Prince Edward presents Edinburgh’s awards in US

Britain’s Prince Edward Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, May 23, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Edward is visiting Nashville in support of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, part of a royal charity that benefits youth and education. AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

NASHVILLE, Tennessee— Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son, Prince Edward, has visited the U.S. to promote one of the British royal family’s charities, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The prince presided over an awards ceremony Thursday at the Tennessee governor’s mansion for the first batch of youth to participate in the leadership and character program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a self-development program for people ages 14 to 25 that aims to instill confidence and skills.

About 80 youths received the award by participating in community service, skills development, physical fitness and adventurous journeys through organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs and Miss Tennessee Scholarship Organization.