News
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a fundraising gala for children's charity ARK
9th June 2011
The Duke of Cambridge announced ambitious plans to help disadvantaged children in the UK and Africa as he and his wife attended their first official public engagement as a married couple.
The couple attended a gala charity black-tie dinner to mark the 10th anniversary of the children's charity ARK (Absolute Return for Kids) co-founded by financier Arpad Busson and Ian Wace.
During the course of the evening, The Duke announced a joint venture between the Foundation for Prince William and Prince Harry and ARK which is set to help children in the UK and then children in Africa.
In a speech he said that he hoped the venture would "raise aspirations, broaden horizons and encourage young people to achieve".
A host of stars attended the gala evening including oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, Liz Hurley, Jemima Khan and Mariella Frostrup.
On the charitable partnership The Duke said: "This new joint initiative is based on our shared vision and commitment to transform the lives of thousands of young people.
"I know that I am very fortunate. I had a good education, a secure home and a loving and supportive family. So many young people, however, do not have these advantages and, as a result, can lack the confidence and knowledge to realise their full potential."
The Duke explained the initiative would be a four-year programme and create opportunities to educate children in UK, then later expand to projects in sub-Saharan Africa.