Robbie Williams has revealed that he declined an invitation to perform at King Charles III's coronation concert in May 2023. The event featured a star-studded lineup including Paloma Faith, Olly Murs, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, but the 50-year-old singer was absent from the historic celebration.
The Reason for His Absence
Appearing on Watch What Happens Live, Robbie explained to host Andy Cohen why he didn’t perform at the royal ceremony, which was broadcast to an audience of 12.3 million viewers in the UK alone.
"I was working. I got something I couldn't turn down because of money," he admitted, suggesting that a prior engagement with significant financial benefits took precedence over the coronation event.
No Payment for Royal Performances
Unlike typical high-profile performances, artists who participated in the coronation concert reportedly did so for free. According to previous reports, stars like Katy Perry and Lionel Richie received no payment and even covered their own travel expenses to the event.
The global exposure of the event, however, was considered invaluable by those involved, as the ceremony was televised worldwide.
Robbie’s Past Royal Connection
Although he missed the 2023 coronation, Robbie Williams has a history of participating in royal events. He was the opening act at the 2012 Diamond Jubilee concert in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, which was held at Buckingham Palace and organized by his former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow.
A Missed Opportunity or Just Business?
While fans may have been disappointed by Robbie's absence from the coronation concert, his decision reflects the tough choices artists often face between loyalty to iconic events and lucrative commitments.
