Prince Charles was joined by celebrity ambassadors Rod, Kevin Spacey and Jools Holland at a reception held at Clarence House to celebrate the charity’s landmark 35th Anniversary.
The Trust has helped more than 650,000 youngsters in difficult personal circumstances since the Prince of Wales set it up in 1976.
He told the audience it relied on giving people the ‘confidence and self-esteem by which they can go and do anything’.
‘Everybody has got some potential, skill or talent that can be brought out,’ he said.
‘I’m unbelievably proud of all those who show they really can do it. I hope I shall live long enough to see even more people make a fantastic success of their lives and give something back to this country.’
Despite rising youth unemployment, more than three quarters of young people supported by the charity have moved into work, education or training. The Trust will help 50,000 disadvantaged young people this year alone.
Rod said: ‘It’s tremendous – giving kids a second chance.’