Clacton Mother-Daughter Team Meets King Charles III

Karen Badenoch and her daughter Jessica Taylor never imagined their community work would catch the attention of royalty, but that's exactly what happened when King Charles III visited Dedham last week.

The mother-daughter duo runs Trusted Money Confidence, a community business that helps families understand and improve their finances. They were among a select group of community leaders invited to meet the King and Queen at the historic Sun Inn.

When Jessica approached the King, his first words were "oh, it's you." He had already heard about their work helping families gain financial stability and wanted to learn more. The royal couple spent time asking about their business model and how they were making a difference in people's lives.

Karen, from Clacton, and Jessica, from Colchester, chatted with King Charles about the real challenges families face with money management. Their programs focus on practical financial education, giving people tools to understand their annual financial position without the shame or confusion that often comes with money struggles.

Why This Inspires

Financial stress affects millions of families, but often goes unspoken. Karen and Jessica's work breaks down those barriers by creating safe spaces for people to learn and ask questions. When the King takes time to spotlight this kind of community support, it sends a powerful message about what truly matters.

Their dedication to helping neighbors understand money isn't glamorous work, but it changes lives in profound ways. Financial confidence can mean the difference between stress and stability, between giving up and moving forward.

The royal recognition came with an extra surprise. When the Royal Family released their official video showcasing Essex community heroes, both Karen and Jessica appeared prominently in the footage. The video celebrated skills and service from across the region, including their work in Clacton.

For Karen and Jessica, the day represented more than a royal handshake. It was validation that quiet, consistent community service matters and gets noticed, even by kings.