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, Ant and Dec and Lily Collins, as well as King Charles himself.
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 (whose face lit up when he saw the awaiting presenters) 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, His Majesty, a few times, and for him to ask me back, it’s always an honour.’
When asked if she gets nervous around His Majesty, the singer told us: ‘I tend to speak more when I get nervous. But I feel like I’m going to try and not say anything. But there’s always that thing, right? You never want to mess it up now. So we’ll see. I had to ask the other day, “Do I need to curtsy for the King?” It’s changed so much. But you’d be surprised, actually, he’s incredibly welcoming.’
Meanwhile, Sam Thompson, who is being announced as an ambassador for the Trust, told us: ‘To be honest, to be a King’s ambassador is probably one of the highest pinnacles of my career.
‘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 I called him mate.
‘And then I realised I got wrong, called him “sir” and realised he’s not even a f*****g sir! I finally said Your Majesty and by that point I was sweating.’
As media partner for the Tesco Education Award, Metro had a little surprise for winner, 20-year-old Reece Harrison.
Armed with a specially created front cover, Sam Thompson also joined Reece as he took to the stage to receive his award, recognising how he had overcome significant barriers to education.
Former Made In Chelsea star Sam, 33, became Metro’s very own paperboy as he arrived on stage to deliver Reece his award alongside Alesha Dixon.
Reece had been enrolled on the King’s Trust Achieve programme after he had struggled at primary school due to his autism and speech impediments, which went on to have a huge impact on his confidence and learning.
‘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.
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However, after his school teachers signed him up to the Achieve programme in Year 9, Reese found alternative ways to thrive in education and as well as having a keen interest in the IT sector, Reece now works for Doncaster’s Youth Council, specialising in SEN support for young people.
When asked if he could ever see himself at No 10 one day thanks to his blossoming political career, Reece told us: ‘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
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