King Charles III jokes with Lionel Richie at star-studded New York gala for his trust's 50th anniversary

Key facts

• King Charles III hosted the Greater Together Reception at Christie's in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday evening.
• The gala marked the 50th anniversary of the King's Trust, which helps young people find work.
• Anna Wintour attended wearing a cream-colored trench coat and her signature sunglasses.
• Lionel Richie performed at the event and was praised by the King for his singing voice.
• The King joked about gargling with port and quipped about making another speech.
• Earlier that day, the King and Queen visited the 9/11 Memorial and met with first responders and families of victims.
• The King also met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
• Queen Camilla met Sarah Jessica Parker at a separate event at the New York Public Library.

A royal gala in Manhattan

King Charles III took the stage at Christie’s in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday evening to a room filled with American and British celebrities, marking the 50th anniversary of his charity, the King’s Trust. The Greater Together Reception, part of the monarch’s week-long visit to the United States, drew fashion icons, musicians and business leaders. The event aimed to strengthen transatlantic ties while celebrating half a century of the trust’s work helping young people find employment.

Fashion royalty in attendance

Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, was among the guests, pairing a cream-colored trench coat with her ever-present sunglasses. She was joined by designers Donatella Versace and Stella McCartney, as well as supermodels Iman and Karlie Kloss. Makeup mogul Charlotte Tilbury was seen with former British Vogue editor Edward Enninful OBE, and lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart also mingled with the crowd. The gathering underscored the trust’s cross-sector appeal, blending fashion, entertainment and philanthropy.

Lionel Richie and the King’s light-hearted banter

Music legend Lionel Richie, who performed at Windsor Castle for the King’s coronation in 2023, joined Charles on stage. The King opened his remarks with a self-deprecating joke: “I hesitate to make another speech because I may have had enough.” He then praised Richie’s singing voice, quipping, “I don’t know how he does it; he must gargle with port or something.” The audience laughed as the monarch blended humor with gratitude for the charity’s supporters.

A poignant message for the future

In a more serious turn, King Charles thanked attendees for their support of the King’s Trust, which now operates in more than two dozen countries. “I won't see the long-distance future, but I'm enormously grateful to you all for what you can all do as supporters to help this vital endeavor, to champion the next generation, ensuring their talent and ambition continue to strengthen our societies for many years to come,” he said. The trust has helped millions of young people since its founding in 1976.

A day of remembrance and diplomacy

Earlier on Wednesday, the King and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan, meeting with first responders and families of victims. The King also held a meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. At a separate event, Queen Camilla attended a gathering at the New York Public Library, where she met actress Sarah Jessica Parker. The royal couple’s U.S. visit, which marks the 250th anniversary of American independence, has combined solemn remembrance with cultural diplomacy.

The King’s Trust at 50

Founded in 1976 by the then-Prince of Wales, the King’s Trust has provided training, mentoring and financial support to young people facing barriers to employment. The New York gala highlighted the charity’s expansion into more than 25 countries. Wednesday’s event, hosted at the auction house Christie’s, raised funds for the trust’s programs. The presence of high-profile supporters from fashion, music and business reflects the trust’s enduring ability to mobilize elite networks for social impact.

A transatlantic bridge

The gala served as a reminder of the soft-power ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. King Charles, on his first U.S. state visit since ascending the throne, used the occasion to reinforce the importance of cross-Atlantic cooperation. With the 250th anniversary of American independence as a backdrop, the monarch’s engagements have blended historical reflection with contemporary philanthropy. The evening at Christie’s was both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the next generation.

The bottom line

• King Charles III hosted a star-studded gala in New York for the 50th anniversary of his trust, which helps young people find work.
• Anna Wintour, Donatella Versace, Stella McCartney, Iman, Karlie Kloss and Martha Stewart were among the attendees.
• Lionel Richie performed and was the subject of a joke by the King about gargling with port.
• The King’s Trust now operates in more than two dozen countries.
• Earlier that day, the King and Queen visited the 9/11 Memorial and met with first responders and families.
• The royal visit marks the 250th anniversary of American independence and aims to strengthen transatlantic ties.