He prince Williamheir to the British throne, recently shared a fond memory that connects his childhood with an iconic song by Tina Turner. According to what the prince told the newspaper The Mirror, “The Best” occupies a special place in his memory, evoking moments of joy and family unity with his mother, the deceased princess dianaand his brother, the Prince Harry. These words reveal a personal and human side of the prince, which is rarely glimpsed behind royal protocol.
During their childhood, William and Harry attended a hospitalizedan environment that, although common in the British nobility, could generate anxiety in the little princes. Diana, known for her love of music and her dedication to her children, He used songs to make the farewell more bearable. According to William, Tina Turner’s powerful voice and the vibrant rhythm of “The Best” created a festive atmosphere in the family car, even in the company of her security escort.
The prince described these trips as “authentic family moments,” recalling how Diana sang at the top of her lungsoccasionally accompanied by the police officer who was traveling with them. The music stopped just as they reached the school doors, marking the moment when the reality of the temporary separation became present. William expressed that this song, in addition to brightening those moments, It remains an indelible bond with his mother and the memories they shared together.
Released in 1989 as part of the album Foreign Affairthe song “The Best” marked a milestone in Tina Turner’s career and became a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations. Originally written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, and recorded in 1988 by the Welsh singer Bonnie TylerTurner’s version transformed the song into a global hit. With a mix of rock, pop and souland a powerful saxophone by Edgar Winter, Turner’s performance reimagined the original spirit of the song and propelled it to stardom.
The impact of “The Best” was reflected in its commercial success. Turner’s version peaked at number five on the UK charts and number four in Australia. Although in the United States it was positioned at number 15, it quickly established itself as one of the most emblematic songs of his career. This significance is due in part to the changes introduced by Turner, who requested the addition of a bridge and a tonal change that enriched the structure of the song.
Bonnie Tyler, who performed the original version, praised Turner’s work, acknowledging that “she did much better.” This recognition not only speaks of Turner’s acting quality, but also of his ability to connect with the public in a unique way.
A lesser known aspect of “The Best” is its impact on advertising campaigns and sporting events that helped reconfigure the perception of certain sports. In 1990, the song was used as part of the promotional campaign for the New South Wales Rugby League in Australiawhere Turner appeared alongside iconic players of the sport.
This use marked a before and after in the commercialization of rugby, transforming it from a niche spectacle to a powerful family event. Decades later, in 2020, the song returned as part of a new National Rugby League promotional campaignreaffirming its status as a timeless anthem.
“The Best” He also found a special place in Scottish footballbecoming the unofficial anthem of the Rangers Football Club. This team, based in Glasgow, plays the song before each game in their stadium, Ibrox. For Rangers fans, Tina Turner’s song is more than a musical hit; It is an emblem of the club’s identity and an anthem that reinforces the spirit and passion of its fans.
