The Duke of Edinburgh has been announced as the new Royal Patron of The Outward Bound Trust, while Princess Beatrice has taken on the role of Deputy Patron.
Their appointments mark a significant moment for the charity, which has benefited from royal support in its mission to inspire young people through outdoor learning and adventure: the organisation previously had Prince Philip, as Patron of for over six decades, from 1953 until 2019.
Princess Beatrice’s appointment as Deputy Patron follows six years of service as a Trustee, while Prince Edward has taken over a lot of his father’s patronages and affiliations in recent years, having been granted the same title.
The announcement was made during a special event at St James’s Palace on 6th November, hosted by Prince Edward. The evening brought together supporters of the charity and featured moving accounts from Sadie and Leo, students from Walsall Academy, who shared how their Outward Bound experiences had helped them grow and overcome personal challenges.
In a heartfelt gesture, Sadie presented the Duke with a rowan tree sapling, while Leo gifted Princess Beatrice a Celtic brooch.
Speaking to Daily Mirror, Beatrice said: “I feel incredibly inspired and grateful to have met so many young people like Sadie and Leo through the years that I’ve been a part of Outward Bound. They show us that anything is possible when you put your mind to it, and that what Outward Bound does, works.
“Working with The Duke of Edinburgh, we aim to continue the 80+ years of evidence which shows that adventure can build resilience, confidence and kindness in young people.”
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of The Outward Bound Trust, said: ‘With The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice working alongside us, we’re embarking on a new chapter. One where every young person has the chance to test their limits, build confidence and discover that anything is possible.
‘Their support reflects a shared belief that adventure changes lives.’
Princess Beatrice’s appearance marked the first public engagement she has conducted after her father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, had his titles, styles and honours stripped from him by The King.
