When the Duchess of Cornwall christened Cunard’s Queen Victoria almost six years ago, she didn’t only launch a cruise ship, she also set in train a fund-raising effort that has raised £1 million for her husband’s charity.
The achievement will be celebrated in style at a £100-a-head lunch for The Prince’s Trust on board the ship in Southampton tomorrow (Friday).
Charles accompanied Camilla to the naming and there were gasps from the audience when the bottled failed to smash against the ship’s side – traditionally seen as a sign of bad luck.
Fortunes have clearly changed …
The Trust works with disadvantaged young people throughout the UK, giving practical and financial support to develop confidence, motivation and workplace skills. Its main targets are 14 to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed, or have been in trouble with the police.
Fund-raising activities on Cunard’s three ships include the auctioning of the nautical map at the end of each voyage, generous guest donations, and money raised at special dinners for world cruise passengers.
Cunard cruises have been donated for auction at high-profile Princes’ Trust events.
Cunard and parent company Carnival UK have also offered practical support including work placements and HR support.
Marketing director Angus Struthers said: “For the last six years, we have been delighted to have worked with The Princes Trust and raising our first £1 million to support their outstanding work is something that everyone at Cunard can be rightly proud of. We look forward to continuing our work with the charity for many years to come.”
Martina Milburn, chief executive of The Prince’s Trust, said:
”With youth unemployment still affecting hundreds of thousands of young people in the UK, it has never been more important to support those who are furthest from finding work. I would like to thank Cunard for their commitment and enthusiasm which has helped us to get many young lives back on track.”
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