Lionel Richie was spotted at Westminster Abbey explaining how he got a call to perform at his old friend King Charles’s Coronation concert tomorrow, a professional lip reader has claimed.
Richie, 74, who told Kirsty Young on the eve of the coronation that he wants to be the king’s spokesperson in the US, was all smiles at the abbey on coronation day and took the time to speak to several guests, including the London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Lip reader Jacquie Press claims the Dancing on the Ceiling singer was seen talking to a fellow guest and explaining how excited he was to perform at tomorrow’s Coronation Concert event.
The star, that one whirlwind month in honor of his daughter Sofia’s wedding in the southern United States France before flying to the UK for the King’s coronation, he is said to have told his fellow visitor how King Charles called him personally to ask him to sing at the event.
Talking to London Mayor Sadiq Khanm, Lionel Richie told a guest about the call to perform at Coronation, says lip reader Jacquie Press
Richie, 74, told Kirsty Young yesterday that he wants to be the King’s spokesperson in the US.
The veteran performer, 73, has shown he has no intention of slowing down in his older years as he enjoys a whirlwind journey across Europe. He appeared on the BBC last night to talk about his close friendship with the king.
He told Kirsty Young on a special program on BBC One on the eve of the coronation that he hopes to spread the word, with the King’s permission, about the great work the Monarch is doing.
While he may have having entertained a billion people worldwide at the 1984 Olympics and boasting more than 40 hit singles, he said playing for the King will be “the best thing ever.”
The Hello star was accompanied on the trip by his glamorous model girlfriend, Lisa Parigi, 40 years his junior, and met the monarch and the Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace ahead of the coronation concert.
Lionel has been an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust charity since the 1980s, which helps vulnerable young people, and said he had no hesitation when asked if he would headline Sunday’s event at Windsor Castle.
“This is going to be so much fun,” he said. ‘Does this ever happen? No. This is a unique opportunity, so it’s all about being a part of it.
He said of Charles, “Believe it or not, he cares. He is hands on. It’s my job to do the things he can’t, interviews and stuff like that. His time is valuable. So when I travel on my tours this is what I do. I have spread the world.’
He said that the concert was without a doubt one of the most memorable events in his life.
The Dancing on the Ceiling star was all smiles as he mingled at Westminster Abbey this morning
Lionel Richie will headline the Coronation Concert tomorrow night after being personally asked by the King
Three’s company: While Sofia and Elliott enjoyed a romantic honeymoon in the Maldives, Lionel was in England preparing for the coronation (pictured with King Charles and girlfriend Lisa Parigi)
“In your career there are Oscars and then there are Grammys and then there is a coronation… are you kidding me?! This doesn’t happen every day, so am I excited about this? Absolute! This will be the best ever!’ he said.
‘Windsor Castle as a backdrop? Come on, let’s be serious! There is no [other] example of such. It’s not like any other time in life or any other occasion.’
Told there would be 1,000 years of history behind him in Windsor, he laughed and said, ‘Listen, don’t even say that. Now you scare me!’
As Camilla greeted Lionel and Lisa, she was heard to say to the couple, “It’s very nice to see you.”
Notable: The Hello star was accompanied on the trip by his glamorous model girlfriend, Lisa Parigi, 40 years his junior, and met the monarch and queen consort
During their friendly exchange, the singer was seen placing his hand on Camilla’s shoulder as the group laughed.
“Once the lights come on and the music starts, it’s just going to be fantastic. Get ready! It’s going to be magical.’
Lionel will perform alongside Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli and Take That at the upcoming live music event.
The singer added that he had also received an invitation to the coronation itself, saying: “I’ll be there. I mean, someone pinch me. I’m really trying to be calm.
“I am a child at Christmas time. And the relationship I have with King Charles is just great.”