King Charles continued marking the 50th anniversary of his King’s Trust charity this week, hosting a series of celebratory events with notable guests and highlighting the work of young people across the U.K.
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the King, 78, welcomed supporters, beneficiaries, volunteers, and dignitaries to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The event celebrated five decades of the organization’s mission: helping disadvantaged young people build confidence, develop skills, and create opportunities to “live, learn, and earn.” Among the distinguished guests was Dame Helen Mirren, 80, who was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth in 2003. Mirren, renowned for her portrayals of British royals, has played the late Queen Elizabeth twice—first in the Academy Award-winning film The Queen (2006), and later on stage in The Audience, which earned her both a Tony and an Olivier Award. Though Mirren met Queen Elizabeth on several occasions, the actress has said the late monarch never commented on her portrayals, reflecting the royal family’s traditional reserve and respect for free expression.
Earlier in the day, King Charles joined actor and U.K. acting legend Idris Elba to attend the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT). Elba, a former NYMT student who benefited from a grant from what was then The Prince’s Trust at age 18, has long supported the creative space. Together, the King and Elba met with young students participating in NYMT workshops such as improvisation, watched a performance from current students, and gathered with alumni for a group photo. Elba later joined the palace garden party as well, sharing the celebration with other distinguished guests.
A lighthearted moment during the garden party was captured in a clip posted on social media by royal reporter Rebecca English. The clip showed King Charles being tested on a DJ turntable by Elba and Christian St. Louis. When the King pressed one button and a beat played, Elba looked on with visible amusement, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Reflecting on the milestone, King Charles had previously spoken at a star-studded reception in New York City, emphasizing the enduring impact of the trust. “It’s a wonderfully proud but extraordinary moment to think that it’s 50 years since I started this trust,” he said. “After all these years of investing in young people… the greatest thing that I always hoped, but never quite believed would happen, is that many of the people who’ve been successful through the trust then come back to support other young people in the future. That, for me, has been a wonderful virtuous circle.”
He continued, “I won’t see the long-distance future, but I’m enormously grateful to you all for what you can do as supporters to help this vital endeavor, championing the next generation and ensuring that their talent and ambition continue to strengthen our societies for many years to come.”
The events highlight King Charles’ long-standing commitment to youth development, blending the charity’s mission with public engagement and celebrating the contributions of both past and current beneficiaries.
