Charles: My fears for the future of arts

THE Prince of Wales has spoken of his deep personal concern for the arts world as it battles for survival in the pandemic.

The heir to the throne movingly described a ‘desperate’ national silence as orchestras and opera houses cease to operate in the lockdown.

He voiced his fears that many will struggle to start playing again after the crisis is over.

In an interview with presenter Alan Titchmarsh for Classic FM, Charles agreed the situation was ‘devastating’, saying: ‘Well yes, this is the desperate thing.

‘At the moment, of course, they are completely silent and unable to operate, unable to work, and... from the point of view of their livelihoods and their futures, what on Earth are we going to do – let alone trying to find a way of keeping these orchestras and other organisations, arts bodies, going?’

The prince said he had been a Royal Opera House patron for 45 years ‘and loved going there more than anything since I was seven years old’. He added: ‘They’re in terrible difficulties, of course, because how are they going to be able to restart?

‘It is a very expensive art form, but it’s crucial because it has such a worldwide impact and our reputation in this country with music... is very high. So we have to find a way to make sure these marvellous people and organisations can survive through all this.’

Charles, who is president or patron of a large number of arts bodies including the Royal Ballet, described their contribution to ‘culture and diplomacy’ as ‘utterly vital’.

The prince said he was concerned not just for the institutions but the livelihoods of musicians and other staff.

He stressed the sector played a huge role in attracting people to Britain. He spoke as the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Opera House admitted they are facing financial collapse and called on the Government for a lifeline.

They have drawn up an urgent appeal to MPs, asking for measures including a major cash injection or loan.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden admitted to The Observer the pandemic had dealt a ‘knockout blow’. Last week he created a cultural renewal taskforce to look at crisis measures for the sector.

A Royal Appointment will be broadcast on Classic FM tonight at 8pm, with Charles presenting a show himself tomorrow at the same time.

‘We have to help them survive’