Prince Edward has taken on a key royal role at Buckingham Palace, presenting Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards to 2,000 young recipients during a special ceremony.
The Duke of Edinburgh showed "amazing energy" as he handed out the awards in the palace gardens.
Prince Edward's celebrations proceeded the announcement that he will represent King Charles at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV next Sunday.
The event marked the first of two days celebrating young achievers, with the 2,000 attendees representing just a quarter of the total recipients who will visit the palace.
Prince Edward hosted celebrities at a Buckingham Palace soiree
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Buckingham Palace shared footage of the celebration on the Royal Family's official Instagram account, describing it as "a golden time" and "a glorious day".
The Palace congratulated all participants on their "amazing achievement".
Prince Edward delivered a rousing speech to the award winners, encouraging them to share their experiences with others.
"There's life beyond this. You have now found out who you are," the Duke told the recipients.
Edward delivered a rousing speech to his guests
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"This has given you the skills, wherewithal and confidence to make a difference to others. Make sure you tell your story."
The Duke emphasised the importance of their role going forward, adding: "You are, each one of you, an ambassador of this award."
The ceremony was attended by several notable celebrities who joined Prince Edward at the palace event.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden was among the special guests at the celebration. Former footballer and broadcaster Alex Scott also lent her support to the young achievers.
The Duke met with young achievers at the event
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England Rugby World Cup-winner Heather Fisher and journalist Victoria Derbyshire additionally joined proceedings where the celebrities participated in activities throughout the day, engaging with the award recipients.
During the Q&A session, Dowden offered heartfelt advice to the young award winners.
When asked who she would choose for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, she named her Strictly co-star Carlos Gu, citing their friendship and mutual support.
Dowden, who received an MBE from the King earlier this year for her fundraising efforts, has overcome significant personal challenges.
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Heather Fisher, Victoria Derbyshire and Amy Dowden were among the celeb guests at Buckingham Palace
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She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has become an advocate for inflammatory bowel disease awareness.
Her message to the young audience was powerful and direct: "Always stay true to yourself."
She added wisdom from her own journey, noting: "You always learn more from the downs than from the ups."
Next week, the Duke will travel to Rome to observe the ascension of the 267th Pope and Bishop of Rome on the morning of May 18 at St. Peter’s Square.
American Robert Prevost, 69, was elected as the new Pontiff on May 8 following a a conclave of the Catholic Church's cardinals.
While he will not attend the Pope''s inauguration, King Charles sent a private message of congratulations to Leo upon his election.
