OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release
31 March 2008
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES
WORKING ROYAL VISIT BY THE EARL OF WESSEX
TORONTO – The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are pleased to announce that His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex will undertake a four day Working Visit to Ontario June 5 - 9, 2008.
His Honour, The Lieutenant Governor will host a luncheon to welcome His Royal Highness to Ontario on Thursday June 5 and will accompany him to various events.
Although, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the lead host of the Visit, His Royal Highness will participate in a number of events on behalf of various charitable organizations in Toronto, Kingston, Aylmer, St. Thomas, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
In his capacity as International Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, His Royal Highness will present over 100 Gold Awards of Achievement to Young Canadians at Ceremonies in Toronto and Aylmer, Ontario.
The Earl of Wessex is the third son, and youngest child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. He was known as Prince Edward until his marriage to Miss Sophie Rys-Jones in 1999, when They were created The Earl & Countess of Wessex. Their Royal Highnesses undertake engagements in support of the Queen, and on behalf of the over 100 international organizations with which They are associated.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting personal challenge for young Canadians aged 14 to 25. It is a balanced, non-competitive programme of voluntary activities which encourages: Personal Discovery and Growth; Self-Reliance; Perseverance; Personal Discovery, and Service to the Community. Since it began in 1956, The Award had developed into one of the world’s most prestigious youth programmes. More than 120 countries now offer The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and almost 6 million young people have taken part. In Canada, The Award has been operating since 1963 under the leadership of The Governor General and thousands of highly motivated volunteers. The Award is amongst the highest accolades a young Canadian can receive, and some 30,000 participate each year.
The Honourable David C. Onley and Her Honour, Mrs. Ruth Ann Onley first met His Royal Highness in Ottawa in October 2007 when His Honour participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Ceremony at the National War Museum.
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Contact:
Nanda Casucci-Byrne Rick Ashbee
Office of the Lieutenant Governor The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Tel. 416-325-7780 Tel. 416-203-0674