In its first outing since the charity adopted its new moniker following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the King’s Trust Gala showcased the unwavering commitment to supporting young individuals. Lionel Richie, the chairman of the global ambassador board, has been an integral part of the charity since the 1980s and co-chaired the celebration with Edward Enninful, the visionary editor-in-chief of British Vogue. Richie spoke passionately about the organization’s mission, emphasizing the belief in arming young people with the skills, education, and self-confidence to carve their own paths to success. Enninful echoed this sentiment, stressing the vital need to uplift the youth and address the inequalities that hinder their potential.
As guests basked in the golden hour light on the terrace, runway regulars from recent decades mingled with actresses and athletes. Among them was the beauty maestro Charlotte Tilbury, whose team of artists worked their magic on the faces of attendees including Kate Moss, Drew Barrymore, and Michaela Jae Rodriguez. Tilbury’s involvement in The King’s Trust stems from her belief in the transformative power of confidence, a value that aligns closely with her own brand’s ethos. She expressed her pride in mentoring, funding, and inspiring young entrepreneurs through the Trust’s programs and highlighted the countless talented individuals her brand has hired through this partnership.
The evening’s program featured moving speeches from three young beneficiaries, Megan, Nakya, and Akeme, who shared their inspiring journeys of transformation through the Trust’s programs in the USA, the UK, and Barbados. Their words resonated deeply with the audience, which included Chrissy Teigen, Dominic West, Laverne Cox, Emily Ratajkowski, and Teyana Taylor, who gave them a well-deserved standing ovation. The momentum continued with a lively auction featuring exclusive experiences and artworks, before Grammy Award-winner John Legend took to the stage to serenade the crowd with his soulful vocals.
In a letter read by a young beneficiary, Ariana Faye Penalosa from Canada, His Majesty King Charles expressed his profound admiration for the impact of The King’s Trust, having witnessed its growth from its humble beginnings in 1976 to reaching over one million young people worldwide. The Trust’s unwavering commitment to helping underserved communities learn, earn, and thrive remains steadfast, as emphasized by Jeremy Green, Chairman of The King’s Trust USA. With the inspiration of individuals like Lionel Richie, Edward Enninful, and countless others, The King’s Trust continues to empower young people and create a better future for generations to come.
