Gold Award Presentation at St James's Palace Tuesday 27 November 2018

520 young people collected their Gold Award Certificates on Tuesday 27th November at St James’s Palace in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Morning Presentation

Guest Presenters left to right:
Tom Aikens, Kiko Matthews, Frank Gardner OBE, Clive Myrie

Throne Room
Presenter – Frank Gardner OBE, BBC Security Correspondent, Journalist and Author

“I’m so delighted to see so many enthusiastic young men and women being recognised for these life changing achievements they’ve all made. I’m certain that the experiences, the challenges and the comradery will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Entrée Room
Presenter – Tom Aikens, Chef

“It’s an amazing privilege to be in front of you all – congratulations. You have made sacrifices and worked very hard and, as a chef, I know what that means. All of you have dreams and aspirations; believe that they’re all possible and your DofE will give you a head start to go out and grasp them. If you have that mindset, you can achieve anything.”

Queen Anne Room
Presenter – Kiko Matthews, Adventurer

“Worrying isn’t going change the outcome of the situation. You can do anything you want particularly if you work together and help each other.”

Picture Gallery
Presenter – Clive Myrie, BBC Journalist

“I could not be happier to be here today to celebrate your achievements. The skills and experiences you have gained through doing your DofE will help you throughout your lives. My warmest congratulations for now and for what your future brings because I’m sure it will be a bright future.”

Afternoon Presentation

Guest Presenters left to right:
Matt Tebbutt, Tony Walsh, Liz Earle MBE, Colin Briggs

Throne Room
Presenter – Liz Earle MBE, Founder, Liz Earle Wellbeing

“What an absolutely outstanding achievement doing your DofE is. Being an employer it’s those extra things like the DofE that makes you stand out. I’m in awe of what you have achieved.”

Entrée Room
Presenter – Matt Tebbutt, Chef

“Doing your DofE has given you skills that stand shoulder to shoulder with any school qualification you may gain and will often set you apart from the crowd.”

Queen Anne Room
Presenter – Colin Briggs, Producer & Presenter BBC News North

“I think one of the most surprising things about Gold Award holders is that they don’t speak much about it. But, so often I’ve found that the people who deliver under pressure are Gold Award holders.”

Picture Gallery
Presenter – Tony Walsh, Artist

“Some mountains are inside yourself. You can climb, and you will.”