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The Prince of Wales spoke in an interview this week with Alan Titchmarsh about important music in his life, revealing that he had a significant hand in planning the music for Prince William and Kate’s royal wedding. In addition, the heir to the throne recounted an emotional anecdote about his grandmother the Queen Mother – and how he plans to pass on a similarly inspirational moment to his grandson Prince George. 

Speaking to Mr Titchmarsh on Classic FM, the Prince said: “My grandmother used to play quite a bit of music, so I would hear something there.

“But I suspect the first time I really became aware of it was being taken by my grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to Covent Garden aged 7, I think. 

“It must have been in 1956 to see the Bolshoi Ballet perform. 

“It was their first visit to the United Kingdom and I shall never forget that incredible occasion.

“I was completely inspired by it, which is why it’s so important, I think, for grandparents or other relations to take children at about the age of 7 to experience some form of the arts in performance.”

Charles had a particularly close bond with his grandmother, saying on her death in 2002: “She was quite simply the most magical grandmother you could possibly have, and I was utterly devoted to her.”

Prince George will be celebrating his 7th birthday on July 22, so “Grandpa Wales” still has some weeks to plan his special gift.

His gift to George will also mirror the young royal’s talent and enthusiasm for ballet, which William and Kate have been cultivating from a young age.

George has been taking ballet lessons since he started primary school, and follows in the footsteps of his grandmother Princess Diana.

Diana danced throughout her life, and was particularly associated with her patronage of English National Ballet.

The young royal recently inspired a mass outdoor ballet class in New York, where dancers of all genders gathered to signal their disapproval of sexist comments made about the prince by an American commentator. 

Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer later apologised for her comments in August 2019, which  mocked Prince George and other boys dancing ballet.

Charles’ touching gift to George on his upcoming 7th birthday looks likely to have to be postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

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The Prince has also acknowledged that just now is a tremendously difficult time for the performing arts.

Charles is the patron of a great many arts organisations, including the home of the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera House, and the Scottish Ballet.

He told Mr Titchmarsh: “We have to find a way to make sure these marvellous people and organisations can survive through it all.

“Because otherwise we’ve all had it. Life becomes insupportable.”

The Prince of Wales also selected some of his favourite music from ballet suites by celebrated British choreographer Frederick Ashton. 

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