His Royal Highness thanked Mawlana Hazar Imam for his support for the work of The Prince’s Trust at the dinner, where guests had gathered to celebrate the positive impact made by the Trust around the world.

Supporters of the charity’s work such as Amal and George Clooney, and long-term Ambassadors Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Tom Jones, also joined the dinner at Buckingham Palace.

The announcement comes at a time when The Prince’s Trust is expanding its work and network of expertise globally. As Global Founding Patron, Mawlana Hazar Imam will support the delivery of The Trust’s work in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and through local partners in India, Jordan, Pakistan, Malta, Barbados, and Greece. 

Founded by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Prince’s Trust has been helping vulnerable young people across the UK since 1976, and is now helping to tackle the global issue of youth unemployment, and supporting young people and their communities to have more positive futures.

Also among the dinner guests were Ambassadors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Luke Evans, and Tinie Tempah who will be presenting awards to young people who have turned their lives around at The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards tomorrow, Wednesday 13 March. 

Dame Martina Milburn DCVO CBE, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust said, “We are immeasurably grateful to His Highness the Aga Khan for his contribution to our work and are delighted to welcome him as Global Founding Patron. 

“It has been humbling and inspiring to take time tonight, with our dedicated supporters, to celebrate the success of our international work to date and look to a very exciting future. 

“Through His Highness’s incredible generosity, and the continued support of our global network, we can expand our work to transform young lives and build stronger communities across the world.”

Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps young people to develop the confidence and skills they need, so that they can live, learn, and earn. Founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity supports 11- to 30-year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school, and at risk of exclusion. 

The programmes offered by the charity give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education, or training. The Trust has helped over 900,000 young people to date and supports over 100 more each day.