British King Charles has joined Elton John for a special edition of the singer's radio show on the Apple Music platform, Buckingham Palace announced. The aim of the episode is to celebrate 50 years of the work of the King's Foundation, with Charles paying tribute to musicians who support the charity for young people.
The episode of 'Elton John's Rocket Hour' was recorded in Apple's new radio studios in London and will be broadcast on the Apple Music platform on Saturday, 14 November. The date is not coincidental – 14 November is Charles's 78th birthday.
While still the Prince of Wales, Charles established the Prince's Foundation, using the severance pay he received upon leaving the Royal Navy. The foundation was set up to help disadvantaged young people prepare for the job market, find employment or start their own business. After becoming King, the organisation was renamed the King's Foundation. According to foundation data, it has supported more than one million young people to date.
Charles said that music has always been at the heart of the work of the Prince's, and now the King's, Foundation. He added that the show is an opportunity to introduce performers who have supported the foundation, as well as newer artists whom it has helped at the start of their careers. The duo recalled charity concerts – from rock spectacles at Wembley Arena in the 1980s, to performances at Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall.
British rock band Muse received financial support to buy musical equipment while still operating under their earlier name, Rocket Baby Dolls. In 2018, the group Muse held a sold-out concert at the Royal Albert Hall specifically for the benefit of this foundation.
John said that supporting a young artist and showing faith in them makes a big difference, emphasising that young people are our future. Elton John received a decoration for his contribution to music and charitable work from the then Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle in 2021, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1998. His hits include 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Rocket Man' and 'Your Song'. The show 'John's Rocket Hour' is a weekly programme that has been broadcast worldwide on the Apple Music 1 platform since 2015.
