King Charles III has made history as the first British monarch to host a radio show on Apple Music, launching “The King’s Music Room” to mark Commonwealth Day on March 10, 2025. Recorded in his office at Buckingham Palace, this unique special offers an intimate glimpse into the king’s musical tastes, featuring a diverse selection of tracks spanning decades and genres, from 1930s crooners to contemporary Afrobeats stars. The playlist, reflecting his experiences across over 40 Commonwealth nations, showcases legends like Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Grace Jones alongside modern talents such as Davido and RAYE. Debuting at 6 a.m. on Apple Music 1, the program is free to stream, with additional broadcasts scheduled for Monday and Tuesday on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits, and on-demand access for subscribers. Charles narrates personal anecdotes about meeting artists and explains how these songs form the soundtrack of his life, emphasizing music’s power to unite and inspire.
This groundbreaking collaboration between the British monarchy and the tech giant, estimated at a $14 million production cost, covers recording, artist royalties, and global promotion. Ascending the throne in November 2022 following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Charles uses the special to celebrate the cultural diversity of the 56 Commonwealth nations he symbolically leads. The broadcast aligns with the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, where Charles, joined by Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other royals, honored the occasion with leaders and performers from across the bloc.
With over 100 million subscribers and 60 million monthly radio listeners, Apple Music amplifies the project’s reach, transforming it into more than a playlist—it’s a personal narrative of memory, emotion, and global connection. This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” underscores Charles’s message of unity through music.
A royal playlist with global flair
The “The King’s Music Room” lineup mirrors the breadth of the Commonwealth and Charles’s travels. Standouts include Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” tied to his visit to the reggae icon’s museum in Jamaica, and Kylie Minogue’s “The Loco-Motion,” honoring the Australian star he’s publicly praised. Grace Jones’s “La Vie En Rose” brings a Caribbean flair from her Jamaican roots, while Davido’s “Kante” captures Nigeria’s vibrant Afrobeats scene.
Charles narrates with warmth, reflecting on how music has been a lifelong companion. He describes its ability to evoke happy memories, offer solace in tough times, and transport him to distant places, like the cultural festivals he attended in Nigeria or ceremonies in Pacific islands.
The king’s take on music’s power
Opening the broadcast, Charles shares a heartfelt reflection. “Throughout my life, music has meant so much to me. It has this remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back from the deepest recesses of our minds, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to carry us to faraway places,” he says. He adds that, above all, music lifts spirits, especially when it brings people together in celebration, delivering joy.
Recorded in his Buckingham Palace office, the program unveils a more personal side of the monarch, who rarely shares such preferences publicly. His eclectic mix of eras and styles reveals both his broad tastes and his ties to the Commonwealth’s cultural mosaic.
A musical tribute to the Commonwealth
The playlist of “The King’s Music Room” weaves a tapestry of sounds across continents. Beyond Marley, Minogue, and Jones, it features Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop,” a ska classic from Jamaica, and Al Bowlly’s “The Very Thought of You,” echoing the golden age of British crooners. Modern acts like RAYE, whom Charles saw perform at Battersea Power Station, and Davido, an Afrobeats trailblazer, highlight his ear for current trends.
Commonwealth Day, observed on the second Monday of March, unites the 56 member states in events celebrating their shared heritage and collaboration. In 2025, falling on March 10, Charles’s program adds a fresh dimension to the festivities, traditionally marked by speeches and ceremonies.
Broadcast schedule and access details
The special premiered on Apple Music 1 at 6 a.m. GMT on March 10, free for all app users. For those who missed the live airing, replays are scheduled across Monday and Tuesday, March 11, as follows:
- Apple Music 1: Monday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. GMT; Tuesday, 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. GMT.
- Apple Music Hits: Monday, 5 p.m. GMT; Tuesday, 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. GMT.
Subscribers can enjoy the full playlist and narration on demand anytime via Apple Music.
A milestone in monarchy and tech
The partnership with Apple Music signals a modernization of the British monarchy. In December 2024, Charles visited Apple’s new UK headquarters at Battersea Power Station with CEO Tim Cook, cementing ties that paved the way for this $14 million project. The investment spans production at Buckingham Palace, royalties for high-profile artists, and a global campaign reaching Apple Music Radio’s 60 million monthly listeners.
Errollyn Wallen, Master of the King’s Music Room, praised the effort, noting that the playlist reflects Charles’s passion for music and the Commonwealth’s rich sonic heritage. The blend of classics and modern hits surprises and delights, offering a rare peek into the monarch’s personality.
Charles III’s musical legacy
Music has long been a passion for Charles. As Prince of Wales, he attended cultural events across Canada, Australia, and India, shaping his playlist. He’s spoken fondly of Bob Marley after touring his Kingston home, now a museum, and met Kylie Minogue at royal events. His admiration for Grace Jones dates back years, drawn to her commanding presence.
The program doubles as a celebration and a reflection of Charles’s life. Taking the throne at 73, he aims to leave a legacy as a leader who champions culture and unity. The playlist, with over 20 tracks and 70 minutes, spans 90 years of music history, from the 1930s to 2025.
Why music matters to the king
Throughout the broadcast, Charles shares personal stories that bring the playlist to life. He recalls encounters with artists and moments when music helped him through challenges, like his mother’s passing. “It carries us to faraway places and comforts us,” he says, underscoring its role as an emotional bridge in his life.
Including modern stars like RAYE and Davido shows Charles’s awareness of evolving sounds, while classics like Al Bowlly tie his story to his parents’ era. The playlist’s diversity mirrors the Commonwealth itself, blending past and present in a sonic celebration.
A global event uniting royalty and listeners
The launch of “The King’s Music Room” aligns with the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, where Charles led festivities alongside Camilla, William, Kate, and other royals. The event featured performances by artists like Braimah and Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, Britain’s Got Talent semifinalists, and Samoan soprano Aivale Cole, reinforcing the theme of cultural unity.
Through Apple Music, Charles extends this celebration beyond physical borders, reaching millions worldwide. The platform, a streaming leader with 100 million subscribers, turns the program into a cultural milestone, merging royal tradition with digital innovation.
