DJ King Charles is in the house! Well, the palace — and behind his desk curating a set of songs for Apple Music.
The King, 76, is taking listeners on a musical journey to give an insight into music from around the Commonwealth.
Recorded in his office at Buckingham Palace, “The King’s Music Room” includes artists from 1930s singers to Kylie Minogue and reggae great Bob Marley and Afrobeats stars. It also features Grace Jones, Davido and RAYE.
A trailer for the show, which was made to commemorate Commonwealth Day, which falls on March 10, was released on March 6. The show is available from 1 a.m. EST on Apple Music 1 for free on March 10.
Opening the broadcast, King Charles says, “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others. 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.”
“But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits to such a degree, and all the more so when it brings us together in celebration,” he adds. “In other words, it brings us joy.”
King Charles is head of the Commonwealth, which is made up of 56 countries — including Australia, Canada, India and Kenya — that have strong ties to the U.K. and span much of the world.
Apple says in a statement the musical journey reflects King Charles’ personal taste and is shaped by his “extraordinary experiences from around the world.” During the broadcast, he also tells some anecdotes about his meetings with artists and unveils why some of the songs are important to him.
“Human curation has always been a key pillar of our unique editorial approach,” Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s global head of content and editorial, says in a statement. “Apple Music Radio is where culture is happening worldwide, and we are honored that King Charles III chose to share his personal playlist with us, and with music fans around the world.”
Errollyn Wallen, CBE, Master of The King’s Music, added, “You can see His Majesty’s wide-ranging enthusiasm for music in this playlist to mark Commonwealth Day. The Commonwealth has produced more than its fair share of wonderful songs, singers, and musicians, and this fun and eclectic collection is a great reminder of this treasure trove of creativity.”
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It’s not the first time a member of the royal family has collaborated with Apple. Prince William recorded the Apple Fitness+ podcast Time to Walk, taking listeners around Norfolk and giving a little insight into his family life. And Charles was given a tour of the company’s HQ in Battersea, London in December 2024.
The King’s Music Room premieres on Apple Music 1 on Monday, March 10, at 6 a.m., for free. Or enjoy anytime on demand with an Apple Music subscription.
There will also be additional radio broadcasts available, for free, on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits throughout Monday and Tuesday.
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