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Prince Charles releases poignant message during summer break

The Prince of Wales marked International Youth Day

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Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
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Prince Charles has interrupted his summer break to release a poignant message for a cause "immensely close" to his heart, International Youth Day.

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In the video, the heir to the throne said: "Today gives us all an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of young people and, additionally, allows us to reflect on the impact that recent years have had on the younger generation. In terms of the adversities they have faced, it is remarkable to see the resilience and ambition young people continue to show in the face of unprecedented global challenges."

WATCH: Prince Charles delivers poignant message for International Youth Day

The Prince of Wales highlighted the effects that the pandemic, the current cost-of-living crisis and climate change are having on the mental health of younger generations.

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He said: "My Trust has found time and time again that poor mental health can become a significant obstacle when young people try to take their next step into employment."

He also recounted from his own personal experience of meeting young people and highlighted the work that his charity, the Prince's Trust has been carrying out for the past 46 years.

However, in an empowering end to his message, he said: "It is particularly important that you know your resilience is respected, your determination is admired and that our commitment to you is clear, in order to give you all the chance you deserve."

prince charles princes trust© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Charles founded the Princes Trust 46 years ago

The Prince's Trust was founded by Prince Charles in 1976 to help young people, aged between 11 and 30 to get their lives on track.

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The charity, which operates in 18 countries, is believed to have helped over 950,000 people within the United Kingdom alone.

Recent research from The Prince's Trust UK and Learning and Work Institute found the proportion of out of work young people reporting a mental health problem has increased from 11 per cent in 2011 to almost a third in 2022.

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