Queen Elizabeth II’s youngest son, His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO will learn to handball a footy and to speak Yolngu Matha in visits to Territory schools this week.

His Royal Highness is on a special visit to Australia to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, founded by The Prince Edward’s father, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, has engaged more than 775,000 young Australians through voluntary service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journeys in the past 60 years.

It has been operating in the Territory since 1976 and has grown to be delivered in 35 NT schools.

In 2018/19, 427 young Territorians received the award, following completion of the program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award targets young people aged between 14 and 24, many from disadvantaged backgrounds and at risk of disengagement.

His Royal Highness will visit two schools where the program runs during his visit to the Territory – Yirara College in Alice Springs and Sanderson Middle School in Darwin.

In addition to visiting Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award students at Sanderson Middle School, His Royal Highness will also visit students of the school’s Indigenous Languages and Culture Program, introduced in 1990. It largely teaches the Arnhem Land language Yolngu Matha.

He will also attend a reception hosted by the Chief Minister on Monday evening.

His Royal Highness is the Chair of The Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Michael Gunner.

“The Territory has terrific kids and I am privileged to introduce them to HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“Thousands of young Territorians have benefited from the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program in the 43 years has been running in the Territory.

“It offers young people the opportunity to undertake activities and challenges that expand their knowledge, and provides them with important life skills such as problem solving, persistence, determination and grit, which provide a strong foundation for the future.”

Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144