King Charles marks 50 years of his youth charity with Elton John on radio show

King Charles joined Elton John on Wednesday for a special edition of the singer's Apple Music radio show to commemorate 50 years of the King's Trust, a youth charity founded by the monarch in 1976. The episode, recorded at Apple's London studios, will air on Saturday, November 14th, coinciding with Charles' 78th birthday.

The Prince of Wales established the Prince's Trust using his Royal Navy severance pay to assist disadvantaged young people in preparing for work, finding employment, or starting businesses. Upon ascending to the throne, the charity was renamed the King's Trust, which has since supported over one million young people.

Charles highlighted music's central role in the Prince's Trust and the opportunity it provides to showcase artists who have supported the charity and newer musicians it has helped launch. They reminisced about benefit concerts, from 1980s rock galas at Wembley Arena to sold-out shows in Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Among the beneficiaries was British rock band Muse, which received a grant to purchase sound equipment after performing under its former name, Rocket Baby Dolls. The group later presented a sold-out Royal Albert Hall concert in aid of the trust in 2018.

Elton John emphasized the significance of championing young artists, stating that such support makes a substantial difference. He received the Order of the Companions of Honour from Charles at Windsor Castle in 2021 for his contributions to music and charity. Known as one of the best-selling artists of all time, John has hit songs like "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Rocket Man," and "Your Song."

He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1998. John's weekly radio show, Rocket Hour, has aired globally on Apple Music 1 since 2015.