Andrea Bocelli Performs King Charles & Queen Camilla’s ‘Requested’ Song At Coronation Concert

'As for my performance, they have indeed specifically requested a song that is very dear to me as well,' the Italian opera star said of Charles & Camilla ahead of the concert.

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May 7, 2023 4:10PM EDT
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King Charles III is crowned with St Edward's Crown by The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Reverend Justin Welby during his coronation ceremony in Westminster AbbeyThe Coronation of King Charles III, London, UK - 06 May 2023
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. These photographs shall not be used after 0001hrs January 1, 2024, without prior, written permission from Royal Communications. After that date further licensing terms will be available. The portrait should be used only in the context of Their Majesties' Coronation. The photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form. King Charles III is pictured in full regalia in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London. The King is wearing the Robe of Estate, the Imperial State Crown and is holding the Sovereign's Orb and Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. He is seated on one of a pair of 1902 throne chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the Coronation of King Edward VII. These throne chairs were also used in the background of the 1937 Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, and by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Hall to receive addresses from the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament last year. Picture date: Monday May 8, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Coronation. Photo credit should read: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA Wire King Charles III coronation, Buckingham Palace, London, UK - 08 May 2023
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. These photographs shall not be used after 0001hrs January 1, 2024, without prior, written permission from Royal Communications. After that date further licensing terms will be available. The portrait should be used only in the context of Their Majesties' Coronation. The photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family: (left to right) the Duke of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales, the Sophie Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy, Prince Edward. Picture date: Monday May 8, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Coronation. Photo credit should read: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA Wire King Charles III coronation, Buckingham Palace, London, UK - 08 May 2023
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Andrea Bocelli had a special request for his performance at King Charles’ coronation concert on Sunday and he honored it with aplomb. The Italian opera superstar took over the stage at Windsor Castle and wowed the members of the royal family with his rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel. The ditty, which he sang with fellow opera star, Bryn Terfel, was specifically solicited by King Charles & his wife Queen Camilla for the star-studded event, according to the singer, per his interview with People.

“As for my performance, they have indeed specifically requested a song that is very dear to me as well: ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ a touching, intense and evocative score, a true tribute to solidarity,” Andrea told the outlet ahead of the coronation. He added, “The King and the Queen Consort have demonstrated their appreciation of art and good music.”

Alongside Andrea, a smorgasbord of celebrity performers graced the stage to celebrate King Charles taking over the British throne. British boy band icons Take That made a special reunion for the event while American superstars Katy Perry and Lionel Richie performed as well.

“The line-up is truly impressive. The event has all of the ingredients for a qualitatively phenomenal mix of historic proportions,” Andrea said of the performers to People. And even though he is an old pro performing in front of the royals — check out his Platinum Jubilee spectacle —  Andrea said he was thankful to be invited. “To be called again for such an important event — both historically and artistically — is a great privilege and a testament to our relationship of esteem and fondness,” he said to the outlet. “Of course, my reaction was a joyful, immediate, resounding ‘Yes.'”

The Coronation Service of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort was attended by a congregation of more than 2,200 guests, including Members of the Royal Family, international representatives from over 200 countries, and approximately 100 Heads of State. The hand painted invitation, which was shared via the Royal’s Instagram, was sent to all guests. Notably absent among the guests were US President Joe Biden, though his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, attended, and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who stayed in America with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In the official announcement for the King’s coronation made back in October 2022, Buckingham Palace promised that the coronation would “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.” The Archbishop of Canterbury performed the official crowning of Charles with St Edward’s Crown and the crowning of Camila with Queen Mary’s Crown at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.