In a touching family moment at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor received the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award from her father, Prince Edward, continuing a royal tradition spanning three generations.

The 22-year-old royal was among more than 600 young people honored at the ceremony in Edinburgh on July 3, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the prestigious youth development program founded by her late grandfather, Prince Philip .

Prince Edward, who became the Duke of Edinburgh following his father's death, presented his daughter with her framed certificate during an informal gathering in the palace's West Drawing Room . The Duchess of Edinburgh looked on with evident pride as her daughter received the accolade.

The occasion carried particular significance, coming 40 years after Prince Edward received his own Gold Award from Prince Philip at St James's Palace in 1986 . In a lighthearted moment during the ceremony, the Duke pointed to his daughter and told the assembled guests, "We've got someone else who's actually done all three" levels of the award .

Lady Louise completed her award requirements primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining that her certificates arrived by post rather than through a formal presentation . "I did mine mainly during Covid so they didn't really award anything, so, nice to get it now," she shared .

The celebration came just one day after Lady Louise graduated from the University of St Andrews, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature and International Relations . Her boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, whom she met while studying at the university, joined her proud parents at the ceremony .

Following the presentation, the party moved to the palace gardens where Prince Edward addressed the award recipients, encouraging them to "walk a few inches taller" in recognition of their achievement . "Just feel a bit proud of what you have managed to achieve," he told them .

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, established in 1956, helps young people develop confidence and skills to reach their full potential, according to Buckingham Palace . Lady Louise now plans to embark on a gap year involving work, volunteering, and travel before deciding on her career path .