Britain's Prince Edward Visits Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A member of the royal family was in Baltimore Tuesday.  Prince Edward was here to announce a program for at-risk youth in Baltimore.

Mary Bubala reports students were instructed on how to properly greet the prince.

At Baltimore's Living Classrooms Foundation, there was a chance to meet and even sit next to a prince.  Prince Edward, the queen's youngest son and Prince Charles' brother, was in Baltimore, encouraging young people to take part in a special program he spearheads called the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

"I am just so thrilled that you are interested in how this award program can fit with what you are doing and hopefully to give these young people something extra to move forward in life," Prince Edward said.

The program challenges young people to complete community service projects, physical activities and learn new skills, all in the hope of building confidence and self-esteem.

"I would love to participate in all the activities that he brings to Baltimore because I want to know what they do in England and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet a prince," said Tyrese Prue, Boys & Girls Club.

Students from the Living Classrooms' Fresh Start Program presented Prince Edward with several handmade wooden chairs that will be shipped back to England, including two for the prince's young children.

"Surreal," said Jesse Garner, Fresh Start Program. "I would have never thought I would have ever met royalty in my life."

Prince Edward left his crown at home but Miss America wore hers.  Teresa Scanlan is working on her Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

"I am actually working on my Bronze Award right now and I am doing so while Miss America because so many of the things I am doing right now play into that," Scanlan said.

Prince Edward is bringing his program to Baltimore based on a friendship he formed with Todd Ruppert, the president of T. Rowe Price International.

If you would like to learn more about the award, click here.