King Charles and Keir Starmer have shared a special message with the winners of the Pride of Britain Awards. The highly anticipated event, celebrating its 25th anniversary, will be broadcast on ITV, with a host of well-known celebrities coming together to honour the extraordinary achievements of the winners. The King described them as “the very best” of society, while Sir Keir Starmer praised them for embodying all that is great about Britain.
In a heartfelt letter to Molly Leonard, the King’s Trust Young Achiever winner, King Charles expressed his admiration for all the winners of this year’s awards, acknowledging their significant contributions to society. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also commended the winners, stating that they make Britain proud with their acts of bravery, determination, generosity, empathy, and spirit.
The Pride of Britain Awards have a long history of recognising unsung heroes, with King Charles first attending the ceremony in 2012. Over the years, the awards have showcased individuals who have made a lasting impact, including Francesca Brown, who set up a football programme for girls to address issues like low self-esteem and body image. The awards have also highlighted those who have fought for justice and truth, such as Sir Alan Bates, who led a campaign on behalf of subpostmasters wrongfully prosecuted by the Post Office.
This year, the Special Recognition winners, Andy Evans, Jason Evans, and Michelle Tolley, have been honoured for their relentless advocacy on behalf of victims of the infected blood scandal. Michelle Tolley, who was infected with Hepatitis C, expressed gratitude for being heard by the people through the Pride of Britain award. The awards have also celebrated individuals like Dr Chad Varah, the founder of The Samaritans, and Peter Benenson, the founder of Amnesty International, for their significant contributions to society.
As the 25th anniversary of the awards approaches, landmarks and buildings across Britain have been illuminated in red, white, and blue to honour the winners. The gala celebration, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, is set to be the biggest yet, with a star-studded lineup of guests including James Corden, Michael Sheen, and many more. The event will pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made a difference in their communities and beyond.
The Pride of Britain Awards continue to inspire and uplift, shining a spotlight on the everyday heroes who make a profound impact on society. As the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the awards, the spirit of compassion, courage, and resilience embodied by the winners serves as a reminder of the incredible potential within each individual to effect positive change.