Phil Collins made a rare public appearance in London over the weekend, stepping out despite the serious health challenges he has been facing behind the scenes. The former Genesis frontman attended the 50th anniversary celebration of King Charles III's charity, the King's Trust, at Buckingham Palace. He was accompanied by his ex-wife Jill Collins, who later shared photos from the event on social media.
Event Holds Special Significance
Long before the charity became the King's Trust, Collins served as one of its trustees and was also its first official ambassador. Jill noted that the couple even had the opportunity to spend private time with King Charles during the celebration. 'Despite the downpours of torrential rain,' Jill wrote on Instagram on May 15, she and Phil felt 'very proud and honored' to attend. She added that the King seemed 'genuinely pleased to see Phil who was the very first ambassador 40 years ago and a trustee even before that!'
One photo from the event showed Collins posing with fellow music legend Rod Stewart and Stewart's wife Penny Lancaster. Collins, now 75, stood using forearm crutches as he continues to battle major mobility issues.
Collins Retired in 2022 Due to Health Issues
The appearance marked a rare outing for the former Genesis frontman, who has mostly stayed out of public view after years of worsening health problems forced him to retire from drumming in 2022. Severe nerve damage left him unable to properly hold drumsticks. Jill also revealed that she and Collins are now working together on a charity auction benefiting the King's Trust. She said they are donating 'hundreds of items' from their personal archives, with all proceeds going to the organization. They are also encouraging others to contribute meaningful memorabilia and personal items to the fundraiser.
Musician Requires 24-Hour Care
Earlier this year, Collins opened up in a candid interview with Zoe Ball for the BBC's Eras podcast about just how difficult the last several years have been. The music icon said he now requires 24-hour care due to ongoing medical complications linked to a spinal injury he suffered back in 2007. 'I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever,' Collins said, calling his condition 'an ongoing thing.'
He explained that after undergoing five knee surgeries, he is left with only one knee that still works properly. Collins also said he has a live-in nurse around the clock to help manage his medications and day-to-day care. 'I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me,' he said. Collins added that he contracted COVID while hospitalized and later suffered kidney problems as multiple health issues piled up at once.
Collins Admits Alcohol 'Messed Up' His Kidneys
The singer also spoke openly about alcohol use, saying heavy drinking eventually damaged his kidneys. 'I'd probably been drinking too much, and so my kidneys were messed up,' he admitted, explaining that while he was not someone who stayed up partying all night, drinking during the day eventually caught up with him. Collins said he has now been sober for more than two years.
Despite his health struggles, Collins remains one of the biggest hitmakers of his generation. As a solo artist, he scored seven No. 1 hits, including 'Against All Odds,' 'Sussudio,' and 'One More Night.' With Genesis, he helped lead the band to massive global success after taking over as frontman following Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975.
