The King’s continued support for the British Asian-led charity he helped to co-found is important following unrest over the murder of a student by a Sikh man, actress and writer Dame Meera Syal said.
Charles attended the Peninsula hotel in Belgravia, central London, on Tuesday night to take part in the British Asian Trust’s annual gala dinner – which this year marked the beginning of celebrations ahead of the Trust’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
The Trust, which Charles co-founded in 2007 when he was still Prince of Wales, runs programmes across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to support works in areas including mental health, education, child protection and conservation.
Speaking at the event, Dame Meera – who had only last seen the King a week prior when she officially received her damehood during a ceremony at Windsor Castle – said the King’s enduring patronage felt “special”.
She told the Press Association: “We’re incredibly thrilled that we still have his patronage and that the Trust is going from strength to strength.
“And I think, especially in times like this, to celebrate communities coming together and unity is really important.”
When asked if it felt important that the King attends the event in light of recent unrest over the murder of student Henry Nowak by a Sikh man, she replied: “Very much.
“This is Britain: we are part of the British community.
“We contribute so much and it’s very nice to see that acknowledged.”
Dame Meera continued: “I think everyone is so grateful for his (the King’s) patronage because, I think, there was an assumption that once he became the monarch, it might just be too much.
“You can imagine how many patronages he probably had to let go with extra duties, but the fact that he stayed with this one is very special for us.”
Charles, accompanied throughout the event by the British Asian Trust chairman Lord Jitesh Gadhia, joined around 350 guests – including entrepreneurs, philanthropists and personalities from the entertainment, arts and culture industries.
Former Tory home secretary Sir Sajid Javid was also present and exchanged a few words with the King.
Appearing before the guests as they had dinner in the St George Ballroom, Charles received a gift in the form of a photograph of the Future Friendship Cup that took place on July 3 2007 in Glasgow, and which marked the beginning of the Trust.
The fixture – a cricket match between India and Pakistan – had to be cancelled at the eleventh hour because of the rain, but the Trust received an unexpected £1 million insurance payout as a result, guests were told.
“Despite the many demands on your time, Your Majesty has remained steadfast in your commitment to South Asia and to the British Asian community,” Lord Gadhia told Charles in his speech.
“By joining us this evening, you have once again given us the opportunity to express our collective gratitude for that unwavering support.”
In the 19 years since its foundation, the British Asian Trust positively impacted the lives of 18.8 million people across South Asia, Lord Gadhia also said.
