King Charles was seen laughing after hearing a rap track about a “princess needing her king” during an appearance in London on Wednesday. The King visited the new Apple Music Hall at Battersea Power Station, joined by Apple’s executive chairman Tim Cook.
Royal visit to Apple Music Hall
Before the main event, Charles and Sir Elton John enjoyed a soundcheck performance by soulful pop singer Skye Newman ahead of her concert in central London. The pair were joined by Sir Elton’s husband, David Furnish, as the 22-year-old singer performed her tune Crawling.
Charles appeared very focused during Newman’s show, while Sir Elton could be seen pulsing his feet to the beat of the song next to him. Both applauded at the end of the performance and appeared to be whispering a few words to one another.
South London-born Newman was due to sing at Apple’s state-of-the-art live music venue on Wednesday evening, just over a week after Sir Elton took to the stage for its opening night.
Creative Labs workshop
Before the show, Charles and Mr Cook met the first cohort taking part in the new Creative Labs, a series of workshops organised by Apple and the King’s Trust to give young people the technology, resources and practical skills needed to help them into work. The King spoke with several young people involved in a music-creation session on Wednesday morning as part of the new initiative.
Charles laughed heavily before applauding as rapper KP’s Out Here/Grand song, which she created at the workshop, was played and said: “I’m a princess, so imma need my king.”
The King also joked “oh it’s beyond me” as Apple Music’s Prophet Guillory, who was leading the workshop, tried to explain to him the functioning of the spatial audio technology used at the Music Hall.
King’s Trust anniversary and partnership
The King’s Trust, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, says it has helped more than 1.3 million young people across the UK as part of its commitment to ending youth unemployment and helping more young people create better futures for themselves.
Since 2019, the charity has partnered with Apple to help young people develop coding and creative digital skills to help them get into work. King’s Trust ambassador Deborah Babalola, who took part in the workshop, told the Press Association she was “absolutely happy and thrilled” about Charles’s visit on Wednesday. The 26-year-old said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the King’s coming today. I’m so thankful for the King’s Trust. It’s given so many people great opportunities.”
Alisha Johnson Wilder, Apple’s senior director of global community impact, said: “For years, we’ve been proud to work alongside the King’s Trust to spark creativity and open doors for young people across the UK. With the launch of the Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs, we’re taking that commitment further, connecting the next generation of creators and innovators directly with our experts, technology, and mentorship to help them build vital skills, discover their passions, and thrive in the workforce.”
