American superstar Taylor Swift kicked off her London concert series, drawing a massive crowd, including Prince William who celebrated his 42nd birthday to the sound of the singer’s hits.
Taylor Swift made a spectacular entrance in the British capital this weekend, launching the London leg of her global “Eras” tour in front of nearly 90,000 ecstatic fans at the iconic Wembley Stadium. But among this sea of humanity, one spectator stood out: Prince William, heir to the British throne, who came to celebrate his 42nd birthday to the rhythm of the pop star’s hits.
The event took on a royal dimension when Prince William shared a backstage selfie on social media with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. This rare glimpse into the royal family’s private life quickly went viral, showing a more relaxed and accessible side of the British monarchy.
Taylor Swift, visibly delighted by this royal presence, didn’t miss the opportunity to mark the occasion. She in turn published a selfie showing her alongside Prince William, his children, and her partner, American football player Travis Kelce. The caption “Happy Bday M8!” (Happy birthday, mate!) reflects the camaraderie that seems to have developed between the singer and the royal family.
The festive atmosphere reached its peak when a video of Prince William enthusiastically dancing to the hit Shake it off went viral on social media. This image of the future king letting loose to pop music sparked numerous positive reactions, humanizing the sometimes distant figure of the heir to the throne.
But the royal presence wasn’t the only one making headlines. Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party and potential future Prime Minister, also attended Friday night’s concert with his wife. Cleverly mixing personal pleasure and political strategy, Starmer took advantage of the opportunity to campaign, declaring the next day that Taylor Swift had been “absolutely fantastic.” He even revealed that his favorite song by the artist was Change, giving a nod to his own electoral slogan.
The impact of Taylor Swift’s tour on London isn’t limited to the cultural aspect. The mayor’s office announced that the singer’s concerts are expected to generate no less than £300 million (about €355 million) for the London economy. A figure that testifies to the artist’s considerable influence and her ability to mobilize immense crowds.
To mark the event, the city has been decked out in the star’s colors. Murals featuring her have blossomed in the streets of the capital, while a special London Underground map has been published, temporarily renaming stations with the titles of Taylor Swift’s songs. An original initiative that shows how much “Swift mania” has invaded London.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour, which already stopped in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff, will continue with another concert in London this Sunday before taking a break. The singer will return to the British capital in August for new performances before flying off to Dublin.
This passage of Taylor Swift in the United Kingdom perfectly illustrates the cultural and economic phenomenon that the artist represents. Capable of bringing together crowned heads, campaigning politicians and tens of thousands of fans in the same venue, she once again demonstrates her status as a true global pop icon. Her influence extends far beyond the musical realm to encompass the social, economic and even political spheres.
As London still vibrates to the sound of Taylor Swift’s hits, one thing is certain: the British capital is not likely to forget this weekend, when an American superstar made a future king dance and set an entire city abuzz.
With AFP
