In 2018, the Earl of Wessex undertook a year-long programme of engagements aimed at generating support for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. Through a combination of DofE events, Real Tennis tournaments and fundraising activity, His Royal Highness enabled a new generation of young people to start their DofE journey in the UK and abroad.
On 13 May 2018, Prince Edward visited Newmarket Real Tennis Club. The visit was organised with DofE by then club Chairman, Sam Sheppard. After introductions to local dignitaries, the Earl went on court to watch a Masterclass given by Club Professional, Andrew Knibbs, to pupils from Newmarket Academy and met with the young people.
He then played 3 sets of doubles tennis. Match 1 with James Allen, Sean Milbank and Oliver Phillips from RSM, which was sponsoring the event throughout the UK.
Then it was the turn of the NRTC members:
Match 2 - The Earl played with Jonathan Agar versus Mark Elliott and Chris Hollingsworth
Match 3 - The Earl played with Julia Scott versus John Shneerson and Ben Turner
After the matches the Earl presented a certificate about the event to Andrew Knibbs ...
and a commemorative racket to Club Secretary, John Saville.
The photographs on this page are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form.
Action photos of the Earl of Wessex: Geoffrey Pieters for Newmarket Journal.
Other photographs: Simon Clarke for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.