Princes Hail Young Leaders Winners

Princes Hail Young Leaders Winners
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The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry have praised the first winners of the Queen's Young Leaders awards as "true trailblazers".

Sixty individuals from across the Commonwealth have been recognised by the Queen for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.

This year's award winners are aged between 18 and 29 and are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.

In a public video message recorded ahead of the presentation next week, William said: "The response has been incredible. Right across the Commonwealth young people with vision and purpose have shown the determination it takes to make a real and lasting change in their communities.

"Within days the first winners will meet for the first time to be presented with their award medals by the Queen, who became a young leader of the Commonwealth herself at the age of 26.

"They are true trailblazers for their generation and those to follow."

His brother Harry said: "Each and every one of the 60 winners has demonstrated leadership, compassion and commitment by improving the lives of others and selflessly supporting those who need it most.

"William and I are delighted that we can in turn support and applaud them. We look forward to watching their leadership skills develop and the impact of their initiatives grow. We hope that their determination inspires others to take action and to change their own communities."

The Queen's Young Leaders Programme was established by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in partnership with Comic Relief and The Royal Commonwealth Society, in 2014, in honour of the Queen's 60 years of service to the Commonwealth.

Before receiving their honours from the monarch at Buckingham Palace, the winners will meet Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, visit the UK headquarters of social networking company Twitter and meet senior executives at the BBC World Service.

After the presentation ceremony on June 22, the recipients will spend four days in the UK taking part in a residential development programme as part of the award prize.

The programme includes workshops at Cambridge University, meetings with UK businesses leaders, and visits to life-changing social action projects, and will finish with a final celebration at the top of the BT Tower.