Kitty Paul, a solicitor apprentice from Ipswich-based Smith & Co Solicitors, has been recognised at Buckingham Palace after achieving the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Here, Kitty reflects on the achievement
Graduate Solicitor Apprentice Kitty Paul, from Kirton in Suffolk, attended a special celebration last week, joining around 3,000 young people from across the country who have completed the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. The Gold Award is open to young people aged 16 to 25 and requires participants to complete sections in volunteering, physical activity, skills development, expedition and a residential experience. It is widely recognised for helping young people develop leadership, resilience and teamwork skills.
Twenty-four-year-old Kitty completed much of the award while attending boarding school in Northamptonshire before later returning to complete the final residential element needed to achieve Gold status.
As part of the volunteering section, Kitty supported Riding for the Disabled, helping young people develop confidence through horse riding. She also completed cookery skills, achievements in swimming and girls rugby, a cycling expedition to the Peak District and a cookery school camp.
Reflecting on the achievement, she said: “Attending Buckingham Palace was an amazing experience. I took my mum with me, and it was lovely to spend the day exploring the gardens and celebrating with so many people who had completed their Gold Award.
“There were around 3,000 award holders there across the day and it really brought home how much dedication everyone had put into achieving it. The volunteering aspect had a particularly lasting impact on me. Through my work with Riding for the Disabled, I learned the importance of treating everyone as individuals and making adjustments to help people thrive. It helped me become more aware of the different challenges people face and the value that everyone can bring when given the right support.
“Those experiences – as well as team skills, perseverance and resilience have stayed with me and continue to influence the way I approach my work today. In law, it’s important to understand different perspectives and treat everyone fairly, and I think the Duke of Edinburgh Award helped me develop those skills from a young age.”
Kitty is currently completing her solicitor apprenticeship with Smith & Co Solicitors, combining practical legal experience with professional study as she works towards qualification.
Vicky Hosking, Partner at Smith & Co Solicitors, said: “We are incredibly proud of Kitty and her achievement. Completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award requires determination, commitment and resilience – qualities that are invaluable within the legal profession.
“Kitty demonstrates those qualities every day in her work and it is fantastic to see her recognised at such a prestigious event. We look forward to supporting her as she continues to progress her legal career.”
Founded in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award helps young people develop life skills, confidence and resilience through practical challenges and community involvement.
This year’s event which was hosted by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Trustee of the DofE since 1988, who gave the first speech on the main stage. The other speakers on the West Terrace were Jake Humphrey, broadcaster and author on the subject of performance, leadership, resilience and mindset, and DofE Youth Ambassador, Evie, who talked about how she found her voice through the DofE Skills Section and never let her disabilities hold her back despite facing many challenges.
The speeches helped attendees reflect on all they have achieved and offered encouragement as they embark on their next chapter. There was also a series of satellite stages where inspirational public figures talked about their personal DofE journeys. Archive materials were on display to showcase the history of the DofE and mark its 70th anniversary.
Visit DofE and Smith & Co Solicitors
Featured images of Kitty Paul – supplied
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