The Duke has been a Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) since 1988 and its International Award since 2006.
He said: “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time.
“Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility. Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing The Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate.
“Above all, I hope to ensure The Award to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The CEO of the DofE Ruth Marvel added: “It’s fantastic that The Duke is to become the DofE’s Patron, at a time when young people need our support more than ever.
“He has played an active role in our charity for many years – meeting young people from all over the UK to hear about the difference they’re making in their communities, and the impact their DofE has had on them.
“The Duke shares our belief that opportunities for enrichment and personal development – like the DofE – should be available to all young people, so they can develop the skills and capabilities they need to thrive in an uncertain world.
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“We look forward to working with The Duke to give even more young people the life-changing chance to do their DofE in these crucial coming years.”
To mark the announcement Edward will travel to the East Midlands today (Tuesday March 14) to meet with young people from Derby and Nottingham who are making a difference in their local communities through the DofE Award.
The Duke will meet with volunteers at a Nottingham city farm as well as those improving their career prospects thanks to DofE Business at Balfour Beatty’s national hub in Derby.
He will also take in Mansfield’s Portland College, a residential education and therapy college for young people with disabilities.
Since becoming Duke of Edinburgh, Edward’s former title of Earl of Wessex will pass onto his 15-year-old son James, previously Viscount Severn.
James’s older sister Lady Louise Windsor, 19, has not received a new title.
This comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made the decision to use the titles prince and princess for their children Archie and Lilibet.
When Charles became King the Sussex children also became eligible to have royal titles as the grandchildren of a monarch.
