King Charles III has made history as the first British monarch to record his own podcast, unveiling an unexpected and diverse music taste that spans multiple genres and eras. The Apple Music special, titled The King’s Music Room, is set to premiere on Monday, March 10, in celebration of Commonwealth Day.
Recorded at Buckingham Palace in his personal office, the podcast provides an exclusive look into the King’s musical preferences, which range from classic 1930s crooners to contemporary Afrobeat stars, disco legends, and reggae icons.
One of the standout moments in the accompanying trailer is the military band outside Buckingham Palace playing Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Could You Be Loved, indicating the King’s appreciation for reggae’s cultural significance within the Commonwealth.
His Majesty’s well-documented fondness for the 1970s soul trio The Three Degrees is just the tip of the iceberg. The full playlist, though yet to be revealed in its entirety by Apple Music, is said to feature a mix of classic and modern artists, including Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue, the ever-iconic Grace Jones, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido. Also making the cut is recent Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter Raye, whom Charles met in December at Apple’s UK headquarters. While he admitted he was not previously familiar with her music, sources indicate he has since listened and become a fan.
In the podcast’s introduction, the 76-year-old monarch reflects on the power of music, stating: ‘Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our memory, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places.’
Apple Music has described the selection as ‘sure to surprise and delight music fans everywhere, revealing a more personal side to His Majesty.’
The King’s podcast marks a significant step in embracing modern digital platforms to connect with the Commonwealth and music lovers worldwide. Commonwealth Day celebrations will also include the annual service at Westminster Abbey, attended by senior members of the royal family.
Listeners can tune in to The King’s Music Room premiere on Apple Music 1 on Monday, March 10, at 6 AM GMT, available for free or on-demand with an Apple Music subscription.
