Tom Hiddleston was given a royal assignment on Thursday evening. An ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, the Loki actor, 43, attended the charity’s Invest in Futures event, where he relayed a poignant message written by King Charles.
“I really am so pleased that The Trust’s work continues to go from strength to strength, having, in recent years, expanded from its mission in the United Kingdom to now supporting young people in twenty-three countries,” read Tom.
“Celebrating the global impact of this work is an achievement which, I must confess, I could not have dreamed of back in 1976 when I started The Trust, using, at that time, my Royal Navy severance pay when I left the Service to help disadvantaged young people achieve their full potential.
“I am thrilled to say that it has now worked with over one million young people, helping them to start careers, launch businesses and re-engage with education. I am enormously inspired by the determination and commitment of young people, one of whom you will hear from later. They are changemakers; they will shape the world’s future and we must support them to realise their dreams.”
A momentous occasion for the Prince’s Trust, the annual Invest in Futures gala is the charity’s principal fundraising event, and this year it was held at The Peninsula London in Belgravia. While King Charles has historically attended the annual event, this year, his letter proved extremely powerful, conveying the importance of the charity’s work.
A star-studded affair, Tom was accompanied by his fiancée Zawe Ashton for the festivities. Posing for photos together, the loved-up couple held hands and stared into each other’s eyes. HELLO! even spotted lady in red Zawe telling Tom how “gorgeous” he looked in his tux.
Rounding out the guest list, Prince’s Trust ambassadors Joseph Fiennes, Jeremy Irons, Naomie Harris, Major Tim Peake, Luke Evans and Myleene Klass were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, musical duo Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland provided the entertainment, performing songs from their newly launched album Swing Fever, before handing the baton to DJ Cuppy.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, Sir Rod said: “We all wish our king back to perfect health. My wife Penny adores him and so do I. I find him to be humble, a gentleman of the first order.
“And we’ll be sending him a copy of our album,” he added of the big band compilation which, on the night of The Prince’s Trust Gala, topped the charts at number one.
Sir Rod, who took to the stage proudly wearing his knighthood medal on a red ribbon around his neck, told us why kindness and helping others are so important to him. “For me being a knight isn’t about resting on your laurels: it’s about going forward and getting things done. I believe in making the most of my knighthood where I can.
“I’m not a religious man. There are too many horrible things happening in the world for me to think there may be a god. But my religion is to be good and do good to others. That’s the principle I bring my kids up on. To be kind to others, to love and forgive.
“Mind you,” he smiled. “When Celtic scored its seven-goal win last night, I went, ‘Oh God, thank you!'”
It’s been a royally busy week for A-lister Tom. Just 24 hours before the letter reading, the actor had been photographed meeting with Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace. Attending a reception for the BBC’s 500 Words Finalists on Wednesday, Tom appeared engrossed in conversation, enjoying a laugh or two with Camilla, and music star Olivia Dean.
