THE KINGDOM CHOIR
AFTER PERFORMING AT THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX’S WEDDING, THE KINGDOM CHOIR ARE BACK
On a very special day in May 2018, The Kingdom Choir had a performance that would change their lives forever.
Led by conductor Karen Gibson – dubbed “Britain’s godmother of gospel” – their emotional rendition of Stand By Me during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding turned them into an overnight sensation. “We were just an unknown band, but afterwards we were being mobbed in the street,” Karen tells OK!. “Life has changed for everyone.”
Now, with a record deal under their belt and an epic tour planned, the choir are about to release a single with proceeds going to domestic violence charity Refuge.
Here, we chat to Karen about meeting Harry, Meghan and Her Majesty the Queen, and performing alongside Sir Elton John...
Your performance at the royal wedding gave everyone goosebumps. How did it all come about?
I got a phone call from a former choir member who had links to Prince Charles. They said, “You’re going to get a call. I can’t tell you what it’s going to be about but it’s going to be big.” A few days later, I was on the bus and had a phone call. The lady said to me, “We’d like you to sing at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.” My first response was, “You’re joking, right?” I was so shocked.
Who chose the song?
It was Harry and Meghan who wanted that song and they wanted it sung in a particular way. We usually sing it very lively with whistles and dancing, so the way we did it was a big change. We had to increase our rehearsals because Harry and Meghan wanted it very pared down.
Did you have a rehearsal with Harry and Meghan? Yes, meeting them was lovely. They were like any other couple in love and really tuned into each other. They were lovely to us and just like ordinary people. Prince Harry has a really nice singing voice, he’s got a lovely tone. He loves music. The idea of a gospel choir didn’t come from Meghan, apparently it came from Prince Charles who I’ve been told loves gospel choirs.
Were you nervous?
I don’t think any of us were. We were excited to have our moment and do a great job for a very special couple. If I knew what would happen after, I would’ve been scared. I had no idea the choir would get the attention they did.
What happened?
Our website crashed twice that night, then we got loads of requests. We got our own management and got signed by Sony – all in the space of a month. Life has changed for everyone. We were just an unknown band, but afterwards we were being mobbed in the street. We had to have bodyguards when we were transported from Windsor Castle to the green room where the press were. I think that people seeing a predominantly black gospel choir on the TV marks a cultural shift, and people of colour felt very included.
Who else have you performed in front of?
We performed at the Queen’s jubilee in 2002. I was more nervous then! I’ve met her a couple of times. She’s a woman of great wit, I really like her dry sense of humour. We also took part in the concert for Diana, Princess of Wales in 2007 for the 10th anniversary of her death and VE day in 1995. We have also performed with the Spice Girls, who were very friendly, and Elton John. He gave me a lovely smacker on my cheek after our performance so I didn’t wash for a few days!
Tell us about the single…
It’s called Real Love. During this time, calls to Refuge’s helpline have risen by 66 per cent so all proceeds are going to the charity. It’s all about sharing the love and showing that love is good for us all. ok!