The Prince of Wales recalls being utterly captivated with the American actress and singer since they first met nearly 50 years ago. Charles’ comments come following his choice to add Ms Streisand’s song - Don’t Rain on My Parade - into a Hospital Broadcasting Association programme.

       The programme which will be aired on over 180 hospital radio stations on Sunday, features 13 of Charles’ favourite songs.

       Recalling his first encounter with Ms Streisand, he said: “I have always been a great admirer of the incredibly versatile American actress and singer Barbra Streisand.

       “Back in 1974, when I was serving in the Royal Navy ... as a young lieutenant in the frigate HMS Jupiter, we called into the United States navy’s base in San Diego, California ... when I heard that she was currently making the film [Funny Lady, a sequel to Funny Girl] in the Warner Brothers Studios ... I was lucky enough to visit the set and to meet her there.

       “I shall never forget her dazzling, effervescent talent and the unique vitality and attraction of her voice and her acting ability.

       “This next song, Don’t Rain on my Parade, is therefore full of special memories of — I hardly dare think of it now — 47 years ago.”

       Prince Charles also talked about the importance of hospital radio during the pandemic.

       He added: “When we have been dealing with the effect of this dreadful pandemic, the role of hospital radio has been even more important ... in providing comfort and companionship, and in raising people’s spirits when that is needed.”

       At the time of their first encounter, bachelor Charles was 26 years old, while Streisand was six years older.

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       Barbara Streisand’s song, Don’t Rain on My Parade, was featured in the musical Funny Girl and helped win her an Oscar.

       Despite living on opposite sides of the Atlantic, Charles and Streisand have maintained their friendship over the years.

       The American singer performed at Wembley Stadium in 1994 for The Prince’s Trust charity, which helps young people get into jobs, education and training.

       The same year, the pair met again at a gala dinner in Los Angeles.

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       More recently, Ms Streisand performed a concert in Hyde Park in 2019 where she famously joked: “If I had played my cards right, I could have been the first Jewish princess.”