will.i.am donates £500k of 'Voice' UK salary to Prince's Trust

will.i.am has donated £500,000 to the Prince's Trust.

The Black Eyed Peas rapper explained that he has given most of his earnings from The Voice UK to the charity in order to give London children a new technology initiative.



He tweeted: "I gave the majority of the money I made on the voice to the @PrincesTrust to build a tech programme to get the kids from east LDN up to speed (sic)."

The producer explained that he wanted to donate the money after meeting founder Prince Charles, and hopes to improve the lives of disadvantaged children.

He met with the heir to the throne at Clarence House last month to discuss how his i.am.angel Foundation could be used in conjunction with the trust.

will.i.am said: "My donation to the trust will help these young people build skills that are vital in today's and tomorrow's job market, including technology and computer knowledge."

He added: "I grew up in east Los Angeles, one of the most under-served and tough neighbourhoods in America.

"My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality and beating the odds that come with growing up in a disadvantaged situation.

"The Prince's Trust has a 36-year history of assisting disadvantaged youth, so I am pleased to be collaborating with an organisation that shares my mission to transform the lives of young people who need extra support and structure in their lives."



The Trust's chief executive Martina Milburn said that the donation will go towards courses for young people to help get improve their lives. She added: "The Prince's Trust is a charity which depends on generous donations such as these.

"will.i.am is an inspiring character - we're excited about his vision of helping the most disadvantaged to improve their computer skills and we're incredibly grateful for the donation.

"It will make a huge difference to vulnerable young lives in the UK today."

will.i.am is currently working on his upcoming studio album #willpower.

Watch the music video for will.i.am's new single 'This Is Love' (out June 24) below: