Icons of the last 50 years from Buzz Aldrin to Roger Bannister celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award yesterday at Buckingham Palace.
The moon-landing astronaut and the first man to run a mile in less than four minutes gathered for a special garden party at the royal residence.
More than 8,000 volunteers involved in the scheme, which was set up by Prince Philip in 1956, mingled in the gardens of the Queen's home.
Among the famous faces and influential figures from the last half-century was director Tim Burton and his actress wife Helena Bonham Carter, Sir Henry Cooper, actor Sir David Jason, ballerina Darcy Bussell and explorer David Hempleman-Adams.
Hempleman-Adams said: "A lot of people have asked me what's the hardest thing I have ever done - North Pole, South Pole, Everest?
"For me it's always an easy answer. It's the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. It was the first time I had been away from home, had to share a tent with anybody and first time I had to cook for myself. It was a scary experience and got me interested.
