King Charles III Once Named His Favorite Musician — And It Was Not The Beatles or The Rolling Stones

Among the musicians in the world, only one singer successfully scored King Charles III's heart.

Years before succeeding the throne following Queen Elizabeth II's death, the then-Prince Charles marked the 30^th anniversary of the Prince's Trust in 2006. In an interview at that time, he revealed that he had one favorite musician despite seeing new bands debuting and older ones coming back with new music.

Who Is King Charles III's Favorite Singer?

King Charles III said in the interview (via YouTube) that his favorite singer is Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, who famously sang "So Long, Marianne," "Hallelujah," and "Dance Me to the End of Love" among others.

"The orchestration is fantastic, and the lyrics and everything - he's a remarkable man," he said. "He has this incredibly laid-back, gravelly voice. Terrific stuff."

Two years later, he mentioned Cohen again in his conversation with BBC Radio 3 interview in 2018 (via The Guardian) and praised his voice that offered a whole approach to his singing skills. The monarch also said that he also admired his songwriting as the late musician's words could take anyone into a Dalí-like world, referencing Salvador Dalí's art.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, however, did not have the chance to knight Cohen when he was still alive, though he was able to receive the Canadian version of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 on top of his other accolades like two Grammys for Best Rock Performance in 2017 and Album of the Year in 2007.

Leonard Cohen's Cause of Death

Cohen's legacy in the music industry continues even after his death in November 2016. His official Facebook page released a statement from his label, Sony Music Canada, confirming his death at the age of 82.

Meanwhile, his manager Robert Kory penned a separate statement in which he disclosed Leonard Cohen's cause of death, saying he died in his sleep on the night of Nov. 7 and that his passing was "sudden, unexpected, and peaceful."

"I was blessed to call him a friend, and for me to serve that bold artistic spirit firsthand, was a privilege and great gift," Kory said. "He leaves behind a legacy of work that will bring insight, inspiration and healing for generations to come."

Meanwhile, Cohen's son Adam wrote to Rolling Stone to reveal that the patriarch was writing up until the last moments of his life. He was laid to rest "in a traditional Jewish rite beside his parents, grandparents and great-grandparents," according to rabbi Adam Scheier.