King Charles 'proud' of work King's Trust has done as it celebrates 50th anniversary

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 25/01/2026

- 00:01

A famous British actor has been helped by the charity

King Charles has expressed his pride as his charity, The King's Trust, celebrates half a century of transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people throughout the United Kingdom.

The charity, originally established as The Prince's Trust, was created by Charles in 1976 with the specific aim of helping vulnerable young individuals overcome difficult circumstances, find employment, or establish their own enterprises.


In a video message commemorating the milestone anniversary, the monarch stated: "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 organisation came into being during a turbulent era marked by record joblessness, soaring inflation and widespread civil unrest across Britain.

King Charles

King Charles has spoken on his pride as his charity reaches it's 50th anniversary

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Charles used his £7,400 severance payment from the Royal Navy to establish the initiative, channelling the funds into various community projects designed to support struggling young people.

What began as a modest endeavour has since grown into one of Britain's foremost youth organisations, with research indicating the trust has generated at least £11.4billion in societal value over its five decades of operation.

An anniversary impact report titled 50 Years Of Working For Young People is scheduled for release next week.

The trust's impact has been substantial, with more than 1.3 million young people receiving assistance since its inception.

Additionally, some 92,000 individuals across the UK have been supported in launching their own businesses through the charity's programmes.

The organisation boasts an impressive roster of celebrity ambassadors who champion its work, including former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate and television presenters Ant and Dec.

King Charles

92,000 individuals across the UK have been supported in launching their own businesses through the charity's programmes

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GETTY

Actor Idris Elba has spoken publicly about how the trust provided him with a life-changing opportunity during his early career.

Charles expressed his satisfaction at these achievements, noting he was "so very pleased, and proud, that the trust's work continues to go from strength to strength."

The monarch emphasised his belief in the founding principle that young people possess the capacity to make significant contributions to society when equipped with the necessary confidence and abilities to fulfil their potential.

"While the challenges young people face may change with the times, their spirit and resilience remain constant," Charles said in his anniversary message.

Idirs Elba

Idris Elba has previously spoken on how The King's Trust helped him

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He pledged that the trust would continue supporting young people, "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."

The forthcoming impact report will reveal new findings regarding young people's attitudes and concerns about their careers and futures.