In a new collaboration, King Charles and actor Idris Elba are joining forces for a Netflix documentary that will explore the lasting global impact of The King’s Trust, marking the charity’s 50th anniversary.
It comes after The King partnered with Apple Music to release a playlist of his favourite music from across the Commonwealth to mark Commonwealth Day.
Announced by Netflix and Buckingham Palace, the untitled documentary will offer unprecedented access to King Charles and will trace the evolution and success of the organisation he founded in 1976 – originally known as The Prince’s Trust prior to His Majesty’s accession – to help disadvantaged youth access education, job training, and life-changing opportunities.
At the centre of the documentary, according to Netflix, will be stories of some of those the charity has helped around the world.
This partnership carries a deeply personal resonance for Idris Elba. Before becoming a globally recognised star in Luther, The Wire, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba was an aspiring actor who received an arts grant from The Prince’s Trust. That support enabled him to study acting.
The documentary, begins filming in the coming weeks and will premiere on Netflix in late 2026, is produced by 22 Summers, a production company founded by Elba and Diene Petterle.
Speaking about the documentary, Idris Elba said ‘The King’s Trust gave me an opportunity that changed my life. At a time when I didn’t have the resources to pursue my ambitions, they offered real, practical support — including financial help — that helped me take those first steps to advance my career’.
‘Today, through the Elba Hope Foundation, I’m focused on creating those same opportunities for young people who are full of potential but lacking access. Around the world, millions are still waiting for that one door to open. This documentary is about shining a light on what’s possible when it does — and why the work of The King’s Trust remains so important.’
Jonathan Townsend, U.K. chief executive of The King’s Trust, noted ‘Nobody understands the impact of this work better than those who have experienced the support we offer first hand. As a long-term supporter and former beneficiary of The Trust himself, Idris will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to this groundbreaking documentary as he peels back the layers of our story and shows how our life-changing work is as relevant today as it has ever been.’
