On March 10, 2025, King Charles III surprised the world by dropping a personal playlist in collaboration with Apple Music. Titled The King’s Music Room, this musical venture ties into Commonwealth Day celebrations and reveals a side of the monarch few expected. From Bob Marley’s reggae rhythms to Beyoncé’s powerhouse pop, the King’s taste spans decades, genres, and continents. At 76 years old, Charles proves he’s not just a figurehead stuck in tradition—he’s a music lover with a playlist that’s got everyone talking. Let’s dive into this royal mix, explore what it says about the King, and uncover why it’s making waves in 2025.
A Royal DJ Steps Into the Spotlight
King Charles III has always carried an air of formality, but his latest move shatters that mold. He teams up with Apple Music to share 17 tracks that he says “bring him joy.” Recorded in his Buckingham Palace office, The King’s Music Room isn’t just a playlist—it’s a radio show where Charles narrates his connection to each song. Picture this: the King, sitting at a grand wooden desk with an “On Air” sign glowing, chatting about how music lifts his spirits. Outside, the palace guard band plays Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” setting the tone for a playlist that’s anything but stuffy.
This isn’t a random collection thrown together by a PR team. Charles handpicks each track, drawing heavily from the 56 Commonwealth nations he leads as ceremonial head. The playlist, released on March 10, 2025, coincides with Commonwealth Day—a yearly event celebrating this diverse group of countries, most of which once belonged to the British Empire. By choosing music over a traditional speech, Charles modernizes his role and connects with a global audience in a way that feels fresh and unexpected.
What’s on the King’s Playlist?
So, what does a king listen to when he’s not waving from a balcony or cutting ribbons? The answer surprises and delights me. The playlist blends old-school classics with modern hits, showcasing Charles’ eclectic taste. Here’s a peek at some standout tracks and why they matter to him.
Bob Marley’s Reggae Roots
Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” kicks things off with a laid-back vibe that’s pure Jamaica. Charles has a soft spot for the reggae legend, having visited Marley’s former home-turned-museum in Kingston back in 2008. He recalls the trip fondly in the show, hinting at how Marley’s music stirs memories of his travels across the Commonwealth. The palace guard even performs the song live in the trailer, proving this isn’t just a casual pick—it’s a royal favorite.
Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love”
Fast forward to 2003, and Charles meets Beyoncé at a Prince’s Trust event where she performs “Crazy in Love.” He calls her “incomparable” and “exceptional,” praising her energy and talent. The track, a 2000s pop anthem, shows Charles isn’t stuck in the past. He admits it got him dancing in his younger days and wonders aloud if he can still manage a step or two. Who knew the King had a thing for Beyoncé’s fierce beats?
Kylie Minogue’s Pop Perfection
Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” brings a dance-pop flair to the mix. Charles remembers her performing at St. James’s Palace in 2012, calling it “infectious” and “impossible to sit still through.” The Australian star represents the Commonwealth’s modern talent, and Charles clearly loves how her music sparks joy. It’s a catchy nod to his lighter side.
Diana Ross’ Disco Days
Diana Ross’ “Upside Down” takes us back to the 1980s disco era. Charles confesses it was “impossible not to dance” to this one in his youth. The song closes the playlist, leaving listeners with a groovy vibe and a glimpse of a younger, freer Charles. It’s a personal touch that makes the King relatable—who doesn’t have a song that gets them moving?
Miriam Makeba’s “The Click Song”
South Africa’s Miriam Makeba, known as “Mama Africa,” brings “Qongqothwane” (aka “The Click Song”) to the table. Charles stumbles over the title with a chuckle, admitting it takes practice to pronounce. He ties it to his 2018 Ghana visit, where music and dance filled the air. Makeba’s anti-apartheid legacy adds depth to the playlist, showing Charles values music with meaning.
New Kids on the Block: Davido and RAYE
Charles doesn’t stop at nostalgia. Nigerian-American artist Davido and British singer RAYE represent the Commonwealth’s newer voices. Davido’s Afrobeats vibe and RAYE’s soulful pop—heard by Charles at a 2024 Apple HQ event—prove he’s in tune with today’s sounds. These picks signal a king who’s listening to the present, not just the past.
A Playlist With Purpose
This isn’t just about fun tunes. Charles uses The King’s Music Room to shine a spotlight on the Commonwealth. With 17 artists, most hail from its member nations, like Jamaica, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, and Canada. Even Beyoncé, an American, gets a pass for her Prince’s Trust connection. The playlist reflects the group’s diversity—spanning Afrobeats, reggae, disco, and pop—and celebrates its creativity.
Commonwealth Day, marked on March 10, 2025, usually features a Westminster Abbey service. This year, Charles switches things up. “This seemed such an interesting and innovative way to celebrate,” he says in the trailer. It’s a bold shift from tradition, signaling he’s ready to modernize the monarchy. Plus, with his cancer diagnosis in 2024 keeping him out of the public eye, this playlist doubles as a personal comeback—a way to reconnect without a formal appearance.
Behind the Scenes: Apple Music’s Role
Apple Music doesn’t just host this—it’s a full partnership. The show premieres on Apple Music 1 at 6 a.m. GMT on March 10, with on-demand access for subscribers. Rachel Newman, Apple’s global head of content, gushes, “We’re honored King Charles chose to share his playlist with us and music fans worldwide.” The tech giant plays up the “human curation” angle, making Charles a cultural curator for a day.
This isn’t the royals’ first Apple rodeo. Prince Harry teamed with Oprah for a 2021 mental health series on Apple TV+, and Prince William did a “Time to Walk” podcast. Charles’ project, though, feels more personal—less scripted, more heartfelt. Filming in his office, complete with an “On Air” sign, adds a cozy, DIY vibe to the polished royal image.
FAQs
What inspired King Charles to create a playlist with Apple Music?
King Charles teams up with Apple Music to celebrate Commonwealth Day on March 10, 2025, with The King’s Music Room. He wants to share songs that “bring him joy” and reflect the Commonwealth’s diversity. In the trailer, he calls it “an interesting and innovative way” to mark the occasion, blending his love for music with his role as head of 56 nations.
Which artists feature on King Charles’ playlist?
The playlist boasts 17 tracks, including Bob Marley (“Could You Be Loved”), Beyoncé (“Crazy in Love”), Kylie Minogue (“Can’t Get You Out of My Head”), Diana Ross (“Upside Down”), and Miriam Makeba (“Qongqothwane”). Newer stars like Davido and RAYE join classics like Al Bowlly and Michael Bublé, showing Charles’ taste spans decades and genres.
How does Charles describe his connection to music?
Charles says, “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me.” He explains it brings back happy memories, comforts him in sadness, and lifts his spirits—especially when shared. In the show, he ties songs to personal moments, like dancing in Ghana or hearing his grandmother’s 1930s tunes, making it a soundtrack to his 76 years.
Why does the playlist focus on the Commonwealth?
As head of the Commonwealth, Charles picks most tracks from its 56 nations—like Jamaica, Australia, and Nigeria—to highlight its musical richness. He says these songs “evoke many different styles and cultures,” mirroring the group’s diversity. It’s a celebration of unity through music, released for Commonwealth Day 2025.
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