In a delightful turn of events, King Charles III made a surprise appearance on Sir Elton John's radio show, Rocket Hour, in an episode that will air this Saturday to coincide with the monarch's 78th birthday. The show was recorded in secret last month at Apple Music Studios in Battersea Power Station, during a visit by the King and Sir Elton for the launch of the Apple x King's Trust Creative Labs.
A Royal Chat on Music and Charity
During the programme, the King praised the pop legend, saying he had become "a national treasure after all these years," to which Sir Elton humorously replied, "I'll be on the Antiques Roadshow." The two discussed their favourite musical performances and the significant role music has played in the King's Trust, a charity established by Charles in 1976 to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sir Elton, a longtime supporter of the trust, recently donated a pair of his iconic rose-tinted glasses to its 50th anniversary auction. In a trailer for the episode, the pair are seen laughing together, with Sir Elton saying he was "excited to hear what he's got to say about music, about the King's Trust and memories that we both share."
Showcasing Talent and Memories
The King described the opportunity to showcase music from the "talented performers who have so generously supported us over the years, together with some of the newer artists the trust has helped to launch" as "too good to resist." While the full playlist remains under wraps, tracks such as Skye Newman's "Hairdresser," Raye's "Joy," and Muse's rendition of "Feeling Good" are rumoured to be included.
Listeners can expect reminiscences about memorable performances for the trust, from the Wembley Arena rock galas of the 1980s, which Sir Elton participated in, to charity shows at the Royal Albert Hall and pop concerts in Hyde Park.
The episode not only highlights the King's passion for music but also underscores the ongoing work of the King's Trust in empowering young people. The Apple x King's Trust Creative Labs mentorship programme, which the King and Sir Elton visited, aims to help young people explore careers in creative industries.
This special broadcast promises to be a heartwarming celebration of music, charity, and a long-standing friendship between two national treasures.
