Katherine Jenkins talks to Rosanna Greenstreet about the original song she composed for Her Majesty The Queen's 90th birthday and her upcoming concerts at The Royal Albert Hall on June 18 and Hampton Court on June 23
Her Majesty can look forward to a unique 90th birthday gift – an original song composed and delivered by Welsh classical superstar Katherine Jenkins OBE. As one of the chosen few to perform at HMQ90, this month’s televised celebration in the grounds of Windsor Castle, the mezzo-soprano has written This Mother’s Heart for the Queen.
“I was asked this time last year if I would do it and it’s such an honour,” she says. “It’s been lovely to think that, when I came back after having a baby, there would be this special event.”
Katherine and her husband, artist Andrew Levitas, had their daughter Aaliyah last September. The new mum is clearly besotted.
“Girls are the best, aren’t they?” she smiles. “I’m loving it.”
The couple wed in 2014 at Hampton Court Palace – the first people to get married in the newly licensed building.
“I have always been a bit of a Tudor geek,” explains Katherine. “I’d performed at Hampton Court and, just as I was looking for a venue, they got their licence to have weddings within the palace itself, instead of just in the grounds. It was pure luck. Our guests felt as if they were in a fairy tale.”
The wedding was the first time that the Welsh flag had ever flown over the palace, though Katherine is somewhat coy as to how that came about.
“I thought it would be nice, and somehow or other it just happened!” she says opaquely.
Hopes of further elucidation are dashed by Katherine’s publicist, who quickly shuts down my questions – a firm line that gives me pause before asking Katherine for her favourite royal story. But I needn’t have worried.
“I was invited to lunch at Buckingham Palace and there were only six guests. I was 24 or 25 and very nervous. After pudding they brought round a piece of gauze, a large finger bowl style thing and a platter of fruit.
“I looked at this bowl thinking: ‘Gosh, what am I supposed to do?’ But Her Majesty, who was sitting across from me, caught my eye, sensed my panic and guided me in what to do. So thoughtful. I’ll always appreciate that.”
After Windsor, Katherine will perform 90th birthday tributes at the Royal Albert Hall on June 18 and Hampton Court on June 23, the final night of the annual Hampton Court Palace Festival.
“It’s a chance for people to come together and celebrate. We’ll have Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia – patriotic, emotional music.”
The Hampton Court concert is Katherine’s first return to the venue since her wedding, and the family will be with her. Aaliyah, she says, will be “tucked up in bed in the palace” during the show. What could be more fitting for her little princess?
Why not check out another one of our great music interviews? Like the time we spoke to Clare Teal, queen of jazz.
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