King Charles has publicly expressed his heartfelt pride in The King's Trust, the esteemed youth charity he established half a century ago, as it celebrates a monumental 50-year anniversary dedicated to empowering disadvantaged young people throughout the United Kingdom.
A Legacy of Empowerment Founded in 1976
Originally founded by Charles in 1976 as The Prince's Trust, the organisation was created with a clear and compassionate mission: to support young individuals facing significant adversity. Its core purpose has always been to guide them towards sustainable employment or to provide the necessary backing for launching their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Transforming Over 1.3 Million Young Lives
Now widely recognised as one of the nation's leading youth charities, The King's Trust has made an indelible impact, positively transforming the lives of more than 1.3 million young Britons. The charity's vital work is championed by numerous high-profile supporters, including former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate and popular television presenters Ant and Dec. Notably, acclaimed British actor Idris Elba has previously credited the trust with providing him a life-altering opportunity that shaped his future.
The King's Personal Video Message
In a special video message commemorating the organisation's golden anniversary, King Charles delivered a powerful testament to its enduring work. "Over the last 50 years, the work of my trust has proved beyond doubt that supporting young people through personal development and the acquisition of self-confidence and self-esteem can make a real difference and transform lives," the monarch stated.
He continued with evident emotion, "As you can perhaps imagine, I am so very pleased, and proud, that the trust’s work continues to go from strength to strength, having in that time helped over 1.3 million young people grow their confidence, continue in education, secure sustainable jobs, and over 92,000 young people, in the UK alone, having been supported to start a business, thus enabling them all to build brighter futures."
Founding Principles and Future Commitment
Charles reaffirmed his unwavering belief in the charity's foundational ethos. "I firmly believe in the guiding principle on which my trust was founded – that young people can make an enormous contribution to society when they are given the confidence and skills to realise their potential," he declared.
Acknowledging the evolving challenges faced by younger generations, the King added, "While the challenges young people face may change with the times, their spirit and resilience remain constant. My trust will continue to stand beside them, building confidence and skills for the ever-changing world of work, so that they can go on to have stable and fulfilling lives for many years to come."
Humble Beginnings with Royal Navy Severance
The trust's origins are rooted in a period of national difficulty, launched during a time of record unemployment, high inflation, and social unrest. Remarkably, Charles initially funded the venture using his £7,400 Navy severance pay to establish several community initiatives aimed at providing hope and practical support.
Substantial Economic and Social Contribution
The organisation has announced that independent research indicates its programmes have contributed at least £11.4 billion in value to British society through improved employment outcomes and reduced social costs. This significant figure underscores the profound economic, as well as social, impact of its five decades of service.
Looking Forward: The Anniversary Impact Report
Next week, The King's Trust will release a comprehensive anniversary impact report titled 50 Years Of Working For Young People. This document is anticipated to reveal new findings regarding contemporary young people's attitudes, aspirations, and fears concerning their careers and future prospects, ensuring the charity's work remains relevant and responsive to the needs of the next generation.
