke of Cambridge has joked how his failure to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award is a “sore subject” with his grandfather.
William was in the gardens of Buckingham Palace during a day of presentations, in which 3,000 youngsters received their Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) gold award.
William could be heard telling the youngsters how he never did the DoE award, and quipped: “It is a sore subject with my grandfather.”
On Thursday 3,000 young people and their families from across the country attended the day-long event held in the gardens of the Queen’s London residence.
The DoE Award scheme was created by the Duke of Edinburgh as a way for those from all walks of life to garner life skills, volunteering experience and to complete an expedition.
As William spoke to the same group, with many of them from Wales, he attempted to speak Welsh and could be heard saying Cymru am byth, meaning Wales forever.
Discussing their experiences with the youngsters the 35-year-old said: “I hope you are proud of what you have done, I know it is not easy.
“I won’t regale you with any more Welsh as that fell flat.”
William lived in Anglesey, north Wales, during the three years he spent working as a search and rescue pilot flying Sea King helicopters at RAF Valley.
During the event, the gold awards were presented by members of the royal family, with the Earl of Wessex hosting the day as a trustee of the DoE Award.
Edward was joined by Princess Beatrice of York and Sophie, Countess of Wessex in the morning, with William and Princess Eugenie attending in the afternoon.
Game Of Thrones actor John Bradley, who plays Samwell Tarly, was spoken to by Eugenie who said to him “I know you”.
The 28-year-old who was wearing a white dress with colourful floral prints turned to the group and said “does everyone else watch it?” as she referenced the hit drama.
Eugenie also discussed how the show will be coming to an end, with her cheekily asking Bradley “who wins?”
Speaking to the Press Association, 29-year-old Bradley said it was “amazing” to discover Eugenie was a fan of the show, and revealed she is the first royal he has met.
“Every day of the royal family’s lives they’re making history of some sort, and I think that because of that they do have a passion for history.
“Game Of Thrones is something that is so firmly rooted in history with kind of extreme elements to it, I am delighted that they watch it, but I am not that surprised.”
He said it was great to meet Eugenie and that he hopes she enjoys the final season, adding: “If not I don’t think I will be back here.”
Bradley, who patiently signed many autographs and posed for pictures with those picking up their DoE awards, said he is “absolutely” inspired by some of the young people he had met.
