Prince William 'blown away' by young black scholars in charity visit with The Amos Bursary

Prince William spoke of how 'blown away' he was by a group of young people tipped as the next generation of young black leaders.

The future king met scholars and alumni of The Amos Bursary, an impressive charity which supports high-achieving young people of African and Caribbean heritage from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds through school, university and into working life.

Among them was Joseph Simeon, 29, an investment banker now working in New York, who told the royal that others his age and from his background with were either 'dead or in prison' but The Amos Bursary had given him the ability to achieve so much more with his life.

Like all alumni he was offered financial support and mentoring, and spoke passionately of the difference it has made to his life - so much so that he agreed to come to the event to speak to William about it even though he is getting married tomorrow.

'Tomorrow? You shouldn't be here! There are other conversations you should be having. Shouldn't you be preparing your speech?' the astonished prince exclaimed.

Joseph said afterwards: 'I told him that's how much The Amos Bursary has meant to me. I am now a mentor myself and will take any opportunity to spread the word.

'This is a topic very close to my heart, and while we should, of course, focus on lifting the bottom up we should also look at lifting the glass ceiling at the top. It's great to have progress but we need to make sure the top is being raised too and people can challenge that glass ceiling and then it is our moral duty to pay it back down to others.'

'We are all very grateful for the support it has given us and for the prince being here today. The Amos Bursary has been transformative to my life.' 

The event was organised during Black History Month and Black Enterprise week and was hosted in Hoxton, east London, at Urban MBA, a co-working space which supports marginalised young shows through education and mentoring.

Founded by Guyanese-British politician Baroness Valerie Amos and her sister, Coleen Amos OBE, in 2009, The Amos Bursary directly supports around 50 young people from London and the East Midlands each year, but also a further 300 with online advice and mentoring.

The prince was met by Colleen Amos, who talked him through the aims of the charity, and introduced him to groups of supporters, many alumni themselves.

They included television presenter June Sarpong who has worked with William previously and has been involved with the charity as a supporter since its inception.

She said: 'What's so beautiful about the bursary is that it actually delivers results and when you look at the success rate with young people, it's extraordinary. This is one of the best.

'When it comes to a diversity perspective you have young people from all backgrounds, and particularly underrepresented backgrounds, able to achieve their best and deliver for Britain. It's wonderful.'

'It's full circle,' said the prince.

Downstairs the prince chatted with Kofi Oppong, founder of Urban MBA, who is particularly passionate about opening up AI and new technology such as laser printing to young people. 

He said: 'Things are changing and quickly. If we don't reskill and upskill quickly, a generation will lose out.'

'Do you feel there is going to be a big sea change for people who are graduating now?' the prince asked.

'It gives you a bit of hope but also a bit of worry.

'Perspective is crucial. To see how the rest of the world works.

'It comes down to leadership and leadership in schools, teachers and the impact they have.'

He was shown how to operate the laser printer and given gifts of a card holder and vase they had made, as well as being shown a prototype trainer.

'It's amazing, that's incredible,' he said.

In a round table meeting with The Amos Bursary alumni - including an Oxford graduate, a trainee barrister, an investment banker and a business owner - the prince listened to story after story of hope.

Sitting down he joked to laughs: 'High achievers…which is the kind of vibe I am getting!

'How important has to been for you guys to be in the bursary? Has it been pivotal.'

'Yes, one hundred per cent,' he was told.

'Having an Amos Bursary in every part of society would be fantastic,' the prince said.

'But what would you guys like to see that would allow more young people more opportunities. As someone said to me, talent is everywhere, opportunities aren't. How do we bridge that gap so that more people can get the chance to show their talents?

'What were the challenges you guys were facing when you started in employment.'

Before he left the prince posed for a picture with the lively group of supporters, alumni and young talent.

There were cheers for the royal and fair bit of joking about football, particularly when Stephen Brooks, regional director in the West Midlands, said: 'We've all been talking about how great Aston Villa are doing!'

'Champions League tonight!' William shouted, to jokey calls of 'Arsenal!'

'Let's not distract the prince on football,' the photographer joked.

Xavier Hamilton, 34, one of the first young people helped by The Amos Bursary back in 2009, said: 'It's phenomenal he was here. It's a future king and privately he said he wanted to continue to help and support us. It's amazing to hear.'