King Charles praised by Dame for backing British-Asian community after Henry Nowak unrest

King Charles's continued support for the British Asian-led charity he helped establish is significant following unrest over the murder of student Henry Nowak, actress and writer Dame Meera Syal has said.

The King attended the British Asian Trust's annual gala dinner at The Peninsula hotel in Belgravia on Tuesday evening, as the organisation began celebrations ahead of its 20th anniversary in 2027.

Speaking at the event, Dame Meera said Charles's enduring commitment to the charity remains especially important at a time when communities are facing heightened tensions.

The actress, who received her damehood from the King at Windsor Castle just a week earlier, said: "We're incredibly thrilled that we still have his patronage and that the Trust is going from strength to strength.

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"And I think, especially in times like this, to celebrate communities coming together and unity is really important."

Asked whether the King's presence carried added significance in the wake of unrest following the murder of Mr Nowak, she replied: "Very much.

"This is Britain: we are part of the British community.

"We contribute so much and it's very nice to see that acknowledged."

Dame Meera also admitted there had once been concerns that Charles's accession to the throne could affect his involvement with the charity.

"I think everyone is so grateful for his (the King's) patronage because, I think, there was an assumption that once he became the monarch, it might just be too much.

"You can imagine how many patronages he probably had to let go with extra duties, but the fact that he stayed with this one is very special for us."

The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by Charles, then Prince of Wales, together with a group of British Asian business leaders. It delivers programmes across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, focused on areas including mental health, education, child protection and conservation.

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At Tuesday's event, the King joined around 350 guests from the worlds of business, philanthropy, entertainment and the arts. Among those in attendance was former home secretary Sir Sajid Javid, who briefly spoke with the monarch.

Accompanied throughout the evening by the Trust's chairman, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Charles later received a photograph commemorating the Future Friendship Cup, a cricket match between India and Pakistan held in Glasgow on July 3, 2007, which helped launch the charity.

Although the fixture was cancelled because of rain, guests heard how the Trust unexpectedly received a £1million insurance payout that helped support its early work.

Addressing the King, Lord Gadhia said: "Despite the many demands on your time, Your Majesty has remained steadfast in your commitment to South Asia and to the British Asian community.

"By joining us this evening, you have once again given us the opportunity to express our collective gratitude for that unwavering support."

He also highlighted the charity's impact since its creation, telling guests that the British Asian Trust has improved the lives of 18.8 million people across South Asia during the past 19 years.

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