Latest news with #PrinceTrust
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The King and the Prince of Darkness's unlikely friendship: Ozzy Osbourne and Charles' bond revealed - including the monarch's VERY inappropriate get well soon gift
and the British Royal Family being fondly connected may appear surprising to most - and yet the Black Sabbath star enjoyed an unlikely bond with King Charles. Heavy metal hellraiser Ozzy, known to legions of fans as The Prince of Darkness, rubbed shoulders with royalty throughout his career, which even the Brummie himself found to be quite the 'shock'. But the musician, who died on Tuesday aged 76, surrounded by his wife Sharon and their children after a battle with Parkinson's, was thought to have forged a warm connection with the monarch over the years. The pair, born just weeks apart from one another in 1948, were photographed sharing a laugh in 2006, at a reception at Clarence House, in London, for those lending their support to The Prince's Trust 30th birthday concert. Ozzy performed at the charity's milestone occasion at Tower of London, alongside other artists including Lionel Richie and Annie Lennox. However, this fun-filled exchange wasn't the duo's first known interaction; the King sent the Birmingham native a get-well soon gift after his quad bike crash in 2003. He sent the singer, a recovering alcoholic, a bottle of whisky - and while the gesture was much appreciated, it wasn't the rocker who enjoyed the beverage, his wife Sharon Osbourne later revealed in 2004. Ahead of the King's coronation, Ozzy told the New York Post in 2022: 'He's a very, very nice man. He's always treated me with the utmost respect.' He added: In fact, when I had my bike accident, he sent me a bottle of scotch… I wish him all the best.' King Charles meets Ozzy Osbourne (pictured left) and X factor finalist Chico at a reception for the people lending their support to The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday concert, in Clarence House, London on May 18, 2006 Ex X Factor judge Sharon also opened up about His Majesty's kind gesture, telling Talk TV previously: 'When my husband got sick, he wrote to him. 'He's the same age as Ozzy, so he gets it. And he said, you know, "We've done very well so far, and this is just a little hurdle."' In 2004, Sharon revealed the King's royal gift to Ozzy in a pre-recorded edition of her American TV chat show at the time. She told her audience: 'We heard from Prince Charles and - never let anyone say he's a bad guy cause he's all right by the Osbournes. 'He sent my husband a bottle of Scotch, which of course he's not going to drink,' she revealed. In 2002, the Black Sabbath star was an unlikely part of the star-studded lineup at the late Queen's Golden Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, where he performed Paranoid, one of the band's most famous songs. He joined other musicians such as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Brian May to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 50-year reign. Ozzy, who once reportedly counted Princes William and Harry as fans, was shocked by the invitation to appear. Prince William talking to singers Shirley Bassey and Ozzy Osbourne when he and his brother Prince Harry joined them and other performers on stage at the end of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee concert in 2002 'I hardly think of myself as royal material,' he said at the time. 'My wife told me, and I thought "You're pulling my leg."' 'I have got no idea [why I was invited] but I hope they realise what they've booked. I'm a pretty loud guy you know,' he told ITN before the concert. 'I can't believe it. I'm thrilled to bits. I'm so excited,' revealed the Brummie rocker. Insisting he'd be on his best behaviour, he added: 'I'm hardly going to go and start ripping things' heads off and start urinating up the side of the wall and all.' The singer was jokingly referring to some of his most infamous moments, including when he bit the head off a bat that had been thrown on stage during a solo performance. He later claimed he thought it was made of rubber. Another moment saw him urinate on the treasured Alamo Cenotaph in Texas, an act that saw him banned from San Antonio for a decade. Despite his legacy and connection to the royals, Ozzy was never granted a knighthood, but not for a lack of trying from his fans. In 2014, a devoted admirer from Sydney started an online petition, The Knighthood of Oz - and the rocker told Time Out London he was keen to become Sir Ozzy. King Charles meets Ozzy Osbourne (pictured left) and X factor finalist Chico at a reception for the people lending their support to The Prince's Trust 30th Birthday concert, in Clarence House, London on May 18, 2006 'I've heard about that. Getting knighted? I can't imagine anything better,' the singer said at the time. 'My wife [Sharon] would become a Lady, which would be pretty cool. But I'm not gonna get upset if it doesn't happen. I never thought I'd get further than Aston [in Birmingham, where he was born].' Ozzy died on Tuesday after battling Parkinson's Disease for six years, just weeks after Black Sabbath performed their final show together in their hometown. The rocker reunited with his original bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005 to bid an emotional farewell to his decades of performing live on stage. After selling out in minutes, over 42,000 fans packed into Villa Park for the aptly-titled Back to the Beginning show, which saw Ozzy and Black Sabbath return to their hometown - 56 years after they formed there. The final photograph of him before his death was taken on stage as he sat on a black throne aptly decorated with a bat to perform his best-known hits for his loyal fans. His final words on stage were: 'It's the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' A message on screen then read: 'Thank you for everything, you guys are f***ing amazing. Birmingham Forever,' before the sky lit up with fireworks. The Osbourne family shared the news of Ozzy's death in a statement on Tuesday. It said: 'It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' MailOnline revealed on Wednesday that an air ambulance was called to Osbourne's grand country home as paramedics battled to save his life for two hours. Friends told the Mail's Alison Boshoff that his heartbroken wife Sharon may now bury Ozzy in the gardens of the 350-acre estate in an intimate family funeral, as she is 'too frail' to go through a larger, public service, leaving friends 'terrified' for her.
Fox News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
King Charles told actor he's related to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula: book
King Charles isn't shy about sinking his teeth into royal history. Actor Luke Evans wrote a memoir that was published this year, titled "Boy from the Valleys: My Unexpected Journey." In it, the 46-year-old wrote about being invited to a Prince's Trust gala dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London in 2014, where he met the former Prince Charles. It was there that he learned the British royal was related to the real-life Dracula. Evans recalled how the now-76-year-old gave him "a good, strong handshake" and asked what he was working on. At the time, the Welsh star had just finished filming "Dracula Untold," where he played Vlad Tepes III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. The 15th-century Romanian warlord inspired the 1897 novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker about the vampire Count Dracula. Evans wrote that upon hearing this, the king's "eyes lit up," as quoted by People. According to the outlet, Charles said, "I'll tell you an interesting story. I'm actually related to Vlad Tepes." "To my astonishment, he then proceeded to talk me through his entire lineage, all the way back to the 1400s," Evans recalled, as quoted by the outlet. "He told me he now owns a number of properties in Romania, where Vlad was ruler." Evans told Charles it was "the most incredible story." The king replied, "Yes, and not a lot of people know it." He then smiled and walked away. "I noticed he had stayed a little longer with me than he had with other guests, probably because we had this fascinating thing to talk about," Evans wrote. The Prince's Trust, now called the King's Trust, was founded by the monarch in 1976. The charity's goal is to help disadvantaged youth in the U.K. Evans served as an ambassador. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Charles' love for Romania runs deep in his veins. "We first discovered Vlad the Impaler's connection to Charles when we explored the bloodline of Prince George after he was born [in 2013]," Turner explained, referring to the monarch's grandson. "Charles still visits his holiday home in Romania each year." "Perhaps all those wishing to oppose or suppress his wishes should have second thoughts, fearing his ancestral blood," Turner joked. WATCH: 'DRACULA' STAR BELA LUGOSI 'EXAGGERATED' HIS DRUG ADDICTION: AUTHOR British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Charles loves to share the fun fact about his heritage. "Even Romanian officials have publicly acknowledged this by jesting he's the 'Prince of Transylvania,'" she shared. "The king has an affection for rural Transylvania, in particular, where he has property holdings." In 2023, the king declared his "love" for and "deep connection" to Romania when he attended a reception at Cotroceni Palace to celebrate his close ties to the nation, The Telegraph reported. The outlet noted that it marked his first trip abroad since being crowned king that year. Romania remains one of Charles' favorite countries where he could seek refuge and privacy. According to the outlet, he owns at least 10 properties in the country and makes an annual trip to hike and paint. His countryside home has no Wi-Fi, TV or radio, allowing him to completely disconnect. The outlet noted that there is a "small hi-fi player with CDs" in the drawing room. In 2017, the mayor of the city of Alba Iulia claimed they invited Charles to accept the honorary title of Prince of Transylvania. Fox News Digital reached out to see if the offer still stands for the monarch.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ant McPartlin's absence at the King's Trust Awards reception REVEALED as Dec Donnelly appears without his right hand man to greet His Majesty
Dec Donnelly mingled amongst Hollywood superstar George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney as they attended a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace On Wednesday. However as the TV presenter, 49, warmly greeted King Charles alongside his wife Alison there was one notable absence. Dec's co-host Ant McPartlin was no where to be seen as he failed to make an appearance at the King's Trust Awards reception during the afternoon. However it has now been confirmed Ant was away on a family holiday so was unable to make the reception. The King's Trust said in a statement: 'Ant is currently away on a pre-arranged family holiday so is unable to attend today. 'He will be back from his holiday to present The King's Trust Awards tomorrow.' Yet it isn't the first time Ant's absence has been noted after the Geordie TV star failed to attend the reception for the winners of the 20th Prince's Trust Awards at the palace in May 2024. King Charles couldn't contain his laughter during a sweet encounter with Dec as he asked where his right-hand man was. Explaining why Ant wasn't able to attend his event, Dec joked that Ant was 'too busy breastfeeding' after welcoming his first child with wife Anne-Marie, a son named Wilder. Dec said: 'Good to see you, nice to see you too. He's [Ant] not here today but he sends his apologises. He's got a week old baby so he's home breastfeeding or something.' King Charles asked: 'Is it his first one [child]?' Dec responded: 'Yeah, it's his first one. They've got daughters from previous marriages but it's his first one.' 'So will you please give him my many congratulations', King Charles added. Dec said: 'I will, of course.' Meanwhile George and wife Amal were in good spirits on Wednesday as they arrived hand in hand at the event. The Hollywood icon, 64, and his human rights lawyer wife, 47, dressed to impress as they attended the reception celebrating the winners at the palace. The actor was back to his grey locks, much to the delight of his wife who George previously said 'hated' the freshly brown dyed locks he had for his latest Broadway show. The couple couldn't contain their smile as King Charles III chatted away to the couple before greeting guests. The Clooneys have long supported the work of The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust. The Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, launched in 2019 with the Trust, celebrates the achievements of inspirational female youngsters around the world. The actor cut a dapper figure in a grey suit which he teamed with a matching open collar shirt. Meanwhile Amal made sure to turn heads in a black off the shoulder gown which she teamed with towering heels and a gold clutch. The King met with the winners of the eight UK categories during the day as well as the three winners of the three global categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday. Also mingling with the royal was make-up mogul Charlotte Tilbury, who looked to enjoy a spirited chat with the royal, and national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley. Actor Joseph Fiennes, presenter Fearne Cotton, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and members of girl group the Sugababes were also present at the glitzy reception.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Watch: King marvels at Dynamo magic trick
The King has marvelled at an 'extraordinary' trick performed by the magician Dynamo during a day out in Bradford. His Majesty, 76, reunited with the magician, now known by his real name Steven Frayne, as he performed an elaborate card trick for the monarch. The King told Mr Frayne he was getting 'better and better'. 'It's extraordinary,' the monarch said as he watched the magician at work. The Bradford-born magician, 42, started his career with a grant from the King's Trust, formerly the Prince's Trust, in 2003. The Trust has helped more than one million young people since being founded in 1976. During Thursday's visit, Mr Frayne hailed the monarch for his early support in his career. 'I wouldn't be doing magic today without the support you gave me,' he told the King, adding that the pair 'go way back'. Mr Frayne also revealed he is part of the world's most famous magic society alongside the King himself. When Charles asked if he was a member of the Magic Circle, the magician replied: 'Yes. I think we're in the top level now. There's only a select few. I believe you're in there as well?' The monarch laughed and recalled being granted honorary membership of the elite magicians' club in 1975 after performing a trick where balls appear and disappear under upside down cups. He said: 'Yes, a cup and balls thing. It's impossible.' The King then hailed the famous magician's 'gift of the gab', his 'remarkable determination' and his 'incredible amounts of practice'. 'It's the gift of the gab,' he told Mr Frayne. 'You go on talking so people don't know what you're doing.' 'The best moments happen in silence' Mr Frayne explained that sometimes 'the best moments happen in the silence,' saying that training as a magician is similar to being an athlete. 'It's almost like training like an athlete, because obviously 2003 when we first met, to get to here now – that's a lot of magic I've got to come up with and I've got to keep reinventing myself, keep coming up with new ideas,' he added. When asked where he got his ideas, Mr Frayne told the King: 'A lot of them come from experiences travelling around, and sometimes I have to lock myself away in my magic cage. I've got a magic headquarters. And I have to lock myself away in there and see what magic comes out.' Mr Frayne then went on to delight the King with some card tricks. Instead of guessing Charles's choice from a deck of cards by making it reappear in a pocket, as he did with other volunteers, he turned to the King and said: 'But your card, I'm going to try it a bit differently. 'So I take my phone and let me see how you've got the WiFi in the area, I want you to focus on your card and just name it out loud.' The King confirmed his card was the king of hearts, to which Mr Frayne revealed that not only had the magician's mobile phone changed the network to show the name king of hearts, but so had all the mobile phones in the room. It came during a day of engagements for the King and Queen in Bradford to celebrate the people and heritage of the current UK City of Culture. Their Majesties were welcomed on Thursday morning by a performance from Paraorchestra, an ensemble of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians, and a gathered crowd. The King later received a hug from Imran Khan, a tailor whom he previously met in 2022 and had subsequently sent him a specially-made jacket. Mr Khan, who runs IK Collections, received a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking him for the 'wonderful' jacket. On Thursday, the pair reunited in Bradford during a visit to Impact Hub Yorkshire, which provides support to businesses finding sustainable solutions to social challenges. The King and Queen visit set the seal on the year-long celebrations after Bradford was chosen as the UK City of Culture over 20 other bids in May 2022 by the Government to showcase its best music, arts and heritage. Bradford 2025 is taking place throughout Bradford district, an area of 141 square miles across West Yorkshire. It features performances, exhibitions, events and activities inspired by the variety in the landscape, from the city's historic centre to the surrounding countryside, with a focus on the people of Bradford, from local artists to the diverse communities who call the city home.
