Stephen Lawrence was cruelly robbed of the chance to develop his potential talents in the field of architecture

Prince Charles

Stephen, who was studying for his A-levels when he was murdered by racists in April 1993, had always wanted to be an architect. He was on a work placement with a firm of architects.

The prince expressed his "deepest sympathy" to Stephen's parents, Neville and Doreen, who were present at the first Stephen Lawrence memorial lecture in London.

"I wish them well in their quest to build something positive from the shocking and sudden loss of their son Stephen," he said.

"I can well imagine what they must have gone through in trying to cope with this tragedy in their lives."

He said the field of architecture was in desperate need for people who had a real sensitivity to their environment.

Stephen Lawrence was murdered in 1993

"Our lives are shaped by the towns and cities we inhabit and by the beauty or the ugliness of our surroundings," he said.

"From time to time, this powerful truth so touches a young man, or a young woman, that they decide they must become an architect - to play some part in arresting the tide of uglification which threatens to engulf us, and to re-introduce beauty and harmony".

'Fitting memorial'

"Stephen Lawrence was cruelly robbed of the chance to develop his potential talents in the field of architecture.

"I am sure that his parents, who did so much to support him in his ambition, will join with me in hoping that the Trust established in Stephen's memory, and my Foundation, can find a mutual interest in working together to find more opportunities for those with talent to find a role in building design.

Prince Charles gave Neville and Doreen Lawrence his deepest sympathy

"In that way, perhaps, it may be possible to create a fitting memorial to Stephen Lawrence."

Stephen's father Neville broke down as he tried to make a speech..

"It's too painful to think of my son's innocent life," he told the audience.

The memorial lecture will be an annual event aimed at inspiring young black and Asian people.