Princess Diana chatting to George Michael in December 1993.Photo:TIM GRAHAM/Getty Images
TIM GRAHAM/Getty Images
King Charlesis honoringGeorge Michael— a friend of the British monarch’s late wifePrincess Diana.
The King, 75, approved the use of an image of the “Faith” singer on anew set of coinsat a meeting last week, alongside coins honoring the classic James Bond filmThe Spy Who Loved Meand Maid Marion, from the historic Robin Hood story.
TheStar Warsfranchise — which was first filmed in Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, England — is also honored through coins that feature the Death Star and Millennium Falcon among other designs.
The details were set out in documents from thelatest meeting of the Privy Council, which took place last Wednesday, before Charles met with the U.K. Prime MinisterRishi Sunak.
Both occasions were rare in-person meetings for Charles, who is currently beingtreated for cancer. He has cut back on most in person discussions, especially those in public places.
The new British coin design featuring George Michael.The Royal Mint/ MEGA
The Royal Mint/ MEGA
The George Michael design features his classicFaithlook of aviator shades and leather jacket, from his debut solo album of the same name, plus an engraving of the refrain of the famous title track.
“I wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression — I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses,” said designer Sandra Deiana in a statement.
“It’s amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael’s song," she added.
The new coin design featuring George Michael.The Royal Mint/ MEGA
The singer — whodied at age 53 on Christmas Day 2016– was a friend of Princess Diana and attended her 1997 funeral along withElton John. During his life Michael was well-known for attending parties at the princess’s London home, Kensington Palace.
The design — which will appear on coins ranging from 50p to £200 — is the latest in the Music Legends series of collectible coins that have previously included Elton John,David Bowieand the rock bandQueen.
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The George Michael estate has also approved the design. “He would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way,” George Michael Entertainment added in a statement.
The Star Wars and James Bond designs are likely to appear at a later date.
Signing the note, Charles R, he added, “My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers.”
source: people.com
