Prince’s Trust Awards viewers broke down in tears tonight as they watched a series of inspirational young people get rewarded for turning their lives around.
The ceremony, hosted by Ant and Dec for a 10th year, aired on TV for the first time ever tonight – giving those watching at home an insight into the special occasion.
The future king, 73, watched as ten prizes were handed out at the televised bash to under-30s helped out by the programme.
Among the winners were a mother who overcame her experience of domestic violence to secure a job in the ambulance service and a young woman who was helped through her addiction issues by the Prince’s Trust.
Viewers took to Twitter to discuss the moving awards, with one person writing: “#princestrustawards Prince Charles’s speech had me in tears. As a parent of children with sen i agreed with every word.”
A second added: “Ella’s journey brought me to tears. Her transformation from school to college w/ the right support for her dyslexia is just amazing.”
Read More on Ant and Dec
While a third wrote: “Oh my in tears @PrincesTrust Awards – inspirational – makes me wish I still was involved at work @NHSHEE_NEY #wideningparticipation.”
Before the show, the presenting duo told Charles they were looking forward to some “classic HRH bantz” and jokingly noted that he looked very disappointed each year when they returned as hosts.
Former Big Brother presenter Emma Willis and Melanie C of the Spice Girls took to the stage to present an award wearing matching pant suits in pink and purple respectively.
BBC host Clara Amfo jokingly congratulated her co-presenter Anne-Marie on making it down the on-stage stairs safely in a nod to her infamous fall at the Brit Awards.
The pop singer, 31, took a tumble while descending some steps during the annual ceremony at London’s O2 Arena in early February – but carried on to finish her performance.
Taking to the stage after the final award, Charles quipped: “Welcome to the Ant and Dec Prince’s Trust Tuesday Afternoon Takeaway”.
He addressed the impact of the pandemic on young people and stressed the importance of the trust’s work.
Actor Sir Ben Kingsley, Amal Clooney and adventurer Bear Grylls were also among the celebrity attendees.
Founded by Charles in 1976, the trust supports 11 to 30-year-olds across the UK who are unemployed, struggling at school or at risk of exclusion.
