Prince Edward has put his foot in it about the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

He says that the possibility of death makes it more attractive to youngsters. Of course he is absolutely right, but was probably a bit insensitive in the way he said it. The parents of those killed while aiming fro their award are still grieving.

But the fact that you can die is what makes the award mean something. I remember being a teenager myself and wanting to pit myself against nature. I wanted to sleep in snow holes and survive in the mountains. I never got to do it for real, but I understood the thrill of the danger and learned all the skills that would help me to survive.

The point is, that the kids are meant to be trained to survive and not die. Tragic accidents do happen though. If you keep them safe at home, they can still fall off ladders poison themselves with salmonella.

Teenagers need to test their boundaries and it’s a harsh cruel world out there.