News
TRH host a dinner for the British Asian community at Windsor Castle
15th November 2007
The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the "remarkable contribution" the Asian community has made to Britain during a special dinner at Windsor Castle.
His Royal Highness and The Duchess of Cornwall hosted nearly 200 guests to celebrate the "splendidly unstoppable" achievements made by the British Asian community in recent years.
Early this year The Prince founded the British Asian Trust, which will invest in employment and training projects in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as well as the United Kingdom.
During a speech to guests, including Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, The Prince praised the social and economic contributions the Asian community had made "to enrich Britain".
His Royal Highness also hailed the success of Asian sports stars and TV shows and films such as East Is East and Bend It Like Beckham.
Among the invited guests were comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar and his wife, writer and actress Meera Syal, cricketer Saj Mahmood, author Vikram Seth, newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy and actor Art Malik.
In his speech His Royal Highness told them that two million people had settled in Britain from South Asia which was a remarkable shift in population.
He said: "We hear a great deal about the difficulties that such migration can cause but rarely we find a moment to look at the remarkable contributions it can bring to the fabric of this country.
"That is why I was keen to invite you here this evening to shine a light on the diverse skills and pool of talent that you represent."
The Prince said that Asian culture had a timeless depth that touched every street in Britain "not just the one which houses the Kumars at Number 42".
His Royal Highness said: "We all have a role to play in shaping our society on the basis of tolerance and understanding. This is not always easy. Younger people of all ethnic backgrounds are trying to work out just where they fit in.
"What I have learnt from my travels is that by listening and trying to understand before we act we stand a better chance of coming up with the right answers."
The Prince praised shows such as Goodness Gracious Me which has been exported worldwide because they can highlight problems as well as solutions.
His Royal Highness said: "Some of you may realise by now that I am one of those people who cannot resist the temptation to act rather than just talk.
“So earlier this year I founded my British Asian Trust which seeks to support community projects in the UK and promoting sustainable development in south Asia.
"It is my sincere hope that the trust will build upon the link between Britain and south Asia."
Click here to read The Prince's speech.