King Charles was grinning from ear to ear as he attended The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas‘ at Highgrove Gardens in Tetbury today.
Established by His Majesty, 76, when he was Prince of Wales in 1990, The King’s Foundation is a charitable organisation, and yesterday announced Sienna Miller as its newest ambassador.
During today’s event, Charles met students and alumni from the foundation’s education courses in crafts to learn about what they’ve completed throughout the course.
Around 15,000 students take part in the foundation’s education programmes each year, with many involved in courses teaching traditional arts and crafts.
Elsewhere, Charles, who looked 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 father-of-two’s vision and values, the foundation’s mission is to foster and strengthen communities where people, places, and the planet can thrive together in harmony.
The charity offers education courses for almost 15,000 students annually, health and wellbeing programmes for nearly 2,000 people every year, and spearheads placemaking and regeneration projects in the UK and overseas to revitalise communities and historic buildings.
King Charles appeared in high spirits as he arrived for the The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’ at Highgrove Gardens today
The 76-year-old monarch established The King’s Foundation in 1990 when he was the Prince of Wales
It comes after The King’s Foundation yesterday named Sienna Miller as the charity’s newest ambassador.
The actress, 42, said she was ‘thrilled to become an ambassador’ for an organisation that is working to ‘create a better future for our planet’.
Kristina Murrin, the chief executive of the King’s Foundation, said they are looking forward to ‘celebrating our 35th birthday in style’ with Sienna – ahead of the organisation’s landmark anniversary next year.
The actress travelled 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 evening, with Sienna taking part in the service by reading ‘Christmas’ by Sir John Betjeman.
Speaking about her appointment as a King’s Foundation ambassador, Sienna said: ‘I’m thrilled to become an ambassador for an organisation with such an important ethos – looking to our natural world to create a better future for our planet.
His Majesty got stuck in with activities on offer at the Tetbury-based event and smelt hot roasted chestnuts
Charles beamed as he shook hands with students before chatting about the work they produced throughout 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 looked pleased to meet a local rock choir at the event, who all donned matching Santa hats
‘I am particularly looking forward to exploring my interest in textiles and textile production, which the Foundation has so much expertise in.
‘I’m excited to support the huge range of hands-on opportunities for young people to develop their talents in the sector and see the amazing things they go on to next.’
Welcoming Sienna to the charity, Kristina added: ‘We are so thrilled to welcome Sienna to The King’s Foundation and delighted that she will be joining us on our mission…
‘It was a pleasure to have Sienna with us at our Awards event at St James’s Palace earlier in the year, and for her to present the award to our Young Entrepreneur 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 to raise awareness of our work and mark the achievements of our students, staff and volunteers – and importantly to 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 patterned purple dress to wear for the regal occasion and looked full of pride as she stood with royalty.
Amongst others, Sienna stood 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 chatted through her experience on a crafts course
Pictured: King Charles spoke with merchants during the The King’s Foundation’s annual ‘Crafts at Christmas’ at Highgrove Gardens
The model giggled as she looked on at the King engaging in joyful conversation with Rod while putting on a charming display in the lilac number.
For the special occasion, Sienna opted for a smooth complexion and slick of red lipstick.
She let her tousled blonde locks hang neatly around her shoulders and styled the whole look out 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 to be named by the charity since Charles was crowned, as Beckham said he was ‘excited’ to be stepping into the role in a statement at the time.
‘I’m excited to be working with the King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.’ Beckham, 49, said.