Ella Windsor knows a thing or two about music. As the only member of the royal family to have released her own singles—eight and counting—she’s clearly well connected in the music world. But four years ago, at a charity gala, Ella found herself wondering if she was falling behind.
“I thought, ‘Who is this band?’” she recalls with a laugh. “I must be the only person on the planet who doesn’t know them—I was clearly out of the loop! Then someone told me it was a school band. Honestly, the quality was so impressive, I was hooked from that moment.”
The event was a gala for Restore the Music, a charity providing state schools across the UK with musical instruments and technology. Supported by individuals and partners like Steinway & Sons, Restore the Music has brought music education to over 110,000 young people nationwide.
Recently, Ella, 44, daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, became Patron of the charity. Last week, she attended their 2025 gala at London’s Nobu Hotel in her new role.
“It was so uplifting to hear the students play,” she says with a broad smile. “One school band opened the evening with ‘Proud Mary’—it was fantastic, full of energy.”
Restore the Music focuses on schools in some of the country’s most deprived areas, where access to instruments is often limited.
“Even if a school has a music department, they may not have the instruments to bring lessons to life,” Ella explains. “The charity’s work makes a huge difference—attendance can be a challenge in these schools, but having instruments like saxophones, drums, electric guitars, and Steinway pianos motivates students. It’s a massive incentive and the impact goes beyond music.”
Ella’s passion for music and philanthropy recently brought her together with the Princess of Wales. In December, she was invited by Kate to help organize the Princess’s now-annual Christmas Carol Concert.
“It was such an honour,” Ella says. “The Princess was thoughtful and kind-hearted. She’s so creative, with incredible vision and passion for the causes she supports.”
Ella helped with the musical side, recommending artists and involving some talented Restore the Music students. “Two school bands played Christmas classics as guests arrived at the Abbey. The students loved it, and so did Gregory Porter and Rosie Chan, who I also recommended. It was a wonderful event.”
Despite working closely with the Princess, Ella admits she didn’t know every detail beforehand. Kate famously surprised her son Louis with a secret ballet performance during the concert, which Ella describes as “a magical and moving experience.”
Ella’s own musical journey began in childhood with a program called Fun with Music, led by Ann Rachlin, who brought classical music to life with stories. Her love for music deepened over the years, from tapes shared by friends at boarding school to living in South America, where she absorbed samba, tango, salsa, and Bossa Nova.
Her experiences in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia inspired her songwriting, leading to collaborations with Argentine producer Enzo Buono. Initially, her early singles were recorded remotely—Ella in the UK, musicians in Los Angeles—but more recently she has recorded with an Argentine jazz band in Buenos Aires.
“I’m always writing songs,” Ella says. “They usually start with the lyrics. When I’m ready, I work on demos with Enzo, then we record. I’ve been focusing on lyrics lately and hope to record more soon.”
Music remains central to Ella’s life. “It’s always been there,” she reflects. “I listen to music everywhere—at home, in the car. I’m sure I’ve sung loudly, Carpool Karaoke style! But when I’m working, I find music distracting.”
She believes in music’s power to unite and uplift. “Good music can instantly change your mood and bring people together. For children learning music through Restore the Music, there’s a huge social benefit. For those struggling in school or with confidence, creating music with others can make a massive difference.”
At her first gala as Patron, Ella’s enthusiasm for the charity’s mission is clear. “I’m excited to visit more schools and see the impact firsthand. It’s like a big puzzle, with so many schools involved. I want to fully support everything they’re doing.”
Looking ahead, Ella has plenty in the pipeline. She’s open to songwriting collaborations and is working with the MAD Impact Foundation on a global climate concert in Brazil, just before COP30. “It’s both a celebration and a call to action, featuring incredible artists and speakers. All proceeds will fund climate tech and education.”
“For now,” she says with purpose, “my focus is on this project and my role as Patron of Restore the Music. I want people to know how truly exceptional this charity is and the difference it can make in children’s lives.”
