Celebrating young people making a difference the prince’s trust star-studded line-up gathers at buckingham palace as the king crowns award winners

I t’s been a source of pride for the King for almost two decades, but the Prince’s Trust Awards shone even brighter last week, when His Majesty crowned the first winners since becoming monarch.

And it was a suitably star-studded affair as an array of famous faces, from Holly Willoughby to Geri Horner, lent their support.

On Tuesday, a glittering line-up of celebrities, including human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and her actor husband George, walked the red carpet for the 19th Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & HomeSense Awards. This Morning star and Prince’s Trust ambassador Holly dazzled as she presented the Young Change Maker award alongside Hollywood star Stanley Tucci.

The following day, Holly was rubbing shoulders with royalty again, this time heading to Buckingham Palace to introduce the 11 winners to His Majesty, who had been unable to attend the ceremony. She left her presenting slot on Wednesday’s This Morning half an hour early to hotfoot it over to the palace for her royal role.

Looking summery in a lemon yellow Beulah London midi, Holly told co-host Phillip Schofield “I’ve put my posh dress on today,” before telling him to “be good” without her and giving him a hug as she departed. The pair have been putting on a united front amid reports of a falling-out.

Although most guests opted for a traditional handshake at the reception, former Spice Girl Geri took the opportunity to share a warm embrace with her old friend the King, planting a kiss on his cheek before whispering in his ear.

“You are such a modern King,” she told him, adding: “I’m so proud of you.” Charles, seemingly by way of explanation, turned and told onlookers: “I’ve known her for a very long time.”

Asked later what she had been whispering in the monarch’s ear, Geri simply said: “We all need support and encouragement.”

CHANGE MAKERS

The King, who started the Prince’s Trust in 1976, met the eight national and three international award winners in the palace’s Bow Room. They included 16-year-old girls’ education champion Zamana, who won the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award, and Rising Star Funmi Sosanya, who met the monarch alongside