King teams up with Idris Elba for Netflix debut
His Majesty has teamed up with actor Idris Elba for the programme, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the King's Trust. The monarch will 'offer rare access and insights' into his support for the charity over the past five decades.
Filming will begin next week and the documentary will be broadcast in autumn 2026.
A Buckingham Palace aide said: 'The King is pleased for the trust to have this wonderful opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience, sharing the compelling stories of some of the more than 1million young people it has helped in Britain and internationally over the past 50 years.'
Buckingham Palace is increasingly turning to the documentary format to highlight the King's work and reach a wider audience.
It has also proved willing to move away from domestic terrestrial producers such as the BBC and ITV that traditionally produce royal, set-piece documentaries.
In January, it emerged that the monarch will appear in a feature-length film on Amazon Prime based upon his 'philosophy of harmony'.
The film is being made in collaboration with The King's Foundation, which is this year celebrating its 35th anniversary, and is being filmed at Dumfries House, its base in Scotland.
Due to be released at the end of this year or in early 2026, it has been described as 'a chance to show, not tell' viewers 'how they can transform people, places, and ultimately the planet.'
The new Netflix documentary will be made by Elba's own production company, 22 Summers, which will involve young people supported by the King's Trust to help them build experience in film and television.
It will mark the monarch's first collaboration with the streaming giant, which in recent years has become more known for its affiliation with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
In 1976, the King used his £7,400 severance pay from the Royal Navy to create the Prince's Trust, which helps disadvantaged young people get into education, training and jobs.
'King's Trust changed my life'
Elba has recently spoken of his eternal gratitude to the King for founding the charity, admitting that it changed his life.
The actor was 16 when he was awarded a £1,500 grant from the organisation to enable him to train at the National Youth Music Theatre.
He admitted that when he initially applied, he thought he was wasting his time.
But he came home from school one day to find a letter in a white, handwritten envelope addressed to 'Idris Elba Esq', complete with the royal seal.
Inside was a cheque from the trust that enabled him to pursue his dream, putting him 'on the right trajectory.'
Elba, who has also founded his own charity called the Elba Hope Foundation, said: 'The King's Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life.
'At a time when I didn't have the resources to pursue my ambitions, they offered real, practical support – including financial help – that helped me take those first steps to advance my career.
'Today, through the Elba Hope Foundation, I'm focused on creating those same opportunities for young people who are full of potential but lacking access. Around the world, millions are still waiting for that one door to open.
'This documentary is about shining a light on what's possible when it does — and why the work of The King's Trust remains so important.'
Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of The King's Trust, said: 'At its heart, this is a documentary about the power of believing in young people.
'It's about an idea, driven by a young Prince who was determined to make a positive difference, that when young people are supported to succeed, we all succeed.'
The latest announcement follows several appearances by the King on television shows in recent years.
At the end of last year he appeared on a BBC Christmas special of Countryfile which was filmed at his Highgrove home, highlighting the work of The King's Foundation's education programmes.
The King also took part in a special episode of The Repair Shop in 2023, where he showcased the work of the charity's students and spoke about his passion for heritage crafts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
The best dressed at Wimbledon and the trends they served
Once again, at this year's Wimbledon tournament, the only thing distracting from the tennis is the court-side style. 'Wimbledon has turned the stands into a catwalk, and I am here for it,' says model and presenter Leomie Anderson, who is covering Wimbledon as Clearpay's fashion expert this season. If recent years saw guests erring on the side of safe – quiet luxury defined by demure dresses, boxy blazers and the occasional fascinator – 2025 has shifted gear. 'There's a real shift happening,' Anderson explains, 'people used to play it safe with blazers, midi dresses, the usual suspects. But this year, the crowd is serving. It's like everyone got the memo that Wimbledon is just as much a style moment as it is a sport.' And the stats back her up. Broderie anglaise is booming – with maxi dresses up 147%, skirts up 33% – hats are having a high-fashion renaissance with floppy styles up 99%, and butter-yellow is surging according to Clearpay. The best celebrity looks managed to balance their personality with a playful nod to the tournament's stereotypes – from Wimbledon whites to strawberries and cream. 'There's something powerful about its simplicity, the traditions – the setting, the subtlety,' says Anderson. 'People know they have to bring their A-game.' Here are some of the best-dressed celebrities at the tournament so far and how they aced Wimbledon style. Olivia Rodrigo A masterstroke in edging up tradition, singer Olivia Rodrigo, 22, wore a red gingham shirt dress by Ralph Lauren from the spring/summer 2000 archive – a playful nod to Wimbledon's iconic strawberries and cream. Her boyfriend, Louis Partridge, 22, coordinated in a red striped tie and navy blazer. Following her headlining performance at Glastonbury Festival on Sunday, Rodrigo managed to nail the elusive balance of British heritage and Gen Z irreverence. Anna and Michael Murray Also sticking to Wimble classics was retail tycoon and CEO of Frasers Group, Michael Murray, who went traditional in a linen white suit, a cream Panama and brown suede loafers. His wife Anna wore the print of the season in a tulle black and white polka dot midi dress, with black suede pumps and black leather Birkin. Cate Blanchett Actress Cate Blanchett, 56, stood out on Centre Court in a pearlescent Prince of Wales check suit by Giorgio Armani. Sharply tailored but soft in palette, it was a classic Blanchett power move, turning heads without the noise. 'Cate's baby blue tartan suit was effortless and elegant,' Anderson puts it, 'that classic tailoring is signature Cate cool.' Leslie Mann Wimbledon whites are a fail-safe style to sport year after year. While they run the risk of becoming repetitive and – dare I say – boring; when styled right with interesting cuts, whites can be as elegant as ever. Actress Leslie Mann, 53, appeared on day three in an ivory Dior bar jacket and delicate lace skirt. The look was reminiscent of the Princess of Wales recent Self Portrait ensemble at the Order of the Garter in June. David Beckham One thing more certain than spotting a cream Panama hat in the Wimbledon stands is spotting David Beckham. The 50-year-old former footballer once again brought off-court elegance in a cream silk-linen suit from his own Boss collaboration, finished with a chocolate brown tie. The only fashion blunder was plaster cast on his right arm – though even that couldn't detract from his summer suiting credentials. Dominic Cooper Unlike Beckham, 47 year-old actor Dominic Cooper opted out of the classic Wimbledon look and sported a bright powder blue suit with matching trainers. 'I'm seeing bold colour choices […] and people leaning into what makes their style unique,' says Anderson of the look. Cooper reminded us that co-ordination doesn't have to mean stiff – and tonal can be a statement when done right. Tom Daley Dusky teal was Olympic diver Tom Daley's shade of choice – cool and contemporary and a refreshing break from Wimbledon white. Daley, 31, paired the Paul Smith suit with a Christian Louboutin clutch and a Chopard watch. Judy Murray Mother to former Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray, Judy Murray chose a sunshine-yellow Me+Em dress with white platform trainers. The cheerful dress was bang on trend, with butter yellow emerging as the summer's sleeper hit. Murray, 65, wasn't the only celebrity to sport the shade, '[actor] Omari Douglas's all-yellow outfit too […] is exactly the kind of energy the tournament needs,' says Anderson. Sarah Lancashire and Peter Salmon Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire joined Mann in Wimbledon whites, wearing an embroidered cream dress and linen blazer. Joined by television producer Peter Salmon in a deep blue suit, the pair delivered a Wimbledon-appropriate palette that played within the lines without looking predictable. Rebel Wilson One of Anderson's favourite looks of the tournament: Rebel Wilson's pink broderie anglaise Temperley London dress. 'Broderie is having a major moment […] Rebel Wilson in that pink broderie anglaise dress on Day 1 was perfection,' says Anderson. The actress finished the look with a neutral pair of Gianvito Rossi sandals. Alexander Armstrong Pointless star Alexander Armstrong, 55, made a strong case for colour in a royal blue linen suit in the Royal Box. An understated yet eye-catching alternative to classic navy, Armstrong's look was just the right kind of bold for a Wimbledon box seat. Eddie Redmayne and Hannah Bagshawe Actor Eddie Redmayne, 43, kept things clean in a classic cream linen suit, while his wife Hannah, 42, dialled up the impact in a red polka-dot Alessandra Rich shirt dress.
The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
Legendary British DJ Steve Lawler returns with new music, a rare London appearance and an exclusive playlist
AFTER a four-year hiatus, legendary British DJ and producer, Steve Lawler, widely hailed as the 'King of Space' for his iconic residency at the fabled Ibiza club, marks his return with fresh new music and a rare London show at E1 on Friday 12th July, his only show this year in the capital. Lawler's new material is already making waves. His thunderous single 'Pegasus' on Franky Wah's SHÈN imprint signals a bold creative resurgence, while his remix of Tom Crane's 'Open Your Eyes' (out 4th July on Steve's label VIVa MUSiC with rising duo WAHM) taps into indie dance flavours with trademark depth and energy. His long-awaited return, including the launch of his PENDULUM event series spanning Miami, New York, London and Mexico, is a powerful reminder of his continued influence on global dance culture. Tickets for the E1 London show are available at RA Tickets. We caught up with Steve this week and he's put together a playlist of 10 tunes that illustrate the soundtrack of PENDULUM. Franky Wah - Sundown ft. Kuuda (Terrace Mix) (SHÈN Recordings) Franky's label SHÈN Recordings is always a go to for good tracks . Everything is always top level and this particular track always goes down perfectly at a PENDULUM event. Adriatique, Samm, Jaimes - Back To Life (X Recordings) Such a hypnotizing track with a beautiful groove. It's perfect to really grab a crowd in the middle of the night. There's a great percussion to this track that really brings the vibe to build the momentum and kick off a night. Everything Is Art & Who Made Who - All The Love (The Moment) This track comes from two artists I've been really enjoying their productions over the last few years, and this collaboration just nails any hand-raising and beautiful moment which is key to any PENDULUM event. Yamil, Da Mike - Funny Man (Magnifik Music) Another great collaborative track from two great artists - drop this in the middle of a night and just watch any dancefloor go wild :) Jazzy, KILIMANJIRO - No Bad Vibes (Chaos) A beautiful track that is almost a guarantee in most PENDULUM events, just beautiful lyrics and vocals across such a catchy beat. Jamek Ortega - Dunes (WE'RE HERE) Tribal, hypnotising, and full of energy, this track is another favourite of mine to really get dancefloors switched on and moving. Love it! Kalyma - Sacrosanct (SOLIDE) An older track but another vocal that really gets all crowds switched on, and perfect for the dead of night when you want arms in the air and people zoned in. Alan Dixon x mOat x Tom Diesel - The Underground (Extended Mix) [DFTD] With a vocal snippet from the classic 'The Underground' track from DJ Vibe, this track is a recent belter from DFTD that is a real dancefloor heavyweight and a real new favourite of mine. A PENDULUM classic and one that you are sure to also hear at future events. Such a great afro-house record and brilliantly addictive to the groove and percussion. Amazing production.
The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
Coronation Street couple hit the rocks as fan favourite breaks down in the park
THERE'S trouble coming for Coronation Street couple Carla Connor and Lisa Swain as the soap films emotional scenes. The ITV soap has gone on location to film an emotional storyline involving police detective Lisa - who is played by actress Vicky Myers - as she struggles to come to terms with a blast from the past. 5 5 In the pictures Lisa can be seen breaking down as Carla - Alison King - desperately tries to comfort her in the park. However Lisa storms off leaving Carla looking desperately worried for her girlfriend. Viewers know the couple are going through it at the moment with Lisa becoming consumed with the revelation that her late wife Becky was a corrupt police officer. A source said: 'Viewers are going to see Lisa struggle as she wrestles with demons from her past. 'She's found happiness with Carla but it's Corrie so nothing lasts forever and she's going to find it hard to move on when things from her past keep resurfacing. 'The scenes will be really emotional as Lisa is dealt a huge blow - but the question will be whether Carla can get through to her and they can stay together.' The couple are also involved in a battle to buy a new home with Yasmeen Metcalfe's former house being up for sale. However their plan to buy it and turn it into their new love nest will hit a snag when Debbie Webster decides she wants it too. It will be the battle of Corrie's two most fearsome businesswomen as Carla and Debbie enter a bidding war to win the house. Carla wants the house to give her, Lisa and daughter Betsy a spacious home, but Debbie - who has young onset dementia - wants it to spend her remaining time with love Ronnie Bailey and close to her family on the cobbles. Coronation Street's Lisa Swain makes huge decision about Carla Connor after shooting horror But who will win out in the end? Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday's on ITV at 8pm. 5 5 5
