Charles joined by David Beckham and Meryl Streep to celebrate award winners
The King has been joined by a host of stars to celebrate the achievements of young talent and senior figures recognised by his foundation.
Charles met David Beckham, Stanley Tucci and Penny Lancaster, all King's Foundation ambassadors, alongside friends of the charitable body, Hollywood stars Kate Winslet and Meryl Streep, at the St James's Palace awards ceremony.
Prizes including Young Entrepreneur and Advocate of the Year were presented by the celebrities including the King Charles III Harmony Award, recognising a long-term commitment to the foundation's mission of creating a world where people, places and the planet can live in harmony.
Charles met his foundation's famous supporters and award winners before touring stands showcasing the charity's work, and Winslet smiled as she told him: 'Don't worry, I'll be all in – I've got your back.'
Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc hailed the King for his campaigning over the decades on issues like communities, sustainability and traditional crafts that underpin the foundation, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.
His ITV series Raymond Blanc's Royal Kitchen Gardens took him to palaces like Hampton Court and Hillsborough, as well as Highgrove House and the Castle of Mey – places Charles calls home.
Blanc, a foundation ambassador, said after meeting Charles: 'I think what the King has done is extraordinary. He's done it for many, many years – from the 1970s, about the same time I arrived in England – and my values are his values.
'There's a deep belief in connecting human beings with communities, with agriculture, with sustainability, management of waste, management of energy, and he has done it for the last 45, 50 years.'
Speaking about filming at the King's Scottish retreat, the Castle of Mey, which once belonged to his grandmother the Queen Mother, Blanc added: 'I really believe he got all his values seeing his grandma in this beautiful space.
'So natural, close to the sea, at the tip of Scotland where there was such a reservoir of natural things.'
Blanc's words were echoed by Penny Lancaster who praised the monarch for creating the awards and highlighting the needs of the planet throughout his adult life.
She added: 'The King may have been accused of hugging trees and people thinking he was mad when he started talking about the environment all that time ago, but he was at the forefront then and now has been proved right with everything he said and now we're all just trying to play catch up.
'I really recognise the beauty in the way he is trying to get us on board with his knowledge and if we can pass that on to the younger generation, and save some of the traditional skills like we've seen with these winners today, we can all be a part of making a difference.'
The King's Foundation, previously known as The Prince's Foundation following an amalgamation of Charles' charities which stretch back to 1990, aims to 'advocate for the change His Majesty wants to see in the world'.
The Emerging Talent prize was presented by Beckham, the former England football captain rumoured to be knighted soon, to Emily Hurst who has shown exceptional talent and commitment while on a King's Foundation programme.
She recently completed the Chanel and King's Foundation Metiers d'Art Fellowship in Millinery, based at Highgrove Gardens after she had become fascinated with the heritage craft of straw braiding and began learning to produce hats from the material.
She said: 'Working at Highgrove was absolutely the best place to be, surrounded by so much inspiration from His Majesty's garden and learning from some of the best milliners with country, I'm so incredibly honoured.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
16 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Billy Connolly reflects on his youth as icon releases new 'windswept and interesting' art
Billy Connolly has released new limited-edition artworks that see him reminisce about his younger years The irrepressible Billy Connolly is known for his quick wit and unconventional character and style. He is also known for his artistic talents, and ability to render his eccentricity into fascinating paintings and sculptures. Throughout his storied career, the comedy legend has produced works on many topics and themes relating to his life. Now, the 82-year-old has released new limited-edition artworks that see him reminisce about his younger years. Released exclusively through Castle Fine Art, the collection, titled Windswept & Interesting, depicts a dancing Teddy Boy figure as a stainless-steel sculpture, alongside two vibrant hand-signed giclée artworks. "These artworks are my youth as I'd like it to have been, but it wasn't," Billy told Castle Fine Art, which has galleries in Glasgow and Edinburgh. "I would have loved to have been a Teddy Boy, but I was too young and my parents wouldn't let me do it. "It's the worst reason not to be a Teddy Boy – because your parents won't let you!" Teddy Boys, as Billy refers to them, were a mainly working-class subculture in 1950s Britain, known for their distinct style reminiscent of the Edwardian era, with a focus on long, dapper jackets, slicked-back hair, and narrow trousers. Meanwhile, the title of the collection is taken from that of Billy's number one bestselling memoir, released in 2021. "Michael Parkinson used to love calling me 'windswept and interesting," says Billy. But it was Scottish folk singer and songwriter Archie Fisher that coined the description of the comedian many years ago when Billy was performing at Methil Steelworks Club in Fife. He was wearing white velvet flared trousers when Archie said: "You're looking windswept and interesting". "I thought 'Yes! That will do me'," Billy went on. "And that's been me ever since." Since this moment, Billy, who now lives in Florida, has made it his mission to live up to the title. The phrase has followed him throughout his remarkable career, providing guidance for his attitude, outlook, and of course, style. The Glasgow-born icon has made many memorable style statements over the last 60 years – from black leotards and banana boots to outrageously patterned shirts and suits. Fashion has always been a huge part of his on-stage presence, and this colourful new collection of artwork explores his early style influences. Billy decorates the character's suit with his signature line work – a nod to his disregard for the status quo and passion for pattern, colour, and clashing socks. The detailing is added to the stainless-steel sculpture in the form of texture, bringing this joyful character to life. "It wasn't supposed to be me but it looks like me," Billy said. "This is me, as I see myself, and I'm so proud of him." The Windswept & Interesting collection is available now at and in their nationwide UK galleries. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Record
16 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Quotes from iconic Scottish poets unveiled on walls of Scottish Parliament
The works have been carved into stones from across the country by Perthshire-based stone carver Gillian Forbes, assisted by apprentice Cameron Wallace. Scotland's esteemed poets have graced the Scottish Parliament walls with their verses - thanks to a Perthshire stone carver. The words of former Scots Makars Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie now permanently adorn the parliamentary estate, thanks to the craftsmanship of Glenfarg stone carver Gillian Forbes and her apprentice Cameron Wallace. Etched into stones hailing from across Scotland, they have been placed on the Canongate Wall of Holyrood, which sits on the Royal Mile. With these additions, there are now 29 engraved quotations on the wall, celebrating the rich tapestry of Scottish literature, from revered writers to timeworn proverbs and cherished poetry. Achnaba Schist sourced near Lochgilphead served as the canvas for Lochhead's poignant contribution: "this". "our one small country.. "our one, wondrous, spinning, dear green place. "What shall we build of it, together". "in this our one small time and space?". Kay's heartfelt words carved into Ailsa Craig Granite from Ayrshire, says : "Where do you come from?". "'Here,' I said, 'Here. These parts.'". Meanwhile, Jamie's Dalbeattie Granite inscription from Dumfriesshire, says: "Be brave:". "by the weird-song in the dark you'll find your way." Alison Johnstone, the Presiding Officer, lauded the installation as an homage to the artistry and dedication of women excelling in their fields within Scotland. She remarked: "The inspirational words of our three poets – Liz Lochhead, Jackie Kay and Kathleen Jamie – combine with the skill of stone carver Gillian Forbes, making these quotes something of real beauty using stone from across Scotland. "This is only possible thanks to the original vision of Enric Miralles and artist Soraya Smithson, who designed the wall as a permanent reminder of our rich cultural heritage. "I'm proud to unveil these new quotes, which ensure that this piece of living public sculpture reflects the writing talent we have in Scotland today." Lochhead, Makar between 2011 and 2016, said: "It's a big part of my life, being a Scot, being somebody who has a Parliament, and getting some of my words on the walls here, it's fantastic." Kay, who succeeded as Makar in 2016 until 2021, shared: "It's a huge honour and so extraordinary to be carved into stone. "It's so strange to think of your words surviving you – but in a sense, that's every writer's dream." Jamie, who held the title of Makar from 2021 until last year, added: "Poetry is very democratic. It's available to anybody – through libraries, through memory. It's free, and it's absolutely of our culture."
Scottish Sun
29 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
This Morning star's heartbreaking final video revealed just hours before tragic death on Air India crash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HEARTBREAKING final video posted by a This Morning star has been revealed just hours before their tragic death on the Air India crash that claimed 241 lives. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, appeared twice on the ITV daytime show earlier this year, discussing the healthy lifestyle company he founded with his husband Jamie Meek, 45. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 This Morning guest Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek posted a heartbreaking final video before his tragic death in yesterday's Air India crash Credit: Instagram 7 Fiongal appeared twice on the ITV daytime show earlier this year Credit: instagram The couple were among the passengers who passed away when the flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, bound for Gatwick. In the chilling final clip filmed at Ahmedabad airport, Fiongal and Jamie, dressed in floral shirts and visibly happy, reflect on their trip. Fiongal says: 'We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?' Jamie responds: 'I don't know,' prompting Fiongal's laughter and a teasing, 'Thanks for your contribution.' Fiongal jokes that his main lesson was 'don't lose your patience with your partner,' to which Jamie smiles and replies, 'You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.' Passengers mill in the background as Fiongal adds, 'I'm going back to Britain happily, happily calm.' This Morning paid tribute to Fiongal during Friday's broadcast. Dermot O'Leary said: 'We are starting today with the tragic flight disaster dominating the news this morning. Sadly, one of those believed to have lost his life is Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek.' Co-presenter Alison Hammond added: 'Of the 242 people on board, 241 lost their lives, including 52 from the UK, making it the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since the 9/11 attacks.' Martin Frizell, former editor of This Morning, posted a touching tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of Fiongal smiling alongside Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary pay emotional tribute to This Morning star feared dead in Air India plane crash He wrote: 'So, so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. "I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. "And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. "Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' Jamie's brother Nick Meek told MailOnline: 'We were expecting him home tonight. He should have landed at 6.30pm and then driven up for about 11pm to get his dog who is staying with our Mum. "She is not in a good way. It is all very raw for her at the moment. It's a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago." Jamie and Fiongal, who lived in London and ran the wellness brand the Wellness Foundry, had been in India for about 10 days on a wellness retreat. Nick said: 'They both worked in holistics and had their own business.' Although Jamie had been to India before, this was their first trip as a couple since marrying in 2022. They lived together in Ramsgate, Kent. Earlier social media posts from the couple showed their experiences in Ahmedabad, including a seven-hour car journey to a stunning hotel. In one clip, Fiongal lies on a large bed beside a giant swing, describing the hotel as 'beautiful' and saying he felt 'very, very happy.' Their time in India was captured in a series of posts showing henna tattoos, shopping for fabrics and gifts, and riding in a tuk-tuk through busy streets. On their final night, Fiongal reflected: 'So, it's our last night in India and we've had a magical experience. Some mind-blowing things have happened. We are going to put all this together and create a vlog. It's my first ever vlog about the whole trip and we want to share it.' Jamie added: 'We have been on quite a journey and then spending our last night here in this beautiful hotel, it's really been a great way to round off the trip.' The Wellness Foundry, founded by Fiongal in 2018 after a spiritual awakening triggered by illness, specialises in tarot and psychic readings, reiki, and other alternative therapies. The company's website says Fiongal sought healing 'beyond conventional methods' and explored practices that 'resonated deeply within his soul.' While the exact cause of the horrific Air India crash is not yet known, speculation continues to swirl online. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers on board - including 53 Brits and 11 children - smashed into a doctors' hostel in the west of India on Thursday. The plane was heading to London Gatwick when it crashed just moments after take-off. One of Flight AI171's two "black boxes" has reportedly been recovered - which should provide crucial evidence on the fateful minutes between the plane leaving the airport terminal to it's impact. The black box will provide technical information on details like time, speed, altitude and heading. And the cockpit voice recorder may also offer vital clues such as any conversation between the two pilots, any engine noises or bangs, stall warnings or sounds of other equipment. The crash killed at least 265 people - including those on board and locals on the ground. As crash investigators begin to pour over that data, The Sun looks at six main theories as potential causes for India's worst ever aviation disaster. Follow our live coverage of the crash and aftermath here... 7 He and his husband Jamie Meek were among the passengers who passed away Credit: instagram 7 This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary paid tribute to Fiongal during Friday's broadcast Credit: ITV 7 This was their first trip as a couple since marrying in 2022 7 The plane was seen wedged in a building Credit: Reuters
