Prince Edwards receives BWF President's Medal

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, was honoured for 25 years of royal patronage to Badminton Scotland as he received the prestigious Badminton World Federation (BWF) President's Medal to a rousing ovation here.

Making the presentation before the start of the finals of the Scottish Open Grand Prix here, BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer said: "His Royal Highness has contributed greatly to the growth of badminton in Scotland over the last 25 years and the President's Medal is in appreciation of all that he has done for our sport."

Badminton Scotland chief executive Anne Smillie said: "The value of royal patronage is incalculable. It has played a very significant role in attaining for Badminton Scotland the prestige it currently enjoys both at home and around the world. The degree of His Royal Highness's involvement in and the depth of his knowledge of our sport is a source of great pride to us and the envy of many other organisations."

"I would like, on behalf of Badminton Scotland, to congratulate His Royal Highness on his 25 years of unstinting service, to offer our deep gratitude and appreciation for his continuing support, and to express the sincere hope that we may have his support for many years to come."

The Earl of Wessex is only the third recipient of BWF's highest individual honour, awarded to a person or persons who have contributed significantly to badminton.