The King and the Prime Minister led tributes to the nation's unsung heroes as excitement builds ahead of the 25th anniversary Pride of Britain Awards.
Dozens of huge stars, from Oscar winners to chart-toppers and world champions, will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of winners, including awe-inspiring children of courage, fundraisers, campaigners and lifesavers.
The King called them “the very best” of us, and Sir Keir Starmer said, “They embody everything that is great about Britain”.
King Charles’ words were included in a letter to King’s Trust Young Achiever winner Molly Leonard, whose grandmother shed tears of pride as she read it to her.