Embed from Getty Images

The GQ Men of the Year Awards were held last night in London. This is for British GQ, so of course the awards mainly went to British people. The photos from the carpet were not all that great, but that’s probably because the Prince of Wales didn’t deign to walk the carpet. Yes, British GQ decided to honor Prince Charles… and he actually showed up and gave a speech and everything! But he didn’t walk the carpet, which I guess is fine. It would have been weird to see him posing for photos next to Dua Lipa. He was given an award for his decades of philanthropic work:

“When I was first told of GQ magazine’s wish to give me a Man Of The Year award I felt sure it must have been some kind of mistake,” he said. “I thought it must be some sort of ill-deserved fashion award. Particularly as in fashion terms I’m like a stopped clock. In otherwords I’m fashionable once every 25 years.”

He said he then learned the gong was for his philanthropy, adding: “It really is incredibly kind of you and GQ magazine to do this. As you can imagine there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the difference you can make to so many young people’s lives. If you can actually provide them with an opportunity, help them to develop self-confidence and self-esteem, suddenly their lives can be transformed.”

Dylan Jones, editor of GQ, praised Charles for his incredible charity work. “The Prince of Wales has given his service to charities and philanthropic endeavours with such steadfast revolve, clarity of purpose and dedication to others, at home and on the world stage.We are particularly honoured to be able to dedicate the Prince of Wales with this award during British GQ’s 30th Anniversary this year.”

[From Hello]

I think this is super-cool. I’m glad British GQ didn’t try to give an award to Harry or William just because they’re younger and they might hit a certain demographic. It feels like Charles has really come into his own, to a certain extent. For years he was deemed “uncool” or bookish, or an environmental wingnut. But Charles has lived long enough for his interests to be recognized as cool and inspirational. Charles deserves a lot of credit for all of his philanthropic work, especially The Prince’s Trust. But I do worry that The Prince’s Trust in particular will start to fall apart because William and Harry have no interest in running it in the years to come.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Photos courtesy of Getty.