Teenager recognized by Duke of Edinburgh for 'hard work'

A 19-year-old has been recognized for her “hard work” and “determination” by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Lauren Bennett, from St Briavels in Gloucestershire, was invited to a celebration at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold Award.

Ms Bennett achieved the award through Wyedean School and the Sixth Form Centre, and was named a young ambassador for the charity earlier this year.

“Having the opportunity to meet the Duke was an unprecedented privilege,” she said.

Thousands of other young people attended the event, organized to recognize and celebrate their creativity, perseverance and resilience throughout their Gold DofE programmes.

Prince Edward was joined by the charity's CEO, Ruth Marvel, to congratulate participants and personally address some of them, including Ms Bennett.

“I am deeply grateful to be recognized for my hard work which contributed to my Gold DofE and my role as a Young Ambassador,” Ms Bennett said.

“It was incredibly special to share this moment with my mother who also had the opportunity to speak with HRH. They both expressed how proud they were of my accomplishments this year and I am extremely grateful to my mother for his support throughout my DofE experience.”

While working towards her Gold Award, Ms Bennett supported children from disadvantaged backgrounds, volunteered and developed a campaign against sexual harassment within her school.

She was also able to canoe down the Svartälven River in Sweden as part of her expedition.

The DofE program is open to young people aged 14-24, who choose their own activities and volunteer for causes of their choice to earn a bronze, silver or gold award.

It is offered in schools, youth clubs, hospitals, foster care agencies, prisons and sports clubs across the country.

In the future, Ms Bennett aspires to hold a position similar to Ms Marvel, with the aim of “continuing to improve the lives of young people”.