'Huge mistake': Katy Perry's shock royal gig announced
Katy Perry has been announced as an ambassador of the British Asian Trust by Prince Charles in a move that has shocked both royal watchers and Perry fans alike.
Resplendent in a blue gown with a plunging neckline and some net detailing that struck a radical chord in a royal environment, Perry joined Charles and Camilla for the announcement at the trust’s annual Royal Dinner in London on Tuesday evening.
Charles announced that Katy will represent the Trust’s Children’s Protection Fund for India.
Indian philanthropist and chair of the Children’s Protection Fund, Natasha Poonawalla was also in attendance and pledged £25 million ($49 million AUD) in support of the initiative.
“Anti-trafficking will be the main focus of the night as the Trust will announce its intention… to develop the largest anti-trafficking Fund ever seen in South Asia,” Clarence House said in a statement.
“My work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador has taken me to many parts of the world and opened my eyes to the many vulnerabilities of children,” Katy said upon her appointment.
“India has long held a special place in my heart, and on my last visit, I was able to meet with the Prince of Wales and other leaders in Mumbai, and I was impressed by their strong plan – from on-ground initiatives to fundraising – that will aim to cut child trafficking in half.”
Brits slam decision to appoint Perry
The aims of the charity have been roundly applauded, but the choice of Katy Perry has come under fire from some factions who say the white, American singer was the wrong choice to front a British Indian charity endeavour.
“Can someone enlighten me about @katyperry's British/Asian connection?” Sun journalist Qin Xie wondered.
“No British Asians available or what?” another onlooker wondered.
Yet another got even more to the point.
Wow due to there been no asian talent Katy Perry will be taken on the role as British asian trust..🤷🏽♀️ https://t.co/kCfSiN6X74
— TanaM00 (@m00_tana) February 4, 2020
“Huge mistake,” was another’s summary.
The British Asian Trust
The British Asian Trust was founded in 2007 by Prince Charles and a group of British Asian business leaders.
The charity supports the 5.8 million children working in forced labour in India with tens of thousands thought to be working in hazardous workshops.
It works with business, government and civil society to remove child labour from supply chains and bring child labour-free products to markets.
Prince Charles first met with Ms Perry in Mumbai, India, in November 2019 at a meeting of British Asian Trust supporters and advisors.
Manoj Badale, chair of the British Asian Trust, said: “We’re delighted to announce Katy Perry as our newest ambassador and are looking forward to working with her on raising awareness of the work we carry out across South Asia.
“Katy is a keen supporter of our work and her appointment marks another successful year for the British Asian Trust.”
With additional reporting by George Martin.
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