Charles reveals which song gave him ‘irresistible urge to get up and dance’
The Prince of Wales has revealed which song used to give him “an irresistible urge” to dance as he discussed his favourite tracks on a hospital radio show.
Songs by The Three Degrees, Diana Ross and Edith Piaf were among those chosen by Charles on a special broadcast pre-recorded for the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA).
Speaking on the show, called Music & Memories With HRH The Prince Of Wales, the royal talks about how he has been “profoundly impressed by the dedication shown by our wonderful NHS staff and volunteers right across the country” and thanks them for their “sheer resilience and indomitable spirit” in “this most testing of times”.
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During the hour-long programme, broadcast on the eve of the NHS’s 73rd birthday, Charles pays tribute to volunteers at hospital, health and wellbeing radio stations for their work in keeping communities connected and patients entertained during the coronavirus pandemic.
The heir to the throne discusses a selection of his favourite tracks from throughout his life, including Givin’ Up, Givin’ In, which The Three Degrees performed at his 30th birthday and a song which he recalls “long ago, used to provide me with an irresistible urge to get up and dance”.
Charles also chose Don’t Rain On My Parade by Barbra Streisand, and recalls how he was able to see the star perform on set at Warner Bros Studios when he served as a young lieutenant on HMS Jupiter.
Other tracks on his 13-strong list include La Vie En Rose by Edith Piaf, Upside Down by Diana Ross, The Voice by Eimear Quinn, The Click Song by Miriam Makeba, You’re A Lady by Peter Skellern, La Mer by Charles Trenet, Bennachie by Old Blind Dogs, Lulu’s Back In Town by Dick Powell, and They Can’t Take That Away From Me by Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.
The other tracks are Tros Y Garreg/Crossing the Stone by Catrin Finch and Tydi a Roddaist by Bryn Terfel.
Speaking about the latter, Charles said: “It is a prayer for those divine qualities of beauty, peace and harmony to be reflected in our own lives.
“That is my prayer for us all, as I close with my warmest possible good wishes to everyone in the hospital radio service, in the National Health Service and to all patients and their loved ones.”
The future king told the programme: “At all times, hospital radio provides an invaluable service to patients, staff and families.
“During current times, when we have been dealing with the effect of this dreadful pandemic, the role of hospital radio has been even more important, and I know it has been of immeasurable value in connecting people, in providing comfort and companionship, and in raising people’s spirits when that is needed.”
The programme will be broadcast across 180 member stations of the HBA at 12 noon on Sunday.
A Spotify playlist, featuring the full list of tracks, will be shared via the Clarence House social media channels.
Grant McNaughton, chairman of the association, said: “We are exceptionally grateful for HRH the Prince of Wales to recognise the dedication to volunteers across the UK who have continued to assist healthcare providers throughout these difficult times.
“Local dedicated and focused entertainment provided to hospital and healthcare patients has and remains an exceptionally important part of recovery and recuperation.
“Sometimes unrecognised, raising the awareness of hospital, health and wellbeing radio as a key provider to the community is a challenge, but for our stations’ dedication and their services to be recognised by HRH is truly amazing and we are beyond grateful for his support.”
On Sunday, a National Thank You Day organised by the Together coalition is designed to thank people for their work during the pandemic.
At 5pm, the public are being urged to join in raising a drink of their choice for volunteers.