The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of London Youth, hosted an afternoon reception in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace on May 31st, to celebrate the charity’s 130th Anniversary. London Youth is a diverse network of over 300 community youth organisations who work to support young people of all backgrounds across the capital to become the best that they can be. The Duke became Patron of London Youth in 1947 – it was his first charity patronage.  

This afternoon, The Duke of Edinburgh hosted a @LondonYouth event at #BuckinghamPalace to celebrate the organisation's 130th anniversary pic.twitter.com/X0QbhTHfdN

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 31, 2017

.@LondonYouth brings together over 300 youth clubs, volunteer teams and charities to help support young people pic.twitter.com/jUnFIdEzYD

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 31, 2017

Today is the latest of over 125 @LondonYouth engagements undertaken by The Duke over the past 70 years pic.twitter.com/GzPj39Sh6y

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 31, 2017

After standing on the steps for the National Anthem, the Duke of Edinburgh viewed a display showcasing the history of the charity and met people who are participating in youth action projects in their local clubs and communities throughout London. He also viewed several outdoor activities including tennis, catapult making and a climbing tower, and met people involved in painting and creative projects. Later, the Duke watched a dance performance and cut a cake to mark the charity’s 130th Anniversary.

.@LondonYouth is HRH's longest standing patronage. The Duke became Patron in January 1947 pic.twitter.com/drNjxUpNac

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 31, 2017