Photo credit: Carrie Dorean
“Welcome to the British Embassy. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome everyone here,” said Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacoff at the Rotunda prior to guests joining HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at the residence for the presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.
Bob Barnett, Greta van Susteren and John Coale
It was the first-ever National Gold Award Ceremony in the United States in support of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA — a self-development recognition program for youth established in 1956 by her father, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Princess was joined by Ambassador Peter Westmacott in presenting Gold DofE Awards to youth from across the country at the special ceremony.
Guests arrive at the Residence
HRH Princess Anne arrives
“We are delighted that Her Royal Highness will be presenting this year’s Gold Awards,” said Josh Randle, the DofE’s national executive director. “The Princess is a dedicated advocate for youth and her presence is a prestigious honor to celebrate our inaugural National Gold Award Ceremony in the United States.”
HRH Princess Anne is greeted by Josh Randle (R)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA was founded in 2006 – 50 years after Prince Philip first established the Award in the UK – and now has a presence in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Since its inception, the Award has expanded to over 140 countries worldwide, reaching more than 8 million youth. The USA is now the 20th largest Award program across the globe.
“The DofE is an exciting self-development program available to all youth ages 14 to 24 worldwide, equipping them with confidence and skills to make a difference within themselves, their communities, and the world. To earn a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, participants take on a variety of voluntary and challenging activities for varying time periods. Each successive level requires a greater degree of effort and commitment,” according to Randle.
HRH Princess Anne and Sir Peter Westmacott
“By achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, these exceptional young people have earned international recognition for their accomplishments,” said Sir Peter Westmacott. “It is a privilege to host today’s ceremony with The Princess Royal. We look forward to a long association with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recipients in the United States.”
HRH personally greeted all recipients as well as the guests in a most welcoming and gracious manner. Oh, and the new Queen “mum” was there watching out for her only daughter as any good “mum” would do. The Andy Warhol likeness of Queen Elizabeth hangs over the fireplace right above the podium.
Guests included Greta Van Susteren of Fox News and husband John Coale, Brigadier General Anne MacDonald, White House social secretary Jeremy Bernard, former Ambassador Lloyd Hand and wife Anne Hand, media executive Tammy Haddad, lawyer Bob Barnett and Podesta Group CEO Kimberley Fritts.
