King Charles made light of his age during a speech at a reception in New York on Wednesday evening, joking that he would not see the 'long-distance future'. The 77-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, addressed a star-studded audience at Christie's auction house as part of his four-day state visit to the US.
The event, held in partnership with The King's Trust, showcased the UK's cultural influence in areas such as sport, arts and community. Celebrities including Lionel Richie, Anna Wintour, Stella McCartney, Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Tilbury were in attendance. The Queen, wearing a green chiffon leopard print dress, joined the King and mingled with the guests.
In his speech, Charles said: 'I hesitate to make yet another speech,' before praising the enduring bond between the UK and US. He reflected on the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, noting: 'Quite difficult to get it off the ground but we did.' Addressing the future, he added: 'As we look to the future, I won't see the long-distance future, but I'm enormously grateful to you for what you can all do as supporters.'
Lionel Richie, a King's Trust Global Ambassador, introduced the King and later commented on Charles's earlier address to the US Congress, calling it 'brilliant' and praising how he 'brought us back into humanity'. Richie also joked about not singing at the event, saying: 'I can assure everyone I'm not singing tonight.'
