King Charles jokes about aging with Elton John during 78th birthday celebration: 'Still standing'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: King Charles marked his 78th birthday with a special appearance alongside Elton John, sharing a playful exchange about the singer’s hit song “I’m Still Standing.”

The monarch joined the music legend for a birthday edition of his 'Rocket Hour radio' show, which also celebrated 50 years of The King’s Trust. Their conversation looked back at the charity’s long connection with musicians and the benefit concerts held over the years, as per ABC.

King Charles and Elton John share a playful moment over 'I’m Still Standing'

King Charles and John looked back on the singer’s 1986 benefit concert at Wembley Arena, where he performed “I’m Still Standing” for the trust. The monarch said the song continues to inspire people with its message of resilience.

"I know people in all kinds of circumstances find this song inspiring, not only for its marvellous spirit, but also its message of resilience," King Charles said. "And certainly 40 years on from that remarkable concert, we and the trust are definitely still standing."

John, who turns 80 in March, responded with a quip: "I'm still sitting now, though" prompting laughs from the king. "With occasional bits dropping off here and there," King Charles said. "I know this is a terrible problem as we get older."

King Charles and Elton John celebrate 50 years of The King’s Trust

King Charles started the Prince’s Trust in 1976 using money he received after leaving the Royal Navy. The charity was set up to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds find jobs, learn new skills and start businesses.

It was renamed The King’s Trust after Charles became king in 2022 and has supported more than one million young people. Music has been a big part of the charity’s work, with several artists taking part in fundraising concerts over the years.

"Music has always been at the heart of The Prince's, and now The King's Trust," King Charles said. During the special episode, King Charles and John also spoke about musicians who received support from the trust early in their careers.

The King mentioned Muse, who received a grant in 1994 to buy audio equipment before becoming a well-known band.

The episode also featured songs by artists such as Raye, Skye Newman, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart and Phil Collins. It highlighted the launch of the 'Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs', a programme that gives young people access to workshops and resources to build skills for creative careers.