Prince Edward rallies global youth in Nigeria as Duke of Edinburgh Award nears 70

Prince Edward has touched down in Nigeria and he’s not just here for a royal wave, but to rally the next generation of global leaders.

The Duke of Edinburgh arrived on Monday to kick off a week long visit centred around a major international youth gathering in Lagos. 

Nearly 200 young participants from more than 50 countries will unite under the banner of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme.

Over the coming days, he will oversee an intensive three-day youth leadership programme as well as the organisation’s triennial forum, both running from November 17 to 23 and designed to widen access to the Award around the world.

His itinerary spans Lagos and Abuja, where he is also expected to meet President Bola Tinubu as part of the visit’s diplomatic component.

Nigeria has seen a remarkable 37 per cent surge in Award participation over the past year, signalling booming interest across West Africa and offering the Duke the perfect backdrop for a week dedicated to ambition, opportunity and youth-driven change.

Edward is taking his mission seriously, with a packed schedule that mixes diplomacy, education, and a touch of royal gravitas. 

In Lagos, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet senior ministers and representatives from international development organisations to strengthen partnerships in non-formal education, while taking part in high-profile events organised by the Lagos Governor and the British Deputy High Commissioner.

The Abuja leg promises its own highlights, including the much anticipated meeting with President Bola Tinubu, alongside other key engagements in the capital. 

All of this comes as the Duke champions the global expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which next year celebrates its 70th anniversary.