King Charles III marked his 78th birthday by appearing on Elton John’s Apple Music radio program, “Rocket Hour,” where the longtime friends exchanged jokes about growing older and looked back on their decades-long relationship.
The king, who turned 78 on Saturday, took part in a prerecorded episode honoring the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, the charity he founded in 1976 to help young people.
During the broadcast, Charles recalled John’s performance of “I’m Still Standing” at a 1986 concert commemorating the charity’s 10th anniversary.
“I know people in all kinds of circumstances find this song inspiring, not only for its marvellous spirit, but also its message of resilience,” Charles said. “And certainly 40 years on from that remarkable concert, we and the Trust are definitely still standing.”
John responded with a quip of his own: “I’m still sitting now, though.”
The remark drew laughter from Charles and set the tone for a playful discussion about the realities of aging.
“With occasional bits dropping off here and there,” the king said. “I know this is a terrible problem as we get older.”
The conversation comes as both men have dealt with health concerns in recent years. Charles has been receiving cancer treatment, while John has publicly discussed difficulties with his eyesight.
Charles said the chance to appear on John’s radio show was “an opportunity too good to resist.”
The Royal Family’s official Instagram account also celebrated the king’s birthday, sharing a message and promoting the special episode.
“Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!” the post said, urging followers to listen to John’s show on Apple Music.
John added his own birthday greeting in the comments: “Happy Birthday to His Majesty!”
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