Stars join royals at awards ceremony honouring inspirational young leaders
The finalists met a host of celebrities, including David Beckham, presenter Ore Oduba, Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
David Beckham joined royalty at a Buckingham Palace reception celebrating inspirational young people from around the world.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the Queen at this year’s Young Leaders awards ceremony.
Beckham, who has been working with the group for three years, said he is “honoured” to work with the programme.
He said: “To help so many young people globally is such a special initiative.
“I was very honoured and felt so special to be involved in it.”
He spent the evening chatting with the young leaders and posing for selfies with them.
“Meeting the children and young people today and the insight into their lives and what they have done at such a young age is incredible,” he added.
Sir Lenny, who also attended the awards ceremony last year, said: “It’s been an incredible and impressive day.
“These are people who of their own volition decided to become Commonwealth leaders and get involved in issues like food scarcity, gender abuse and mental health issues – that’s fantastic.”
Harry said in a speech that it was “heartening” to meet the youngsters.
“You are the hope and optimism the world needs and we will all do everything that we can to support you in it,” he added.
He said he will continue to work with young people as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and added: “I guess you can say you’re stuck with me.”
He and Meghan met a group from Australia, New Zealand and Tonga ahead of their royal tour to the Pacific countries.
Hunter Johnson, 26, launched a mental health group supporting young men in Australia.
“He expressed an interest in coming and working with the programme,” he added.
Alexia Hilbertidou, 18, said that Meghan was interested in her programme GirlBoss, working to help women become business leaders.
“Harry said Meghan in particular would be interested in my project,” she added.
Sir John Major, Chairman of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, said he found the event “very moving” and added: “It brings tears to the eyes.
“They are so closely bonded together, this group, it’s lovely, it’s been very moving working with them.
“We are going to carry on the work we have started and the many people who have been helped is astronomical.”
This year’s cohort, from across 38 countries, are working to tackle issues including mental health problems, gender equality, food scarcity and climate change.
