Phil Collins, renowned musician and former frontman of Genesis, has publicly dismissed claims made by Charles Spencer that King Charles suggested people would soon forget Diana after her death. Collins, 75, described Spencer’s remarks as “blatantly done to sell books” and inconsistent with his experience of the Prince of Wales. Despite personal differences with his own former spouses, Collins emphasized that he would never wish harm upon them, noting a continued affection despite past difficulties.
Collins’s connection to the royal family dates back to the early 1980s, when he became the first ambassador appointed to The Prince’s Trust by the then Prince of Wales. The longstanding relationship includes Collins’s participation in royal events such as arranging entertainment for King Charles’s 40th birthday party in 1988, where he recalls seeing the Queen and Prince Philip enjoying the festivities. Collins also recounted performing at a party where Diana was present and appeared to be on good terms with Charles, contrary to later reports of their troubled marriage.
The musician reflected on his longstanding friendship with Diana, sharing a lighthearted encounter on Harley Street years later. Beyond royal connections, Collins also discussed his personal struggles in candid terms, particularly concerning his battle with alcoholism, which he has addressed in his memoir, "Not Dead Yet." Collins revealed that after retiring at 60, he dealt with inconsistent but damaging alcohol use, including bouts of pancreatitis and multiple hospitalizations. He underwent treatment at various rehab centers, including Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Centre in Antigua, though he admitted to relapsing during that period.
In addition to health issues related to alcohol, Collins has faced significant physical challenges stemming from decades of drumming. He described multiple surgeries on his left knee, complicated by infections, as well as ongoing problems with his neck, left arm, and foot. Despite these setbacks, Collins announced that he will soon be celebrating three years of sobriety.
Collins currently resides in Switzerland but previously relocated to Florida to be near family. His former marriage to Orianne Cevey was notably tumultuous, including an attempted reconciliation disrupted by complexities he attributed largely to Cevey’s actions. Cevey is the mother of Collins’s two sons, Nic, a professional drummer, and Mat, a footballer in Germany.
Beyond music and personal health, Collins is known for his passion for American history, especially the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. He has amassed one of the largest private collections of related artifacts, which he donated to San Antonio in 2014. The collection is now housed in a museum undergoing significant renovation. Collins plans to visit the museum in the near future after a hiatus due to health concerns.
Looking ahead, Collins will participate in events marking the 45th anniversary of his debut solo album "Face Value," which is being reissued in a remastered edition. The album features songs inspired by his first divorce, with some tracks’ original demos included due to the emotional weight of their content.
He is also set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2026, an honor he previously received as a member of Genesis. Collins acknowledged past criticisms of his music by the Gallagher brothers but expressed a willingness to set aside differences during the induction ceremony.
Despite ongoing physical and emotional challenges, Collins remains engaged with his legacy and public life, demonstrating resilience and openness about his journey through adversity.