King Charles was smiling from ear to ear as he attended the King Foundation’s annual ‘Christmas Craft’ at Highgrove Gardens in Tetbury today.
Established by Her Majesty, 76, when he was Prince of Wales in 1990, the King’s Foundation is a charity and yesterday announced Sienna Miller as its new ambassador.
During today’s event, Charles met with students and alumni of the foundation’s craft education courses to find out what they have completed throughout the course.
Around 15,000 students participate in the foundation’s educational programs each year, and many of them participate in courses that teach traditional arts and crafts.
Elsewhere, Charles, looking dapper in a smart brown coat, appeared to get into the festive spirit by smelling roasted chestnuts and helping decorate a Christmas tree with a wooden ornament.
Charles also spent time chatting with merchants, as well as a local rock choir who donned matching Santa hats.
Guided by the vision and values of the father of two, the foundation’s mission is to foster and strengthen communities where people, places and the planet can thrive together in harmony.
The charity provides educational courses for almost 15,000 students a year, health and wellbeing programs for almost 2,000 people each year, and spearheads regeneration and placemaking projects in the UK and abroad to revitalize historic buildings and communities.
King Charles appeared in high spirits as he arrived at the King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Christmas Craft’ at Highgrove Gardens today.
The 76-year-old monarch created the King’s Foundation in 1990 when he was Prince of Wales.
It comes after The King’s Foundation yesterday appointed Sienna Miller as the charity’s new ambassador.
The actress, 42, said she was “delighted to become an ambassador” for an organization working to “create a better future for our planet.”
Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the King’s Foundation, said they look forward to “celebrating our 35th birthday in style” with Sienna, ahead of the organisation’s landmark anniversary next year.
The actress traveled to Ayrshire, Scotland, to visit the foundation’s headquarters, Dumfries House, in September 2023 to learn more about the charity’s work.
The New York-born star attended the King’s Foundation’s annual carol concert at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, this afternoon, and Sienna took part in the service reading ‘Christmas’ by Sir John Betjeman.
Speaking about her appointment as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, Sienna said: “I am delighted to become an ambassador for an organization with such an important ethos – looking to our natural world to create a better future for our planet.”
Her Majesty got caught up in the activities on offer at the Tetbury-based event and smelled hot roasted chestnuts.
Charles smiled as he shook hands with the students before chatting about the work they did during the year.
The father-of-two also helped decorate a Christmas tree at Highgrove Gardens with a wooden ornament.
Charles pointed approvingly at the decoration he added to the Christmas tree at Highgrove Gardens.
Charles seemed pleased to meet a local rock choir at the event, who donned matching Santa hats.
‘I am looking forward to exploring my interest in textiles and textile production, in which the Foundation has so much experience.
“I’m excited to support the huge range of practical opportunities for young people to develop their talents in the sector and see the incredible things they will do next.”
Welcoming Sienna to the charity, Kristina added: “We are so excited to welcome Sienna to The King’s Foundation and delighted that she is joining us in our mission…
‘It was a pleasure to have Sienna join us at our awards event at St James’s Palace earlier in the year, and to have her present the award to our Young Businesswoman of the Year, fashion designer and King’s Foundation graduate Isabelle Pennington-Edmead.
‘As we prepare to mark our 35th anniversary in 2025, we look forward to working with Sienna to continue raising awareness of our work and mark the achievements of our students, staff and volunteers and, most importantly, celebrate our 35th! birthday in style!’
Earlier this year, Sienna attended King Charles’ inaugural King’s Foundation awards ceremony in London.
She opted for a printed purple dress to wear to the royal occasion and looked full of pride as she stood alongside the royals.
Among others, Sienna was with rock legend Sir Rod Stewart and his wife Penny Lancaster, as well as footballer David Beckham.
Charles shared a laugh with a student as they talked about their experience in a crafts course.
Pictured: King Charles spoke to traders during the King Foundation’s annual ‘Christmas Craft’ at Highgrove Gardens.
The model laughed as she watched the King chatting happily with Rod while putting on a charming display in the lilac number.
For the special occasion, Sienna opted for a soft complexion and red lipstick.
She let her tousled blonde locks hang neatly over her shoulders and styled the entire look with a pair of nude heels.
Earlier this year, former Manchester United star Beckham was announced as an ambassador for the charity following a meeting with Charles at his beloved Highgrove Estate.
The former England captain became the first ambassador appointed by the charity since Charles was crowned, as Beckham said he was “excited” to take on the role in a statement at the time.
“I am excited to be working with the King’s Foundation and having the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.” Beckham, 49, said.