Earl and Countess of Wessex and Famly current events 12: October 2009-

[tommy1716]

Having heard and read the Prince's comments I would have to say that i don't personally think the comments are outrageously offensive but are completely stupid, it seems to be a case of the Prince needing to think before he speaks. Now we have to sit back and see where this goes, even the BBC are using this to highlight the monarchy's relatively low level of public support in Australia.

[Skydragon]

Some young men and women do the award or indeed join up for the adventure, I think if you asked any of them if it was because there was a chance they might die, they would say no.

It was a stupid and insensitive comment to make, especially as it appears to have been in response to a question regarding David Iredales' death. All he had to say was that it was tragic and his thoughts were with the boys family.

[Iluvbertie]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Some young men and women do the award or indeed join up for the adventure, I think if you asked any of them if it was because there was a chance they might die, they would say no.

It was a stupid and insensitive comment to make, especially as it appears to have been in response to a question regarding David Iredales' death.

I have asked the ones at my school who will be doing their gold expedition in a couple of weeks. The comments are best summed up as 'it will be a challenge and we believe that we are well prepared and so we won't die but we know that there is a risk involved but we are going anyway'

[RoyalistRiley]

While it was an insensetive thing for HRH to say. I can see where he was coming from. As someone in my teenage years, I can see how trying to complete something that other have died doing would be very motivating and would re-enforce the need to be prepared for anything.

[Princejohnny25]

For some nice news,

Prince to honour man of Steel - national | Stuff.co.nz

[iceflower]

Here are two more pics from that very special interview..

Prince Edward at Pyrmont for an interview with The Australian
newspaper, Sydney, Australia - 29 Oct 2009


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 **

[Skydragon]

The father of a British boy who died during a Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition, has criticised the Earl of Wessex for suggesting that such deaths had made the scheme more appealing to teenagers

Duke of Edinburgh's Award: British father attacks Earl of Wessex's comments - Telegraph

It won't have been very nice for any parent to hear that the loss of a child was seen, by some, as good publicity.

[Iluvbertie]

It isn't nice but it is true - unfortunately.

The death here in Australia, even though the boy concerned wasn't actually on a sanctioned DoE Award expedition, raised its profile and thus gave it 'good' publicity in the sense that any publicity is 'good' publicity.

In addition all this 'news' about Edward's comments is also publicising the scheme in a way that it normally doesn't get and so again is giving it 'good' publicity by making people aware of it.

[Australian]

Originally Posted by RoyalistRiley

While it was an insensetive thing for HRH to say. I can see where he was coming from. As someone in my teenage years, I can see how trying to complete something that other have died doing would be very motivating and would re-enforce the need to be prepared for anything.

But the thing is, Edward is not a teenager, he is a grown man with children himself. It was a silly thing for him to say. He should have been thinking as a parent first rather than a teenager.

[iowabelle]

I would think that people would avoid the DoE expedition if death were a possibility... it would certainly give me pause to think!

[Warren]

Death is a possibility in any physical activity. However, bushwalking or hiking is not inherently dangerous so long as the standard precautions are taken (plus we don't have coyotes!). But going out without sufficient water, adequate clothing, map etc is asking for trouble.

[Princejohnny25]

Prince Edward proved unflappable during a meet-and-greet with a penguin soon after arriving in Christchurch yesterday.
Prince Edward and the penguin - national | Stuff.co.nz

[Mermaid1962]

So cute! Did Prince Edward pet it? He looks like he's reaching toward Austin.

Originally Posted by Princejohnny25

Prince Edward proved unflappable during a meet-and-greet with a penguin soon after arriving in Christchurch yesterday.
Prince Edward and the penguin - national | Stuff.co.nz

[iceflower]

The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is greeted by John Key Prime
Minister of New Zealand on arrival at Premier House on November
3, 2009 Wellington, New Zealand. HRH, The Earl of Wessex Prince
Edward is in New Zealand to discuss the future direction of The
Duke of Edinburgh Award program.



** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** gettyimages **

[RoyalistRiley]

Interesting how Edward's tour this year is similar to the itinerary for Prince William next year?

[iceflower]

Maybe that has something to do with the Commonwealth countries,
RoyalistRiley.


Maybe the gettyimages link above will be updated with the following
pics, as yesterday's pics had gotten the wrong date, but here they are
without watermarks:


Prince Edward speaks to students that took part in the The Duke of
Edinburgh's Hillary Award at Sacred Heart College on November 4, 2009
Wellington, New Zealand.


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 ** Pic 5 **

[iceflower]

Prince Edward poses with children on board the Spirit of Adventure
sailing ship and speaks to people involved with The Duke of Edinburgh's
Hillary Award at the Villa Maria Estate Vineyard on November 5, 2009
in Auckland, New Zealand.


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 ** Pic 4 **


** gettyimages **

[giov]

Zimbio Gallery - Day 4
Prince Edward Pictures - Prince Edward Visits New Zealand - Day 4 - Zimbio

[iceflower]

HRH The Countess of Wessex attends the Dyslexia Awards
Dinner at The Dorchester on November 11, 2009 in London,
England.

Very lovely!


** Pic 1 ** Pic 2 ** Pic 3 **

[Baerchen]

Edward reminds me very much to Queen Mary. His face has the same features as hers. Does someone else perceive that way?