WHILE guests buy their hats and frocks for Kate Middleton and Prince William’s wedding later this month, three students from Exeter College are expecting royal invitations of a different kind.

Since arriving at Exeter College, Katherine Bell has completed her Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards and is now on her way to achieving Gold – an occasion traditionally marked by an invitation to St James’s Palace to receive the accolade. If successful, she could also be the first student to have completed all three awards while at Exeter College, according to Duke of Edinburgh programme leader Colin Grice.

Joining her (pictured) to be congratulated on their achievements by Principal Richard Atkins were four students who have already successfully gained Gold awards in the last 12 months: twins Xophie and Eryn Hooper, aged 20, Pippa Perry, aged 19, Louise Gibbins, aged 19.

The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme allows young people to gain recognition for their commitment in four areas: volunteering, physical activity, skill and expedition. In return, the experience equips them with useful life skills and is as an additional string to their bow when applying for university or a job.

Colin, who presently has 35 students working towards their Gold at the College and has seen his three children complete the scheme too, says: “Having finished their Gold this year, Pippa and Louise are waiting for their date any day now to go to St James’s Palace where they will be presented with their award by either the Duke of Edinburgh or Prince Edward. Xophia and Erin collected theirs last spring.”

Recalling his own experience of collecting his Gold award – back in 1972 – Colin says: “I left school at 15 and was serving in the Royal Marines when I received my invite to meet the Duke of Edinburgh in the Mirrors Room at Buckingham Palace; I think I was especially nervous knowing the Duke was, and still is, the Capital General of the Royal Marines.”

BTEC National Diploma Level 3 Sports student Katherine, aged 18, of Exeter, adds: “It is something I’ve known about for a long time and been keen to get involved in. One of my favourite parts of the scheme has been volunteering for the RSPCA; I enjoy helping the charity and the people I’ve met through it are good fun. I’ve made lots of new friends on the expeditions, and I really hope they all get their gold awards too.”