It was a star-studded affair at the Royal Albert Hall, as famous faces turned up to honour the efforts of young people across the UK as part of the King's Trust Awards. Celebrating its 50th birthday, the charity event was hosted by Ant and Dec and attended by the likes of George and Amal Clooney, Lily Collins, and King Charles himself.
Royal Arrival and Red Carpet Moments
His Majesty and Queen Camilla arrived to a nervous Ant and Dec, who waited for him on the red carpet and told journalists and photographers: 'Stop giggling you lot!' before a delighted King Charles made his way into the ceremony. Rita Ora told Metro on the red carpet: 'It's a really special night. This foundation, this trust has been a very prominent part of my career. I've performed for the King a few times, and for him to ask me back, it's always an honour.'
Ambassador Announcements and Surprises
Sam Thompson, announced as an ambassador for the Trust, shared his humorous encounter with the King: 'I met the King last year but I wasn't invited to the palace this year. Maybe it's because I shook his hand weirdly last time and called him mate.' As media partner for the Tesco Education Award, Metro had a surprise for winner Reece Harrison, 20, with a specially created front cover. Sam Thompson joined Reece on stage to deliver his award alongside Alesha Dixon.
Reece Harrison's Inspiring Journey
Reece had been enrolled on the King's Trust Achieve programme after struggling at primary school due to autism and speech impediments. 'I wasn't a big fan of school back then as when you don't think people can understand you, you don't really feel like talking,' he told Metro. After teachers signed him up to the Achieve programme in Year 9, Reece found alternative ways to thrive in education. He now works for Doncaster's Youth Council, specialising in SEN support. When asked about a future in politics, Reece said: 'I hope that I will keep on going up – I'll keep trying no matter what happens.'
Full Winners List
- Homesense Young Achiever – Brandon, Chorley
- L'Oreal Paris Rising Star – Musa, Glasgow
- Delta Air Lines Breakthrough – Sahara, Bristol
- Watches of Switzerland Group Young Change Maker – Shauna, Leeds
- Tesco Education – Reece, Doncaster
- NatWest Enterprise – Dan, Cardiff
- JD Foundation Community Impact – Strabane Academy, Northern Ireland
- Volunteer of the Year in association with Good Morning Britain – Alan, Wales
- Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment – Naina, India
- Global Young Achiever – Oluchukwu, Nigeria
- Global Sustainability – Shannon, Australia
