King Charles is expanding his lineup of celebrity ambassadors with the addition of rock legend Rod Stewart and his wife, Penny Lancaster. The couple has joined The King’s Foundation as advocates, joining a prestigious group of supporters that includes actress Sienna Miller, who was announced in December, and former soccer star David Beckham, who came on board last summer. The announcement coincides with the 35th anniversary of Charles’ charity, which focuses on providing practical education and training programs to strengthen communities and change lives. Many of the courses, held at Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, England, aim to preserve traditional heritage skills like embroidery and woodturning for future generations.
Officially recognized as Sir Rod and Lady Stewart by the charity, the couple will be visiting the charity’s headquarters at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland this week to deepen their involvement with its initiatives. Penny, who is a volunteer police constable and a menopause awareness campaigner, will focus on meeting with staff at the health and wellbeing center to learn more about their perimenopause programs and support services. The couple was inspired by the work of The King’s Foundation after meeting students and alumni at the charity’s awards ceremony at St. James’s Palace in June 2024. Rod, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, has long been a devoted supporter of Charles’ charitable endeavors, including the Prince’s Trust, now known as the King’s Trust, which helps disadvantaged young people access business opportunities.
Rod and Penny expressed their pleasure at becoming ambassadors and their anticipation of supporting the charity during its significant year. Lady Stewart emphasized the honor of the role, particularly highlighting the importance of the Foundation’s community-building approach and the benefits of green spaces. The couple’s official ambassadorship was warmly welcomed by Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the foundation, who praised their longstanding support and commitment to the mission of building sustainable communities and changing lives worldwide.
Sienna Miller, another new ambassador, participated in the charity’s Christmas carol service before the holidays, reading “Christmas” by Sir John Betjeman alongside an embroidery graduate from The King’s Foundation and CHANEL. The fellowship program, in partnership with Le19M at Highgrove Gardens, encourages students to draw inspiration from the natural beauty of Charles’ garden when creating their designs.
Liz, a Londoner, shared that her inspiration for her project came from the vivid purple and orange hues of crocuses in the garden. “Here, the focus is on preserving traditional crafts, a cause that resonates with me deeply,” she expressed.
Ian Jones captured moments from The King’s Foundation Penny Stewart and Rod Stewart’s attendance at the prestigious King’s Foundation Annual Awards ceremony held at St. James’ Palace in London on June 11, 2024.
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Speaking to PEOPLE, Liz highlighted the value of maintaining and nurturing skills, drawing a parallel with France’s proficiency in this area. “The project being undertaken here holds immense significance,” Liz emphasized. “The guidance and expertise provided by the tutors are unparalleled, offering unique insights that are truly invaluable.”
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