Katherine Jenkins described Queen Elizabeth as ‘very motherly’ as she recalled her many encounters with the late royal before his death last week.
The singer, 42, was selected to record BBC Radio 4’s first recording of God Save The King on Friday from a rural church in Sussex.
The lyrics of Britain’s national anthem have been changed from “Queen” to “King” following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday as her son, King Charles III, now assumes the throne.
Reflection: Katherine Jenkins described Queen Elizabeth as ‘very motherly’ as she recalled her many encounters with the late royal before his death last week (pictured together in 2009)
Katherine described the singing of the anthem as “very moving”, as she remembered singing the song previously to the Queen.
Speaking to the Telegraph, she said: ‘[The process was] very moving, especially since I have so many wonderful memories of singing it for Her Majesty over the years and realizing that it won’t happen again.
Katherine was in a small church in a remote part of Sussex recording when she got the call from the BBC.
Honour: The singer, 42, was selected to record the first recording of God Save The King by BBC Radio 4 on Friday from a rural church in Sussex (pictured in 2017)
The opera singer had a moment of silence and prayer before recording the song, singing from the bottom of his heart at this incredibly emotional time.
The anthem closed the extended World at One program on BBC Radio 4 on Friday afternoon.
Elsewhere in the chat, Katherine described her admiration for the Queen, having met her many times over the years, having first sung for her in her early twenties.
She said: “The more I met her, the more I learned about her work ethic, her faith and her dedication to the country and the Commonwealth. I think that made it harder to sing because I felt even more nervous because I admired him so much.
‘Emotional’: Katherine described singing the anthem as ‘very emotional’ as she remembered singing the song to the Queen before (pictured in 2017)
Describing her impressions of Her Majesty, she said: ‘She always felt very motherly. And I think she had a really good idea of understanding how people could be feelings. She read the situations really well, and I think that’s kind of a gift in itself. She also had a great sense of humor in a very quick manner. I remember those one-liners very well. You’d walk away and think, “That was awesome.” ‘
Katherine has sung the national anthem on several occasions and said on Friday she will always “treasure” her memories of singing it for the Queen.
She said: “I have nothing but the fondest memories of singing the National Anthem for Her Majesty The Queen, memories that I will always cherish.
Long live the King: The words of Britain’s national anthem have been changed from ‘Queen’ to ‘King’ following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday as her son King Charles III now assumes the throne
‘While my heart is heavy with sorrow; To sing this today, for the first time, is a huge honor and was sung with the conviction that the reign of King Charles III will be happy and glorious!
Katherine penned a heartfelt tribute to the Queen on Thursday, writing on Instagram: ‘On this heartbreaking day, my thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with King Charles, the Royal Family and my fellow Britons and Commonwealth members of the whole world.
“Your Majesty, thank you for all you have given. You have been a selfless constant in our lives, knowing exactly what to say in our darkest hours.
Katherine said: “To sing this today, for the first time, is a huge honor and was sung in the belief that the reign of King Charles III will be happy and glorious!”
“You have inspired us with your dignity, your duty and your grace. I am proud to have lived under your reign, honored to have sung for you and privileged to have known you. Rest in peace and rise in glory lady.
Queen Charles’ son, the former Prince of Wales, is now King Charles III as the world mourns his mother, Britain’s longest-serving monarch.
All of Her Majesty’s children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became ‘worried’ for her health. A few hours later, she passed away, surrounded by her family.
At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, his death was confirmed. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and Queen consort will stay at Balmoral tonight and return to London tomorrow’.
Heartbreaking: All of Her Majesty’s children had rushed to Balmoral on Thursday after doctors became ‘worried’ for her health. A few hours later, she died, surrounded by her family
The Queen’s death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing.
As her son ascends to the throne, there will also be a celebration of her historic 70-year reign which saw her reach her platinum jubilee this year – a landmark unlikely to be reached again by a British monarch. .
Charles, the King, said: “The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a time of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We deeply mourn the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Kingdoms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people across the world.
“During this time of grief and change, my family and I will be comforted and supported by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”
Mourning: The Queen’s death will see Britain and her Commonwealth realms enter a ten-day period of mourning as millions of her subjects in the UK and abroad come to terms with her passing
