12:11, 16 June 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
The King’s Foundation Awards annually recognises the incredible dedication and work across sustainability, traditional heritage crafts and environmental education
On Thursday 12th June, many attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of many. This year coincided with the 35th anniversary of The King’s Foundation, which made the event all the more special.
Here are summaries of the awards and their winners:
Emily Hurst for the Emerging Talent Award which recognises individuals who have shown exceptional commitment during the King’s Foundation programme. Emily has recently completed the CHANEL and King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Fellowship in Millinery. While in her final year of university, Emily independently learned the heritage craft of straw braiding to produce historically accurate hats.
The Akoje Residency for the International Impact Award. The non-profit initiative supports artists from African, Caribbean, and SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) regions through cross-cultural exchange and infrastructure support.
London-based milliner, Barnaby Horn, won the Young Entrepreneur Award after completing the CHANEL and King’s Foundation Métiers d’Art Fellowship in Millinery. Since his fellowship, he has developed and grown his craft and business, which is what this award recognises.
For many years Claudia Peñaranda Fuentes has taught on The King’s Foundation’s Master’s degree programme in sustainable development, where she is also a member of the Advisory Board. At this year’s ceremony, she has been awarded the Teaching Award which recognises her years of service passing on knowledge to her students. Outside of this, she is currently the Road Decarbonisation Strategy lead in Transport for London.
Yasmeen Lari is Pakistan’s first female architect, a leading voice connecting architecture, social justice and a climate-conscious approach to building. She has been awarded the Innovation in Practice Award for her groundbreaking approach to utilising nature-inspired solutions.
Patrick Holden is the founder and CEO of the Sustainable Food Trust, has won the Advocate of the Year Award. Sustainable Food Trust’s mission is to work internationally to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable food and farming systems.
Auchinleck Primary School for the Community Partnership of the Year Award. This is a school of 180 pupils aged 4-12, 90% of whom are from the most deprived areas of Scotland. The school has enthusiastically adopted The King’s Foundation’s Harmony education programme, supporting and encouraging its staff.
Outdoor recreation clothing, equipment, and food retailer, Patagonia takes home Corporate of the Year Award. 40 years ago the company pledged 10% of company profits to environmental conservation groups. It later increased its pledge and committed 1% of sales to conservation organisations. Continually this company has been a leader in sustainability and planet consciousness in the corporate sector.
H.E. Professor Muhammad Yunus is awarded The King Charles III Harmony Award. This prize is given to an individual to recognise long-term outstanding commitment to, and support for, His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy. Professor Yunus has promoted social business principles and encouraged sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and around the world.
As well as HRH King Charles being in attendance, other famous faces include David Beckham and French Chef Raymond Blanc.
This year’s event was supported by Pragnell. A sixth-generation, British family-run jeweller with a rich heritage spanning over 170 years. Since 2015, Pragnell has been a patron of The King’s Trust sharing its commitment to the protection and promotion of heritage craft skills, and recognising young talent in the sector.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The King’s Foundation. This foundation aims to support young people through education, arts, and sports programs. It works to provide opportunities for personal growth and development, fostering social inclusion and empowerment. Learn more here.
King’s Trust. Formally known as the Prince’s Trust, this charity is dedicated to supporting various causes, including education, healthcare, and community development. Support them here.
The Access Project. This is a UK educational charity that aims to help under-resourced young people get a place at a top UK university. Find out more here.
