Hollywood stars, an Australian veteran and musicians all attended the 50th anniversary celebration of The King’s Trust with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Visiting the Royal Albert Hall in London for the occasion included Amal, who wore a beautiful gold gown, and George Clooney.
Also there was Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Idris Elba, Sir Rod Stewart, Rita Ora, and Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood.
King Charles founded the charity in 1976, designed to help disadvantaged young people in education, training and employment. It was originally called The Prince’s Trust, but was renamed in 2024 to reflect Charles’ accession.
The King’s Trust is estimated to have assisted 1.3 million people.
While it was an exciting night for the British royal family, it was also a big milestone for Australian veteran Shannon Lemanski.
Shannon, an alumni of The King’s Trust Australia, was awarded the prestigious 2026 Global Sustainability Award at the celebration. In doing so, she became the first Australian to win a global award at The King’s Trust.
He was presented the award following his innovative business, Aqua Ubique that converts air into water. In doing so, he replaces traditional water coolers with onsite water generators and therefore reduces plastic bottle waste.
Then, with every five commercial installations, Shannon’s team then installs and supports a unit in a remote First Nations community that has little or no access to safe tap water.
“The King’s Trust Enterprise programme didn’t just sharpen our thinking – it backed us to take action,” Shannon said.
“More than anything, it reminded us we weren’t alone. It gave us capability, credibility, and connections at a stage where those three things were hard to come by – and it continues to shape how we grow.”
Asylum seeker Musa, fled Sudan and now works in a landscaping company. He received the L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Ward.
Nanina withdrew from school before the trust’s partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation supported her to rejoin school. Now, she empowers other young girls to continue their education. Naina received the Amal Clooney Woman’s Empowerment award.
Brandon was given the Homesense Young Achiever Award after struggling with mental health due to unemployment. The trust helped him return to work.
