**King Charles Shows Musical Flair at King’s Trust Awards, Requests Sugababes on the Red Carpet**
The King’s Trust Awards ceremony saw a sparkling display of star power and uplifting stories, but it was King Charles’s personal request for the Sugababes to soundtrack the red carpet that added an unexpected dash of pop culture to the royal event.
The prestigious awards were held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, drawing guests from across the worlds of entertainment, philanthropy, and activism. Among the luminaries were Hollywood icon George Clooney and his wife, renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney. Joining them were staunch King’s Trust supporters, such as Dame Joanna Lumley, award-winning actor Joseph Fiennes, and television host Declan Donnelly—one half of the famous presenting duo Ant and Dec—who together turned the ceremony into a glittering celebration of young achievement.
This year, the King continued his tradition of direct engagement with the event, having friendly exchanges with the headline performers. The Sugababes, comprised of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhan Donaghy, were both opening and closing the evening’s show. Reflecting on their royal conversation, Keisha Buchanan remarked, “It’s incredible to learn the King specifically asked for our music—he seemed genuinely surprised we’ve been performing together for 25 years.” She added that Charles expressed interest in starting his listening journey with their hit “Overload”.
A telling moment arrived when BBC Radio 1’s Melvin Odoom, who was manning the DJ booth for arrivals, recounted the conversation he shared with the monarch. “I told him to let me know his song requests. He asked for the Sugababes CD,” Odoom chuckled. “I didn’t have the heart to mention everything’s digital these days, but I’ll make sure their tracks are played!”
The Clooneys’ attendance underscored the international reach of the King’s Trust. Amal Clooney was present to support Alice, a 19-year-old recipient of the Women’s Empowerment Award, bestowed in her name. Alice was honoured for launching an initiative to empower other women in Kenya through traditional beadwork. Speaking after the ceremony, she praised Amal’s mentorship and described feeling inspired by the recognition and support offered by King’s Trust International.
The ceremony also highlighted the remarkable longevity and broad scope of the trust itself. Looking ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2026, the King’s Trust traces its roots to 1976, when Charles, then Prince of Wales, invested his Royal Navy severance pay into social projects. These became the prototype for what is now a global youth empowerment charity, supporting those who might otherwise be overlooked by society.
Award presenter Joseph Fiennes reflected on the significance of the trust’s mission, calling the King “the patron saint of second chances”. Fiennes pointed to the heightened importance of such work in the aftermath of the pandemic, as young people contend with unprecedented mental health and economic challenges. He lauded the trust’s ability to discover and develop potential in those who may otherwise have slipped through the cracks.
A number of well-known figures added further glamour to the event, including singer Rochelle Humes, actor James Nelson-Joyce, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and reality television personalities Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo.
A particularly moving exchange took place between King Charles and Brandon Hulcoop, winner of the NatWest Thrive Enterprise Award. Born blind and struggling to find employment, Brandon benefitted from the trust’s Enterprise course, which helped him found his own business producing Braille products. As a special tribute, Brandon presented Charles with a tactile print of the royal family on Buckingham Palace’s balcony, making the image accessible to those without sight. The King took Hulcoop’s hand warmly, learning more about his company’s impact. “None of this would have been possible without you, sir,” Brandon told the monarch.
In summary, the King’s Trust Awards once again showcased the transformative power of community, opportunity, and encouragement. From globally renowned guests to inspiring young achievers, the event was infused with hope and appreciation—capped off, fittingly, by the enthusiastic support of a monarch whose musical tastes continue to surprise and delight.