Entertainmentupdated 23m ago2 min read
Archive photo · 10 July 2023King Charles Jokes With Elton John on Rocket Hour for 78th Birthday
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King Charles joined Elton John for a special Rocket Hour to mark his 78th birthday. The pair joked about ageing during the recorded radio chat.
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Birthday clip on Rocket Hour
King Charles marked his 78th birthday by joining Sir Elton John for a special episode of Elton John’s Rocket Hour on Apple Music, recorded at Apple Music Studios in Battersea Power Station in south London. William and Kate issued a birthday message to the King, posting a picture of the two together on the show with the words "Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!" Charles and Elton John joked about getting older during the broadcast, with Charles saying "We and the Trust are definitely still standing" as they discussed the King’s Trust.
The programme also marked the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, with the conversation highlighting how musicians have supported the charity. The show opened with Tina Turner’s hit Proud Mary, and the programme was scheduled to be rebroadcast on Apple Music One at 17:00 and 22:00 Saturday and again on Sunday at 02:00 and 06:00.
“Still standing” exchange
Charles told Elton John that he chose Elton’s hit "I’m Still Standing" because of its "message of resilience," as the pair discussed benefit concerts connected to the King’s Trust.
Elton John replied with a joke, saying "I’m still sitting now, though," prompting laughs from the king.
Charles continued the exchange by saying "With occasional bits dropping off here and there. I know this is a terrible problem as we get older."
The BBC said the special was recorded last month at Apple Music Studios in south London and premiered on Saturday morning.
The Guardian described the same Rocket Hour appearance as Charles joking that they were "still standing" while he appeared on the singer-songwriter’s show for a shared musical journey.
Playlist and Trust legacy
The pair selected a total of 14 tracks for the Rocket Hour episode, including Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone Man’s Giant and Bob Dylan’s Gotta Serve Somebody. Charles picked Giant as the song that summed up his charity because of its "spirit of gaining strength from others," and he chose All You Need Is Love as the song he described as "nothing more meaningful than love." The BBC said the show featured The Beatles’ 1967 hit All You Need Is Love, with Charles recalling "the magic of witnessing a simply unforgettable performance" at the Party At The Palace concert.
Rolling Stone UK said the chat highlighted the integral role of music in the work of The King’s Trust, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Royal Observer said Charles reflected on the lasting magic of All You Need Is Love and chose "I’m Still Standing" for its message of resilience as the charity marked its 50th anniversary.
