Kiwi’s songs for Charles - ‘IT WAS A WOW MOMENT!’

Naval reservist Rebecca always hits the right notes with the King

- Kasia De Vydt-Jillings

Singing Pokarekare Ana in the magnificent halls of Buckingham Palace as King Charles approached, Rebecca Nelson paused to take it all in.

“It was so beautiful and grand being in Buckingham Palace, but it was the history of who has walked through these halls that was really wow,” smiles Rebecca, 37.

“I absolutely adored our Queen and to know this is where she lived most of her life, and thinking of Prince Harry and William as kids running through the halls, was just incredible.”

Though it was her fifth time singing for the King, this performance in June, a reunion of His Majesty’s shipmates who had served alongside him in the Royal Navy, felt especially moving.

“I was singing them in, welcoming them to the Grand Ballroom,” she recalls. “It was 350 sailors and their partners or their widows, and it was so special.”

With perfect timing, Charles arrived as Rebecca reached the instrumental of the beloved Māori waiata and could stop to speak with him.

“He was thrilled I was back and thanked me for all my hard work and dedication,” she shares. “He’s aware of the charity and the work we provide.”

Rebecca’s a reservist in the Royal New Zealand Navy, a professional singer and the co-founder of the charity Te Kiwi Māia, which supports Defence Force personnel, first responders and their families.