The event recognised young people in Northern Ireland who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE Awards in schools, community organisations and youth groups. Award holders and their guests had the chance to hear from famous Northern Irish faces, including Game of Thrones actor Michelle Fairley, model Kate Grant BEM, and Sex Education star Thaddea Graham. The celebration saw His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 鈥 who received his own Gold Award from his father Prince Philip in 1986 鈥 congratulate attendees in a speech on their 鈥渇antastic achievement鈥, as he encouraged them to feel proud and 鈥渨alk a few inches taller鈥. The Duke also met with Award holders, hearing about the positive impact their DofE has had on them.鈥疶he Duke later planted a tree on the grounds, to commemorate the celebrations. Actor Michelle Fairley delivered an inspiring speech, alongside Award-achiever Sarah Johnston who celebrated her own Gold Award achievement today. Michelle Fairley told attendees: 鈥淚 found it genuinely powerful to hear that many of you have volunteered in your local areas as part of your Award. Because here, perhaps more than anywhere else in the UK, activities that bring people together 鈥 that bridge divides, build understanding, and strengthen cross-community connections 鈥 deserve to be recognised and celebrated. 鈥淚鈥檇 like you to cast your mind back to the hardest point of your Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 Award, the moment when you most felt like giving up. Maybe you were pitching a tent in spectacular Irish weather! That moment tested you. But the fact remains 鈥 you got through it. “Personally, I鈥檝e got an extra layer of difficulty in my life with my dyslexia. You might think, I bet that makes learning lines a nightmare. And you鈥檇 be right! But I learned a way through. For me, that was developing a real intensity and focus on language. Believe me, when all words are a hurdle, you really notice every single one. “So, take stock in what you find difficult, and don鈥檛 be scared of it 鈥 embrace it. By getting this achievement, you鈥檝e struck gold 鈥 and I don鈥檛 just literally mean your Award, but what it鈥檚 taught you. When imposter syndrome creeps in (and it will!) I want you to remember what you鈥檝e already achieved. What you鈥檝e already proven to yourself.鈥 Sarah Johnston, 20, who did her DofE through the Royal School in Armagh, told the crowd how the DofE was life-changing for her. She said: 鈥淟ike many of us, I signed up for the Award knowing it would be a challenge, but I didn鈥檛 fully realise how much it would shape me – not just in the things I did, but in the person I became along the way.鈥 Reflecting on her Expedition section, Sarah said: 鈥 Whether it was the early starts, carrying what felt like a house on your back, or trying to read a map when it felt like the wind was trying to take it out of your hands – we all had those moments where we were completely out of our comfort zones. “For me, those few days taught me so much about resilience and teamwork. It didn鈥檛 matter if we were tired or a bit lost – what mattered was that we encouraged each other, shared the load, and kept going. When I look back, I remember not just the sore feet, but the laughter, the views, and the quiet pride that came from knowing we鈥檇 made it through something tough – together.鈥 Sarah added: 鈥淭he Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 Award has had a real impact on who I am today. I genuinely believe it helped me gain the confidence and leadership skills that led to me becoming Head Girl at my school. The Award taught me to stay organised, to communicate clearly, and to take initiative, and I know that so many others here have gained similar life-changing skills from their journey.鈥 Earlier in the day, His Royal Highness visited South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Lisburn, where he met students from SERC Campuses in Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards, who are doing their DofE Award. The Duke chatted to students as they demonstrated activities that they have done for their Volunteering and Skills sections, including learning circus skills and creating a board games club. Students have also volunteered with local wildlife conservation group, True Harvest Seeds, collaborated with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on Food Waste Action Week, and created dog tug toys for the RSPCA, as part of their Award efforts. Kate Thompson, Director, Northern Ireland, at The Duke of Edinburgh鈥檚 Award, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 brilliant to celebrate our amazing Gold Award holders at Hillsborough Castle today. I鈥檝e seen so many smiling faces and proud family members looking on – and rightfully so, as these young people have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and self-belief to be here. A Gold DofE Award will equip them with lifelong skills 鈥 and it鈥檚 wonderful to see our Award holders sharing their experiences, having fun, and discussing their plans for the future.鈥