Prince Edward told a group of young Duke of Edinburgh award winners to “make sure you tell your story” as he handed them their Gold awards at a special event at Buckingham Palace today. He was joined by celebrities including Strictly’s Amy Dowden and broadcaster and former footballer Alex Scott.

The Duke of Edinburgh told award winners: “There’s life beyond this. You have now found out who you are. This has given you the skills, wherewithal and confidence to make a difference to others. Make sure you tell your story. You are, each one of you, an ambassador of this award.”

Today’s event was attended by 2,000 winners – a quarter of the young people who will visit the palace to receive their awards over two days.

Speaking during a question and answer session at the palace, Welsh professional dancer Dowden told the young winners that if she were to go on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition, she would bring her friend and fellow Strictly professional Carlos Gu.

She said she would also bring Strictly dancer Dianne Buswell along “for entertainment”.

Ms Dowden, who was made an MBE by the King this year for her services to fundraising, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and has also raised awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.

She told the young audience at Buckingham Palace to “always stay true to yourself”, adding: “You always learn more from the downs than from the ups.”