The King’s Trust, formerly The Prince’s Trust, had its third annual star-studded event, co-Chaired by Global Ambassadors, Lionel Richie and Edward Enninful OBE.
- Highlights included a message from His Majesty The King, a performance by Grammy Award winner, John Legend, a live auction and presentations by young people helped by the charity.
- Other guests included Kate Beckinsdale, Dominic West, Laverne Cox, Emily Ratajkowski, Irina Shayk, Ashley Graham, Katherine Jenkins, Charlotte Tilbury, Law Roach, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Iris Law, Joan Smalls and Teyana Taylor.
On Thursday 2nd May, at Casa Cipriani in New York City, The King’s Trust Global Ambassadors Lionel Richie and Edward Enninful OBE, hosted a glittering Gala to raise funds in support of the global youth charity established by King Charles in 1976.
Previously known as The Prince’s Trust Group, the charity now operates in 25 countries, including the USA, and has helped 1.2million young people move into education, employment or enterprise.
The Gala is the charity’s first event under its new name, following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III in 2023.
In a letter that was read to the audience by a young beneficiary, Ariana, from Canada, His Majesty remarked: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me enormous pride and pleasure to be able to celebrate this evening, the first ever King’s Trust event. When I started the Trust in 1976, I could never have imagined the reach that the organization would have in the U.K. and in more than twenty countries around the world, or the more than a million brilliant young people we have been able to support.”
Guests at the Global Gala enjoyed a special performance by Grammy Award winner John Legend, who took a break from his role as a judge on The Voice to sing hits including, “All of Me” and “Ordinary People”. Three young people supported by The Trust also took to the stage to share their personal experiences of taking part in programs in the USA, UK and Barbados.
Chairman of the Global Ambassador Board and Global Ambassador, Lionel Richie said: “My association with The Trust goes back to the 1980s and so much has been achieved since then but there remains so much more to do. I remain truly inspired by His Majesty’s commitment to this cause and as Chair of the Global Ambassador Group, I am delighted that we are now The King’s Trust, cementing the future legacy of this work. The world is tough for young people right now and I’m a huge believer in the approach of The King’s Trust, to create opportunities and equip young people with the skills and self-belief to succeed on their own terms.”
King’s Trust Global Ambassador, Edward Enninful OBE added: “This generation has the power to change the world and we all have a duty to address the inequalities which stop any young person from fulfilling their potential. It’s a huge honour for me to support the organization, now as The King’s Trust, as it continues to help to bridge the gap, not only in the UK, but where I grew up in Ghana and now here in the USA and many countries around the world.”
Associate Sponsor and Trust supporter Margot McKinney said: ‘I am delighted to be here once again supporting the vital work of The King’s Trust. Having supported this work in Australia for many years, it is an honour to continue my support at an evening like this bringing together so many like-minded supporters who believe in young people around the world.
The Trust launched its first programs in the USA in 2023 and currently works in New York, Detroit and Chicago to deliver Enterprise Challenge; a schools-based competition for 11-to 16-year-olds to develop their entrepreneurial spirit and business knowledge.
The King’s Trust plans to extend its work into other parts of the USA and will introduce two new initiatives here this year including a jobs fair and grants.
Jeremy Green, Chairman of The King’s Trust USA, said: “Our name may have changed but our mission remains the same – to help young people in underserved communities to learn, earn and thrive. As His Majesty The King said when The Trust first started, every young person deserves the chance to succeed. It’s with thanks to His Majesty and to supporters like Lionel and Edward, and all the guests here tonight, that The King’s Trust can continue giving young people around the world the opportunities to build their future.
Young People who shared their story:
Akeme, Barbados
Growing up in Barbados, Akeme started skipping school and was drawn towards gangs. He aspired to be a drug dealer. In 2016, he joined the King’s Trust Team Program, and that marked a dramatic turning point. His work placement led to a job in catering which inspired Akeme to set up his own company. Paradise Sauce launched in 2021, and his first international customer was HM The King when he visited Barbados that same year. Akeme was later among the young people selected to represent The King’s Trust at the Coronation in May 2023. He now serves as a mentor on the King’s Trust Team Program.
Nakya, Chicago
Nakya was a member of the team which won the King’s Trust USA Enterprise Challenge Competition in 2023. Before this, she was getting into trouble at school and came very close to being expelled. Her team landed on the idea of utilizing an unused beauty lab to create a space where female students could access nail, hair and skin treatments at an affordable price. She knew the pressure on students to look a particular way, and that not having the right look often resulted in bullying. Today, Nakya is getting on much better with her academic work and plans to become an Emergency Room nurse. Nakya’s mother believes her work with The King’s Trust has saved her daughter from underachieving at school and that their relationship at home has improved.
Ariana, Canada
After periods of homelessness and unemployment, King’s Trust Canada has supported Ariana to rediscover her confidence and reinvigorate her career. Ariana’s fascination with technology began at school, with a passion for video game design. She tried a few tech roles but then, in the wake of the pandemic, she found herself unemployed. Ariana turned to King’s Trust Canada’s Women in Tech Pitch Challenge, where she received mentorship, guidance, and skills-building opportunities among a community of like-minded young women. The program reignited her passion for technology and enabled her to develop a newfound sense of belonging and confidence about her place in a sector that she had previously seen as dominated by ‘men in suits’. Today, Ariana is pursuing her passion for technology in her role as a health informatics analyst at a children’s hospital.
Megan, UK One of the most important steps in Megan’s journey towards landing her dream job was learning to believe in herself. Faced with physical and mental health challenges growing up, which impacted her education and confidence, Megan left school without the required qualifications to pursue her ideal career working in healthcare. Finding herself unemployed at the start of the pandemic, she feared for her future and thought she was unemployable. The Trust’s Health and Social Care programme helped Megan to develop the skills and confidence she needed to go after her dream roles. Today, she is proud to be working as a Healthcare Assistant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and is looking forward to starting her nursing apprenticeship.
About The King’s Trust:
The King’s Trust group of charities is a global network founded by His Majesty The King in 1976. This includes The Prince’s Trust in the UK (soon to be King’s Trust), King’s Trust USA, King’s Trust Australia, King’s Trust Canada, King’s Trust New Zealand and King’s Trust International. We are active in more than 20 countries, within the Commonwealth and beyond. In a rapidly changing world, we deliver education, employment, enterprise and environmental projects that enable young people and communities to thrive.
Further information is available at www.kingstrustglobal.org
About The King’s Trust Canada
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III, The King’s Trust Canada is a national charity that helps youth facing barriers increase their employability through free skills training, work experience and networking opportunities.
