King Charles invited to Melbourne for cricket match between England and Australia to mark 150th anniversary

The Ashes rivals will compete in a one-time match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to commemorate the anniversary of the first Test held in 1877.

Charles's mother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended the fifth day of the centenary Test in 1977.

Mr Greenberg told Australia's Channel 7: "We want to make it an occasion that celebrates the combat between England and Australia but more broadly celebrates Test cricket and the beauty of Test cricket."

Scheduled to be played from March 11, the match has been under scrutiny over its being held as a day-night affair.

Mr Greenberg said: "I want to make sure we have a long Test match. It will be 12 months of me talking to them about the state of the wicket."

England is planning a warm-up match ahead of the anniversary Test after losing to Australia 4-1 in the Ashes this winter.

They will journey to Australia after their two-Test tour of Bangladesh in February.

The news follows His Majesty giving his approval for The King's Medal for Music to be awarded to pianist Kathryn Stott for 2024 and composer Sir James MacMillan for 2025.

Both recipients were announced simultaneously following the recent formation of a new music committee under the Master of the King's Music.

Errollyn Wallen, who chairs the nominating committee, praised the pair as "truly outstanding and deserving winners celebrated not only for their remarkable musical achievements, but also for the inspiring energy and dedication they bring to nurturing musical talent within their communities".

The prestigious honour recognises musicians who have significantly shaped Britain's musical landscape, with Ms Stott and Sir James joining an illustrious roster of previous recipients including Dame Sarah Connolly, Nicola Benedetti and Sir Bryn Terfel.

Ms Stott enjoyed a remarkable 46-year professional career spanning from 1978 to 2024, establishing herself as one of Britain's most versatile and imaginative musicians.

Her artistic collaborations have drawn particular acclaim, most notably her partnership with celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The Lancashire-born pianist currently serves as Professor of Piano at the Royal Northern College of Music, where King Charles is Patron, having previously held teaching positions at both the Royal Academy of Music and the Norwegian Academy of Music.

She also supports emerging talent through her roles as Patron of Young Sounds UK and Trustee of The Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Responding to the honour, Ms Stott said: "I am deeply honoured to have been awarded The King's Gold Medal for Music and hope this will give inspiration to many young musicians who aspire to a life of creativity."

"To have a life nourished by music is a wonderful gift.

"I am enormously grateful for this recognition not only of my artistic life as a pianist, but also my work with young musicians."

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