The King told a young woman he is 'really proud' of her for overcoming struggles to find a job, as he met with young professionals at Buckingham Palace. Joined by Sir Gareth Southgate, Charles met 20 young people supported into work by The King's Trust on Wednesday.
Among those he spoke with was Trishna Lamichhane, 28, who said she was 'really grateful' to Charles after she received work experience through his charity's retail programme. Speaking at the Youth Opportunity Summit about moving to Belfast from Nepal, she said: 'I had my experience, however I was finding it really difficult to get interviewed, which is why I started losing my confidence.'
Ms Lamichhane added: 'I had moved from a different country, and I was finding it very difficult to navigate the workplace culture here. The King's Trust helped me, and I am now in a position where I'm proud of myself because I'm actually doing something I really love.' She said Charles was 'really happy to hear' she is now helping other young people step into careers in her HR role at Marks & Spencer.
As part of the event, charity ambassador Sir Gareth announced a new national initiative which will see 18 to 30-year-olds supported into employment through mentoring schemes, online resources and work experience opportunities from 2027. The former England football manager told the Press Association: 'What I see is so much talent that isn't being fulfilled that maybe just needs support at the right moment to gain belief in what they're doing.'
Prior to Charles's arrival, young guests received advice and guidance in one-to-one sessions with leaders in business, sport, civil society and the media, including Sir Gareth. He added: 'I've heard that story so many times this morning from youngsters in real diverse, different career paths. It was all about someone who believed in them, somebody that could guide them.'
The King also greeted Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy warmly in the Marble Hall, sharing a joke with the pair. Charles posed for a photo with attendees including mentees, mentors, youth group leaders and business executives on the steps of the Grand Hall. The Trust says it has helped more than 1.3 million young people across the UK in the past 50 years.
