Outward Bound welcomes new Royal Patron and Deputy Patron

We're delighted to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has become Royal Patron and Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice has become a Deputy Patron of The Outward Bound Trust. Lending their support to our mission to inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the wild. 

Today, we start of a new chapter in our mission to support a more adventurous generation, helping young people say yes to challenge and discover what they’re truly capable of.

The Duke of Edinburgh has joined as Royal Patron of Outward Bound, continuing his late father’s long-standing support for the charity’s mission to inspire young people through adventure in the wild. His Royal Highness dedicates much of his time to championing young people and promoting the benefits of non-formal education across the world. 

Princess Beatrice will take on a new role as a Deputy Patron, having served as a Trustee for six years, and demonstrating her personal commitment to developing confidence, resilience and ambition in young people.

Together, they continue a royal legacy stretching back over 70 years to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, whose unwavering support as Patron from 1953 to 2019, helped lay the foundations for Outward Bound’s work with young people.

Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of Outward Bound, added: 

With The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice working alongside us, we’re embarking on a new chapter. One where every young person has the chance to test their limits, build confidence and discover that anything is possible. Their support reflects a shared belief that adventure changes lives.

Growing support

The announcement coincided with an Outward Bound supporters’ event at St James’s Palace on 6 November, hosted by The Duke of Edinburgh. Guests heard from Sadie and Leo (aged 18), students from Walsall Academy in the West Midlands, who shared stories from their Outward Bound adventures earlier this year.

In a moment that captured the spirit of the evening, Sadie presented The Duke of Edinburgh with a rowan tree sapling – a symbol of strength, courage and resilience. Leo presented Princess Beatrice with a Celtic brooch, representing unity, continuity and good fortune.

Attendees were also asked a question central to Outward Bound’s mission: “If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?”

The question captures our ethos that anything is possible and offers a first glimpse of our bold new campaign, which will invite schools, businesses and individuals nationwide to not just support young people, but to make their own commitment to live life adventurously.

Jon Clarke, Shadow Headteacher at Walsall Academy, added: 

Tonight felt like a true celebration of everything Outward Bound stands for, Sadie and Leo were inspirational explaining their adventures in the Lake District and Wales. The impression they made on the room was testament to the journey they’ve both been on, growing in confidence, their aspirations for the future and the resilience to keep going when life gets tough. I could not be prouder of them.

Looking ahead

With young people at its heart, the support of The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice, and a vision rooted in challenge, courage and possibility, we are stepping confidently into this new chapter with a determination to help every young person go further than they ever imagined.