The tenor pictured during the short recital to mark Diabetes UK’s 80th anniversary at St James’s Palace in London. Photo: Matthew PattenThe tenor pictured during the short recital to mark Diabetes UK’s 80th anniversary at St James’s Palace in London. Photo: Matthew Patten

Tenor Joseph Calleja performed a short recital to mark Diabetes UK’s 80th anniversary at St James’s Palace in London on Tuesday.

After the performance, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers – whose daughter Mischa, 19, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of seven – asked to meet Mr Calleja.

During the performance, Mr Calleja passed a few football-related remarks and said his pianist would not play the whole session unless he met Mr Rodgers.

Mr Calleja also had a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II, who attended the pre-dinner reception. The Queen is a patron of the charity.

Mr Rodgers said the Queen’s support showed the seriousness of diabetes, and added: “My role is to support, firstly Mischa. And she has been incredible as a young lady being diagnosed. And then to be able to support the charity is a great honour, and it is a complete honour and privilege to be here.”

Mr Calleja passed a few football-related remarks

In a separate event, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Preca, currently on a visit to the UK, met the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The Department of Information gave no more details.

Joseph Calleja with Liverpool football manager Brendan Rodgers (right).Joseph Calleja with Liverpool football manager Brendan Rodgers (right).

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