In a special broadcast pre-recorded for the Hospital Broadcasting Association, ‘Music & Memories with HRH The Prince of Wales’, The Prince of Wales discusses how he has been “profoundly impressed by the dedication shown by our wonderful N.H.S. staff and volunteers right across the country” and thanks them for their “sheer resilience and indomitable spirit” in “this most testing of times.”
During the hour-long programme, The Prince of Wales pays particular tribute to volunteers of hospital, health and wellbeing radio stations for their work in keeping communities connected and patients entertained during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“At all times, Hospital Radio provides an invaluable service to patients, staff and families. During current times, when we have been dealing with the effect of this dreadful pandemic, the role of Hospital Radio has been even more important, and I know it has been of immeasurable value in connecting people, in providing comfort and companionship, and in raising people’s spirits when that is needed.”
The programme will be broadcast across 180 member stations of the Hospital Broadcasting Association (HBA) at 1200hrs on Sunday 4th July, the eve of the NHS’ birthday, 5th July 1948.
The Prince of Wales discusses a selection of his favourite tracks from throughout his life including ‘Givin’ Up, Givin’ In’ which the Three Degrees performed at The Prince’s 30th birthday and a song which His Royal Highness recollects “long ago, used to provide me with an irresistible urge to get up and dance.”
His Royal Highness also chooses ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ by Barbra Streisand. The Prince remembers how he was able to see Barbra Streisand perform on set at Warner Bros. Studios whilst His Royal Highness served as a young Lieutenant on HMS Jupiter.
Other tracks include ‘La Vie En Rose’ sung by Edith Piaf and the ‘Qongqothwane’ or ‘Click song’ a traditional song of the Xhosa people in South Africa.
His Royal Highness’ final track is ‘Tydi a Roddaist’ or ‘Thou who Gavest’ written by Arwel Hughes who organised the music for the Investiture of The Prince of Wales in Caernarfon Castle. As The Prince of Wales describes:
“It is a prayer for those divine qualities of beauty, peace and harmony to be reflected in our own lives. That is my prayer for us all, as I close with my warmest possible good wishes to everyone in the Hospital Radio service, in the National Health Service and to all patients and their loved ones.”
A Spotify playlist, featuring the full list of tracks, will be shared via the Clarence House Social Media Channels on Sunday 4th July.
Grant McNaughton, Chairman of the association said:
“We are exceptionally grateful for HRH The Prince of Wales to recognise the dedication to volunteers across the UK who have continued to assist healthcare providers throughout these difficult times. Local dedicated and focussed entertainment provided to hospital and healthcare patients has and remains an exceptionally important part of recovery and recuperation. Sometimes unrecognised, raising the awareness of hospital, health and wellbeing radio as a key provider to the community is a challenge, but for our stations dedication and their services to be recognised by HRH is truly amazing and we are beyond grateful for his support.”