King Charles III joined Elton John for a special edition of the singer’s radio show on Apple Music to celebrate 50 years of youth charity work, Boursorama reported Thursday.
The broadcast marks a half-century since the monarch established the organization using his Navy severance pay. The milestone highlights decades of musical collaboration supporting vulnerable youth across the United Kingdom.
Celebrating Fifty Years of Youth Support
- The special episode of “Elton John’s Rocket Hour” was recorded at Apple’s new London radio studios and will air on Saturday, November 14, coinciding with Charles’s 78th birthday.
- Founded in 1976 as the Prince’s Trust when Charles was Prince of Wales, the charity has since aided over one million young people in finding employment or starting businesses.
- Musicians have backed the charity through decades of benefit concerts, ranging from 1980s Wembley Arena rock galas to performances at Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall.
From Royal Navy Severance to Global Airwaves
Charles created the original initiative in 1976 utilizing his departure payment from the Royal Navy to assist disadvantaged youth in preparing for the workforce. Following his accession to the throne, the organization was renamed the King’s Trust.
“La musique a toujours été au cœur du Prince’s Trust, et désormais du King’s Trust,” Charles said, adding that the program provides an opportunity to spotlight artists who supported the charity alongside new talents it helped launch.
The collaboration with Elton John brings these musical ties onto a global digital platform. “John’s Rocket Hour” has broadcast weekly across Apple Music 1 since 2015.
Charles and Sir Elton sat down to highlight the key role of music in the work of the monarch’s charity The King’s Trust, which is celebrating its 50th year. pic.twitter.com/CfI1RlbEw1
Backing Grassroots British Talent
Among the beneficiaries highlighted in the broadcast is the British rock band Muse. The group received an early grant to purchase sound equipment while performing under their former name, Rocket Baby Dolls, before eventually playing a sold-out concert for the charity at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018, Boursorama reported.
“Quand on soutient un jeune artiste et qu’on lui montre qu’on croit en lui, cela fait toute la différence,” John said. “Les jeunes sont notre avenir.”
| Milestone Year | Event Details | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Founding of the Prince’s Trust using Royal Navy severance pay | Charles (then Prince of Wales) |
| 1998 | Elton John made a knight by Queen Elizabeth | Elton John, Queen Elizabeth II |
| 2021 | Presentation of the Order of the Companions of Honour at Windsor Castle | Charles, Elton John |
John Received Honors for Music and Charitable Works
John received the Order of the Companions of Honour from Charles at Windsor Castle in 2021 for services to music and charitable works. The artist was previously made a knight by Queen Elizabeth in 1998.
The anniversary broadcast is scheduled for transmission on Apple Music on November 14, 2026.
