Robbie Williams Confirms He Turned Down an Offer to Perform at King Charles' Coronation — Here's Why

Mar. 15, 2025

Robbie Williamshad a pretty good reason for declining to perform at a major royal event.During the Monday, Jan. 13 episode ofWatch What Happens Livewith hostAndy CohenandJulia Stiles, theBetter Manactor spoke about turning down performing atKing Charles’coronation in May 2023.Cohen, 56, asked Williams, 50, about him saying no despite his ties to the royal family. “Yeah, but there was a reason,” Williams began. “I was working. I got something I couldn’t turn down because of money.” “And contracts,” Cohen chimed in, without either specifying what project he was referring to.Williams has been connected to the royal family for years. As perHello Magazine, Williams metSarah Ferguson, the ex-wife ofPrince Andrew, in 2011 aboard a yacht in the Caribbean.King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImageHis daughterTheodore served as a flower girlat the wedding of Fergie and Andrew’s daughterPrincess EugenietoJack Brooksbankin 2018.According toRolling Stone, Williams, along with Adele, Elton John,the Spice GirlsandHarry Stylesall reportedlyturned down the opportunity to perform at King Charles' coronation.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Katy PerryandLionel Richie, who serves as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, wound up being part of the major royal event. Perry, 40,performed “Roar” and “Firework"for the crowd at the first-everCoronation Concert.Andrea Bocelli, Take That, Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench were also part of theCoronation Concertlineup which celebrated “a new chapter in the nation’s history, with themes of love, respect and optimism, celebrating the four nations, their communities and the Commonwealth,” as per the BBC.Robbie Williams in 2024.Kevin Winter/GettyWilliams appeared onWatch What Happens Liveto promote his movieBetter Man, which is “based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time,” as per a synopsis.The movie “is uniquely told from Williams' perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit.” It follows Williams from his childhood to being part of Take That and his eventual solo career, “all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.“Better Manhits theaters nationwide on Jan. 17 following a limited release.

Robbie Williamshad a pretty good reason for declining to perform at a major royal event.

During the Monday, Jan. 13 episode ofWatch What Happens Livewith hostAndy CohenandJulia Stiles, theBetter Manactor spoke about turning down performing atKing Charles’coronation in May 2023.

Cohen, 56, asked Williams, 50, about him saying no despite his ties to the royal family. “Yeah, but there was a reason,” Williams began. “I was working. I got something I couldn’t turn down because of money.” “And contracts,” Cohen chimed in, without either specifying what project he was referring to.

Williams has been connected to the royal family for years. As perHello Magazine, Williams metSarah Ferguson, the ex-wife ofPrince Andrew, in 2011 aboard a yacht in the Caribbean.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla in 2023.Samir Hussein/WireImage

Samir Hussein/WireImage

His daughterTheodore served as a flower girlat the wedding of Fergie and Andrew’s daughterPrincess EugenietoJack Brooksbankin 2018.

According toRolling Stone, Williams, along with Adele, Elton John,the Spice GirlsandHarry Stylesall reportedlyturned down the opportunity to perform at King Charles' coronation.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Katy PerryandLionel Richie, who serves as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, wound up being part of the major royal event. Perry, 40,performed “Roar” and “Firework"for the crowd at the first-everCoronation Concert.

Andrea Bocelli, Take That, Sir Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench were also part of theCoronation Concertlineup which celebrated “a new chapter in the nation’s history, with themes of love, respect and optimism, celebrating the four nations, their communities and the Commonwealth,” as per the BBC.

Robbie Williams in 2024.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

Williams appeared onWatch What Happens Liveto promote his movieBetter Man, which is “based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time,” as per a synopsis.

The movie “is uniquely told from Williams' perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit.” It follows Williams from his childhood to being part of Take That and his eventual solo career, “all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.”

Better Manhits theaters nationwide on Jan. 17 following a limited release.

source: people.com