King Charles Praises Elton John During Special Broadcast

King Charles III marked his 78th birthday on Saturday with humour, music and reflections on the people and experiences that have shaped his life, appearing alongside legendary British singer-songwriter Elton John in a special episode of the musician’s Rocket Hour radio programme. During the conversation, the monarch joked that they were both “still standing”, bringing a light-hearted moment to an episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of his charitable organisation, the King’s Trust.

The special programme offered listeners an opportunity to hear the King discuss some of his favourite songs, memorable musical performances and the important role that music has played in supporting young people. Recorded last month at Apple Music’s studios inside Battersea Power Station in south London, the episode brought together two influential figures whose professional and charitable journeys have crossed paths over several decades.

The appearance was particularly significant because it coincided with two important milestones: Charles’s 78th birthday and the golden anniversary of the organisation he established in 1976, when he was still Prince of Wales. Originally known as the Prince’s Trust, the charity was created to help disadvantaged young people overcome barriers, develop their abilities and build more secure futures through education, training, employment and enterprise opportunities.

Reflecting on the organisation’s history, Charles recalled a memorable performance by Elton John at a major musical event held in 1986 to celebrate the charity’s tenth anniversary. The concert, known as the Rock Gala, brought together prominent musicians and supporters to recognise the organisation’s work during its first decade.

Recalling the performance, the King said that nobody who attended could possibly forget the occasion. He added that, four decades after that remarkable concert, both he and the charity were still standing. Elton John responded humorously, saying that he was now still sitting, creating an entertaining exchange between the two long-standing friends.

Charles continued the joke by acknowledging the physical challenges associated with ageing, commenting that occasional things seemed to be falling off here and there. His remark prompted another light-hearted moment and demonstrated the relaxed atmosphere of the programme. Rather than focusing exclusively on formal royal responsibilities, the conversation allowed listeners to see a more personal and humorous side of the monarch.

The King explained that the opportunity to participate in Rocket Hour was too good to resist, particularly because the programme featured music from numerous artists who had maintained connections with the charity throughout its 50-year history. His playlist reflected a combination of personal memories, musical admiration and recognition of the artists whose careers or charitable contributions had helped shape the organisation’s story.

Among his selections was I’m Still Standing, Elton John’s celebrated 1983 hit. The song was particularly appropriate for the occasion, given its message of resilience and the humorous reference that Charles made during the conversation. The selection also recalled the musical partnership and friendship that had developed between the King and John over many years.

Another notable choice was Giant, the 2019 collaboration between Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone Man. Charles explained that the song represented the spirit of the familiar idea of standing on the shoulders of giants. He suggested that people could draw strength, inspiration and guidance from those who had come before them. The explanation reflected his broader understanding of the importance of experience, mentorship and opportunities for younger generations.

The King also selected In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins, describing the musician as a tremendous supporter of the King’s Trust. The choice was especially meaningful because Collins was being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on the same Saturday. Charles expressed his happiness at the recognition, saying he could not be more pleased for the musician.

He also highlighted the connection between the charity and Collins’s daughter, actress Lily Collins, who has supported the organisation. Charles described this relationship as a special connection across generations, demonstrating how the charity’s work has continued to attract support from people in different fields and age groups.

Rod Stewart’s rendition of Handbags and Gladrags also featured on the royal playlist. Charles praised Stewart as a completely unstoppable performer and explained that the selection had another connection with the charity. The British rock band Stereophonics, which began its career with assistance from the organisation, was also part of the story behind his choice. Their journey illustrated how relatively small amounts of early support can sometimes help talented young people establish successful careers.

One of the most significant memories Charles shared concerned the early development of the band Muse. Before achieving international recognition, the musicians were known as Rocket Baby Dolls. In 1994, they received a small grant from the Prince’s Trust to purchase audio equipment. That initial financial assistance helped them take an important step towards developing their musical ambitions.

The group subsequently adopted the name Muse and went on to become one of the world’s biggest stadium bands. For Charles, the example demonstrated precisely why the charity had been established. Young people with talent and determination do not always have access to the resources necessary to turn their ambitions into reality. A modest financial contribution, combined with encouragement and practical assistance, can sometimes create opportunities that transform an entire career.

To illustrate the band’s remarkable musical journey, the King chose Muse’s version of Feeling Good. The song also represented the wider message of the programme: that opportunities provided at the right moment can have a lasting influence on individuals, communities and the cultural landscape.

When asked to select a song that held particularly deep personal meaning, Charles chose All You Need Is Love by The Beatles. He explained that he could hardly imagine anything more meaningful than love, highlighting the song’s enduring message and universal appeal.

The King also recalled a memorable performance of the song at the Party at the Palace concert, organised to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He described the occasion as an unforgettable musical experience, remembering a performance featuring Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and Joe Cocker, alongside several other celebrated musicians.

Among the artists he recalled were Phil Collins on drums, Brian May and Eric Clapton on guitar, as well as an all-star backing choir. Charles said the performance had a special kind of magic and described the Beatles song as timeless, with a message that remained relevant across generations.

Elton John also shared a personal memory during the programme, recalling how his mother introduced him to the music that would eventually shape his career. He explained that she regularly bought a record every Friday. On one occasion, she returned home after hearing a song she had never encountered before and played Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog.

John said that the track immediately captured his attention. He had never heard anything quite like it, and the experience helped set him on the path towards becoming a professional musician. His selection of Hound Dog for the programme therefore offered listeners a glimpse into the musical influences that shaped one of Britain’s most successful recording artists.

Other selections included Joy by Raye, Hairdresser by Skye Newman, Proud Mary by Tina Turner, Gotta Serve Somebody by Bob Dylan, It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Love by Lenny Kravitz, Let My Love Open the Door by Pete Townshend and Wine Into Water by Nectar Woode. Together, the selections created a varied musical programme spanning different generations, genres and personal experiences.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Charles described his appearance as an enjoyable and nostalgic journey through some of the musical highlights of the past 50 years. The programme also served as a reminder of the relationships that have developed between the charity and the entertainment industry since its establishment.

Over five decades, the King’s Trust has worked to support young people facing unemployment, financial difficulties, educational disadvantages and other challenges that can prevent them from achieving their potential. Its approach has included providing training, mentoring, financial assistance and opportunities to develop businesses and professional skills.

The organisation’s history, as reflected in the stories of Muse and other artists, demonstrates the importance of investing in young talent before success becomes visible. For many young people, the biggest obstacle is not a lack of ambition or ability but the absence of financial resources, guidance and access to opportunities.

The special Rocket Hour episode was scheduled to broadcast on Apple Music 1 at 5pm and 10pm on Saturday, with additional broadcasts on Sunday. It was also scheduled for availability on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits, before becoming available for listeners to stream or download through the platform.

Beyond the birthday celebrations and musical entertainment, the appearance highlighted Charles’s long-standing commitment to the charitable initiative he founded half a century ago. His exchange with Elton John provided an entertaining reminder of their shared history, while the carefully selected songs illustrated the lasting influence of music, friendship and charitable support.

As the King’s Trust enters its 50th year, the message behind the programme remains particularly relevant: meaningful opportunities, even when they begin with small steps, can help young people build extraordinary futures. For Charles and John, being “still standing” was more than a birthday joke. It was also a fitting reflection on resilience, enduring relationships and the continuing importance of supporting the next generation.