She’s a pop princess from Newcastle while he’s bona fide royalty who will one day be King, but it seems that Cheryl has forged an unlikely friendship with Prince Charles, who was seen joking about their companionship today.
The cheeky royal joked about his celebrity companion’s ever-changing surname during his speech at the Prince’s Trust awards on Tuesday.
During his speech where he thanked celebrity ambassadors for their work the Prince of Wales playfully asked ‘who’s Cheryl Tweedy?’ leaving the audience in stitches.
Taking to stage at the London Palladium he said: ‘I am also so grateful for all the celebrity ambassadors who I’m sure you realise by now make such a huge difference to what we can do to inspire and motivate young people.
Prince Charles today joked about singer Cheryl’s ever-changing surname at the Prince’s Trust Awards, asking ‘Who’s Cheryl Tweedy?’
‘And Cheryl Tweedy, I thought to myself sometime ago “who’s Chery Tweedy?” And I suddenly realised I knew the Cheryl bit I had missed out on the Tweedy.’
The royal was quick to change to a more serious tone, thanking the singer, who has been married twice, for her hard work as a charity ambassador.
He continued: ‘But I am enormously grateful to her for raising one million pounds I can’t keep up with all the changes of names that the companies do either ladies and gentlemen.’
‘She’s a great Geordie and she makes such a difference in that part of the world.’
Earlier on Tuesday the mother-of-one opened up about her bond with the royal saying: ‘He’s a fantastic character and it’s a pleasure every time.’
Former Girls aloud star Cheryl recently opened a centre for young people in Newcastle in conjunction with the Prince’s Trust and revealed how she worked closely with Charles to get the project off the ground.
Cheryl opened up about her working relationship with Prince Charles today as she joined the royal for the annual Prince’s Trust Awards in London
Cheryl said: ‘I had a big meeting and conversation with Charles about four or five years ago now about the opening of the centre – we did a collaboration.
‘It’s fantastic that it’s finally come to fruition and I always love to meet him.’
And she had warm words for Prince Harry and Meghan, saying of their upcoming wedding: ‘I think love in any form is always fantastic.’
She added of the awards: ‘It’s inspiring for me because you get to see the people that are actually transforming in front of your eyes.
A host of celebrities gathered today for the Prince’s Trust Awards including Helen McCrory, Cheryl, Olly Murs and Tom Jones
The royal sharing a joke with celebrity guests Olivia Coleman and Tom Hardy
‘I know a guy that has been through hell and now he’s transformed his life completely. He works through the centre and it’s just inspiring.
‘It keeps you motivated and shows you that you are actually changing lives.’
Cheryl and Charles were joined by a host of other celebrities at the ceremony today, including Mel C and Emma Bunton.
The Spice Girls stars are joining former footballer Thierry Henry and actresses Olivia Colman and Helen McCrory at the London Palladium this afternoon to celebrate the achievements of young people supported by the Trust.
A smiling Prince Charles arriving for the Prince’s Trust Awards at the London Palladium
The royal and Olivia Coleman looked to be getting on famously as they chatted while actor Tom Hardy looked on
Olivia Coleman looked rather taken aback during her meeting with the prince today
The Prince greeted celebrity ambassadors of the charity Tom Hardy and Helen McCrory
The royal looked amused as he caught up with much-loved TV presenters Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec have met the prince on several occasions and suffered no stage fright as they greeted their royal pal
The dapper looking TV duo could be seen sharing a joke with the high spirited Prince on the red carpet on Tuesday
Those recognised have overcome issues such as abuse, drug addiction, homelessness and depression and have gone on to have successful lives.
Former Apprentice star Michelle Dewberry sported one of the afternoon’s more daring outfits, wearing an electric blue suit with a daring glittery crop top underneath.
Award categories include Young Achiever, Rising Star and Community Impact and the ceremony will see the Trust present the inaugural Mentor of the Year Award.
The former Girls Aloud singer and new mother described Charles as ‘a character’ and says seeing him is ‘always a pleasure’
The stars were left in stitches as Charles shared a joke with Olly Murs on his way into the event
Philip Schofield recently met the Prince when he visited the This Morning studios for the show’s 30th birthday
The pair appeared to be getting along famously as they met again on the red carpet at The London Palladium
The Spice Girls famously met Charles – with Mel B and the then Geri Halliwell giving him kisses – during the Prince’s Trust’s 21st anniversary concert at Manchester Opera House in 1997.
The girl group has recently reunited and Mel B has confirmed that all five Spice Girls have been invited to the the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Her revelation came during an appearance on US talk show The Real, and Mel B also sparked speculation that the band may perform at the royal wedding in May.
The Prince’s Trust gives disadvantaged young people the skills and confidence to find a job.
The charity has helped 870,000 young people since 1976 and supports over 100 more each day. Three in four of these young people move into work, training or education.
Charles poses for a photograph with HSBC Breakthrough Award winner Jack Lucas alongside presenters Laura Whitmore and Caroline Flack
Homesense Young Achiever of the Year winner Daisy McDonnell looked delighted to meet actor Tom Hardy as she was presented with her award on stage
Tom Hardy arriving at ‘The Prince’s Trust’ and TKMaxx with Homesense Awards. Actor Tom Hardy looked in good spirits as we waved to onlookers on his way into the event
Charles could be seen chatting with Ascential Educational Achiever of the Year winner Jaidah Thomas who was presented with her award by Tom Jones
Delta Air Lines Rising Star Award winner was Jack Hamblett who beamed with delight as he was joined on stage by the prince and Olivia Coleman
Ant and Dec presented the Community Impact Award winner Ayreshire Team 150 with their award
Michelle Dewberry sported one of the afternoon’s more daring outfits, wearing an electric blue suit with a daring glittery crop top underneath
Presenter Kate Garraway wrapped up against the chill in a glamorous pink furry coat, which she removed to reveal a smart navy and blush print dress
Spice Girl Mel C looked striking in a midi floral dress and statement lace-up boots
Interior design guru Kelly Hoppen and Coronation Street star Helen Worth both opted for the monochrome look
Olivia Coleman showcased her smart casual style in a grey coat, accessorising with an oversized brown handbag
Weather forecast presenter Alex Beresford looked dapper in a checked suit and brown boots (left). Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston also looked smart in a dark grey suit (right)
Capital Radio’s Roman Kemp was looking dapper on the red carpet (left). The Wanted singer Nathan Sykes opted for an all-black ensemble with cropped trousers
Olly Murs showcased his famous dapper style in a pair of pinstripe trousers and an oversize blazer for the occasion
Caroline Flack braved the cold weather in a thigh-skimming summer dress and a black leather biker jacket
Tom Fletcher and wife Giovanna, who have just announced their third pregnancy, posed for photos together outside the Palladium