Prince William was reportedly “blown away” after meeting young Black British leaders during a visit to East London on Wednesday, October 14. During the visit, the Prince of Wales met scholars and alumni of The Amos Bursary. The meeting took place during UK Black History Month.
It also highlighted the organization’s work to expand educational and career opportunities for young people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Prince William meets Amos Bursary scholars during UK Black History Month
Royal reporter Matt Wilkinson shared details of William’s visit on X. He reported that the royal was impressed by the young leaders he encountered.
The Amos Bursary was founded in 2009 by Baroness Valerie Amos and Colleen Amos. It supports promising students through a five-year program, from their final years of high school until university graduation. Its support includes financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development and professional connections. These help students overcome barriers and build successful careers.
Baroness Amos highlighted the challenges faced by students in a statement on the organization’s website. “Amos students face socio-economic and environmental challenges every day,” Baroness Amos wrote on the organization’s website. “They are outstanding like so many of our young people.” She further mentioned, “They have ambition, work hard and care about family and community. They need support. Their talent recognised. Opportunities offered.”
The organization also aims to address systemic barriers in education and employment. These barriers affect young people of African and Caribbean heritage. UK Black History Month takes place throughout October. It was established in 1987 by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who had moved to Britain from Ghana three years earlier.
William’s visit followed a surprise cricket appearance near Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, October 13. He joined former England captain Joe Root and former Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane for a game. The event celebrated the upcoming Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Mumbai, India, next month. “He played some lovely shots,” Root said of William’s performance. “There’s a lot to work with there.”
Next week, William will join King Charles and Queen Camilla in Aberfan, South Wales, to mark the 60th anniversary of the 1966 mining disaster that killed 116 children and 28 adults. They will meet survivors, bereaved families and members of the community.
William previously visited Aberfan with Kate Middleton in 2023. During that visit, a local resident recalled him saying, “My grandmother always spoke about Aberfan.”
