High-profile celebrities like Cheryl Cole and Will.i.am are memorable supporters of the Prince's Trust – Prince Charles's flagship charity. The organisation's Enterprise Scheme, which champions youth development and entrepreneurship, has just celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the Prince of Wales penned an open letter in which he urged people to invest in youth. Writing in the Telegraph the royal said he founded his Trust because young people's "talent can be wasted and unfulfilled".
He added: "It is heartening to know that these young people have created jobs and livelihoods for themselves with support from my Trust and, in some instances, employment and wages for others living in their communities too. "More often than not, their success has come about in the face of challenging obstacles such as ill health or difficult family situations, making it all the more impressive." On Tuesday, the Prince will attend the annual Prince's Trust Awards gala and meet people whose successes have been guided by the scheme. The charity has struck a chord with many famous faces who overcame underprivileged backgrounds to achieve success. Cheryl Cole's eponymous foundation works hand-in-hand with the Prince's Trust, helping disadvantaged young people in her home town of Newcastle.
When the collaboration was announced at Clarence House in 2011, Cheryl said: "I have always been a great admirer of the work of the Prince's Trust with disadvantaged young people across the UK. "It's the perfect charity for my foundation to support." Last summer, Will.i.am donated £500,000 to the Trust in the hope that it would help uncover a new business superstar. The Black Eyed Peas frontman also held talks with Prince Charles at Clarence House and said: "I grew up in east Los Angeles, one of the most under-served and tough neighbourhoods in America. "My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality. "So I am pleased to be collaborating with an organisation that shares my mission to transform the lives of young people who need extra support and structure in their lives."