Sir Karl’s a hit with fans after Meghan mix-up...
IT’S fair to say it was quite a week for Sir Karl Jenkins.
Thewelsh composer – a guest at King Charles’s Coronation where histros y Garreg work was played – has been called “Meghan in disguise”, been bought drinks in the pub by fans, and his impressive moustache has gone viral.
Sir Karl, 79, is clearly bemused by his new-found fame. “Well, it’s different to what I expected. I’ve been into two pubs around here and on the last two occasions someone has said ‘You were at the Abbey’. They’ve bought me a drink. It’s quite bizarre.”
Sir Karl, who is one of the most performed living composers in the world, even took to Tiktok to jokingly confirm that, despite online theories, he is not the Duchess of Sussex. In fact, he’s met Meghan and Harry, and found them charming.
“I find the Meghan stuff really funny,” he says. “I’ve met them both twice. Once was in September 2018, where I did a charity performance of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace atwestminster Central Hall. It was for Combat Stress, Help for Heroes and Heads Together.there were a lot of soldiers and ex-soldiers there, and it was quite moving. Meghan and
Harry were both very charming. I found them open and friendly.”
Sir Karl, who had a huge global hit with Adiemus, has met Charles “a few times over the years”.
“We do know each other a little bit. Being Prince ofwales was very important to him. He did a lot of good work for Welsh culture.”
More than 20 years ago Charles commissionedtros y Garreg (Crossing the Stone), based on awelsh folk melody, and its inclusion in the ceremony reflected his love of the country.
At the Coronation, Sir Karl was seated beside Andrew Lloyd Webber. “When it came to my piece, Andrew turned to me and said, ‘That was beautiful’, so that was nice. It was an amazing day.”
Sir Karl chuckles when talk turns to his glasses and moustache, which he has sported since he was 18.
“I don’t use anything on my moustache. I just brush it in the morning. And these are not aviator glasses, they are prescription lenses. I always look like this.”
● Sir Karl’stros y Garreg is featured onthe Official Coronation Album, out now digitally, and physically from tomorrow.