Prince Charles shared the spotlight with a handful of famous British faces as he hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening. The jovial event was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Charles' foundation The Prince's Trust.
Celebrity ambassadors who showed their support included Joan Collins – who was made a Dame by Prince Charles earlier this year – Pixie Lott, Fearne Cotton, Gemma Arteton and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Joan, 82, had the honour of presenting Prince Charles with a very special 40th anniversary gift – a portrait of himself. The artwork was made from hundreds of images of fundraisers, volunteers and supporters, as well as people whose lives have been touched by the work of the Trust.
© Photo: TwitterDame Joan Collins presented Prince Charles with a 40th anniversary gift
"It was my privilege to be able to present it," said the actress, who looked resplendent in a pink and black outfit. "His innovation not only saw the creation of the charity 40 years ago but continues to drive the work it does today."
Singer Pixie, who has been an ambassador for the charity since she was 18, revealed that her first make-up artist was one such person who has benefited from the Trust.
"It's lovely to see the confidence they have been given," said Pixie. "Some have set up in their own business, others have been on courses to help with their self-esteem. But it's all thanks to the Prince's Trust."
Fearne added: "It is so inspiring meeting all these people who have had such personal courage and the help and support of the Prince's Trust to reshape their lives."
© Photo: TwitterThe future King spoke to Pixie Lott and Fearne Cotton at the garden party
More than 5,000 of the Trust's supporters and beneficiaries attended the garden party and Charles spent about an hour walking around the grounds of the palace, shaking hands with his guests and chatting to them. He spoke to one beneficiary Phoebe Young, who suffered from severe tremor and epileptic seizures as a young girl, which led to bullying at school.
Phoebe now has buckets of confidence and explained: "I'm even giving talks in front of large groups of people which is something I could never have done before."
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The future King was also given a bronze bust of himself dressed in military attire. The lifelike statue was created over four separate sittings with Charles between 2013 and 2015 and it will be installed at the charity's headquarters in London.
Since Prince Charles founded the charity in 1976, the Trust has helped more than 825,000 young people. This year it will support over 100 more each day.
