...By Muyiwa Aderinto for TDPel Media.
Sir Karl Jenkins, Composer and Coronation Guest, Reveals Truth Behind Unique Look
Composer Sir Karl Jenkins, who made an appearance at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony, alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber, was accused of being Meghan Markle in disguise.
The 79-year-old, who is best known for his composition Adeimus, had his distinguished moustache and the knighthood medal around his neck, which were the cause of the misunderstanding.
In an interview, Sir Karl Jenkins confirmed that he has had his moustache since the age of 18 and that it was very trendy then.
He said that he was surprised that some people thought he was Meghan Markle in disguise or a thief dressed in disguise trying to steal the crown jewels. He added that his unique look is nothing sinister or surprising.
Sir Karl’s music formed part of King Charles III’s coronation ceremony, as a tribute to Welsh culture and music.
The piece played was Tros y Garreg, which was first composed for the then Prince of Wales two decades ago when he was reinstating the role of royal harpist. Sir Karl collaborated with Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber on Jesus Christ Superstar, and with Elton John on Tumbleweed Connection, which was released in 1970.
Sir Karl studied music at Cardiff University and the Royal Academy of Music, where he is now a fellow and an associate. He became the lead songwriter of jazz-rock band Soft Machine in 1974.
In 2008, his piece, The Armed Nab, was listed as No. 1 in Classic FM’s ‘Top 10 by living composers’. He received an OBE in the 2005 New Year Honours and a CBE in 2010 before being knighted in 2015.
Sir Karl Jenkins expressed his honor at being part of the coronation ceremony, stating that the piece of music played during the ceremony summed up Welsh culture, with its haunting, very Welsh tune.
He also confirmed that King Charles III had always supported Welsh music. The piece starts quietly with the strings playing the melody of the folksong. Then, the harpist begins to play a technique called bisbigliando, which means whispering in Italian.
The misunderstanding about Sir Karl Jenkins being Meghan Markle in disguise gave rise to many jokes online. Many agreed that it was one of the best jokes made about the coronation ceremony.
Nonetheless, Sir Karl’s composition formed an important part of the ceremony, demonstrating the King’s appreciation for Welsh culture and music.
