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Ms Bishop posted a series of images on Instagram showing her conversation with the King and scenes from the dinner. “A magnificent celebration with our founding patron HM King Charles III of the impact of The King’s Trust, an international charity working for young people to gain skills, employment and lifetime opportunities,” she wrote. As chair of The King’s Trust Australia, Ms Bishop joined her counterparts from the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and the US to mark the enduring legacy of the organisation founded by the King nearly half a century ago. The international movement began in 1976 when King Charles – then the Prince of Wales – set out to change the lives of young people across the UK. Using £7400 from his Royal Navy severance pay, he founded The Prince’s Trust, now The King’s Trust, to give disadvantaged youth the confidence and skills to build brighter futures. Britain was facing record unemployment and social unrest at the time, but the young Prince’s vision took shape through 21 small community projects — from lifeguard training in Cornwall to a youth centre in East London. These grassroots beginnings sparked an organisation that has since transformed over a million lives. Through the 1980s and 1990s, The Trust expanded rapidly, launching new programs and pioneering fundraising rock galas that brought together music legends like Phil Collins, Kate Bush, and Pete Townshend. By the turn of the millennium, it had grown into a national force, helping tens of thousands each year into education, training, or work. The 2000s saw the charity partner with major employers, embracing digital platforms, and respond to economic crises with innovative programs. In 2020, The Trust celebrated supporting its one millionth young person and in 2024 rebranded to become The King’s Trust. Prince’s Charities Australia was established in 2013 following the then Prince of Wales’ 2012 Royal Tour of Australia. The charity focused on advancing sustainable urban development, preserving Indigenous cultural heritage, supporting health and wellbeing, strengthening rural and regional communities, fostering military entrepreneurship, and addressing youth unemployment. In 2017, the organisation became known as Prince’s Trust Australia, joining The Prince’s Trust Group the following year. Following the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, it was renamed The King’s Trust Australia and The King’s Trust Group in April 2024. Together, these entities represent His Majesty’s charitable work across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Originally published as Julie Bishop meets King Charles at St James's Palace charity event
