Prince Edward amuses award recipients and their families at ceremony in Regina

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, left, and Edward's wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, right, arrive at the Regina International Airport in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 22, 2016. (Michael Bell / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

REGINA -- Prince Edward amused young people and their families with his speech at an award ceremony on the second day of a visit to Saskatchewan.

The Queen's youngest son handed out certificates in Regina to 11 recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, founded by and named after Edward's father. To receive the award, young adults participate in a leadership program that includes a wilderness portion called the Adventurous Journey.

Edward called it a worthwhile experience.

But he joked that if their experience was anything like his as a young man, they probably wondered why they were doing it about halfway through.

"It's a great feeling when you get to the end," he said.

The recipients stood together on a staircase at Government House while Edward spoke.

"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you, so feel a bit proud of what you've achieved and walk out of the room this afternoon just a few inches taller," he said before joking: "Be careful. A couple of you, you might hit the ceiling."

Award recipient Faith Ogundipe got the chance to chat with Edward and his wife, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, after the ceremony.

"It was really cool," said Ogundipe.

"He was really funny and wanted to know more about what each of us did and was truly interested."

The royal couple also attended a luncheon to mark the 125th anniversary of Government House, as well as a ceremony to present the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers to six people.

During her speech at the luncheon, Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Schofield said she was "amazed, but pleased" to hear that the countess has committed to cycling 716 kilometres -- "all the way from Edinburgh to London" -- in seven days this September to support the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

From her seat, Sophie interjected that the journey is very hilly.

"I should have done it here," she joked to laughs from the crowd.

After the luncheon, the royal couple did a walkabout under a sunny sky.

Reese Stevenson, 5 1/2, was holding a bouquet of flowers as she waited more than an hour to see them.

"They're for the princess," Reese said quietly, referring to Sophie.

Earlier in the day, Sophie, visited the RCMP Heritage Centre.

She left after the walkabout to head for Alberta, where is to visit the fire-damaged city of Fort McMurray on Friday.

The countess is to be accompanied by Gov. Gen. David Johnston, who will present a commendations for outstanding service to those involved in emergency relief efforts.

Edward had more private meetings in Regina, including a farm barbecue and tour, before travelling to Calgary on Friday.