King Charles marks birthday on Elton John show with still standing joke

King Charles marked his 78th birthday on Saturday by joining singer-songwriter Elton John on a special episode of the Rocket Hour podcast to celebrate the golden jubilee of the monarch's charity, the King's Trust. During their shared musical journey on the Apple Radio show, the monarch joked with the 79-year-old musician that they were still standing after decades of public life and charitable work.

Reflecting on a Rock Gala performance from 1986 that marked the charity's tenth anniversary, Charles noted that forty years on from that event, the trust and its founders were definitely still standing. John humorously replied that he was still sitting now, prompting the king to add that bits tend to drop off as people get older. The recorded episode featured tracks from numerous musicians connected to the organization over the last half-century.

King Charles appeared on Elton John's podcast to celebrate his birthday and his charity's fifty years.

Among the musical selections was Calvin Harris and Rag'n'Bone Man's track Giant, chosen to represent the concept of drawing strength from predecessors. Charles also selected Phil Collins's In the Air Tonight as a tribute to the musician and trust supporter, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. Another inclusion was Rod Stewart's rendition of Handbags and Gladrags, chosen to honor Stewart as well as the band Stereophonics, which received early career assistance from the trust.

Charles established the organization as the Prince's Trust in 1976 to provide young people with initial opportunities. He highlighted how a small grant in 1994 helped audio equipment purchases for a group later known as Muse, who grew into a major stadium band. Concluding his selections with the Beatles song All You Need Is Love, the king recalled hearing the track performed live during his late mother's Golden Jubilee at the Party at the Palace.

John shared his own musical origins during the broadcast, revealing how Elvis Presley's Hound Dog inspired him to pursue a career in music after his mother brought the record home. The podcast, recorded at the Apple Music studios in Battersea power station in south London, features additional tracks from artists such as Raye and Skye Newman.

Why it matters

The broadcast highlights fifty years of community support provided by the King's Trust, which has aided numerous emerging artists and young people since its creation in 1976. By featuring musical collaborations and personal reflections from public figures, the special episode underscores the enduring impact of long-running youth initiatives.