As music has the power to unite and inspire, King Charles III has shared a personal glimpse into his musical tastes by unveiling a curated playlist on Apple Music. Released in celebration of Commonwealth Day on Monday, March 10, the playlist, titled “His Majesty King Charles III’s Playlist,” showcases an eclectic mix of genres and artists from across the globe.
A Royal Connection to Music
In a video message released on March 7, the 76-year-old monarch spoke about the deep emotional connection he shares with music.
“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others,” Charles said. “It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories flooding back, to comfort us in times of sadness, and to take us to distant places. But perhaps, above all, it can lift our spirits and bring us together in celebration. In other words, it brings us joy.”
The full playlist debuted on Apple Music during a special radio program titled The King’s Music Room. The show, which aired on Apple Music 1, featured the king personally introducing each song and sharing personal anecdotes about his encounters with some of the artists.
Bob Marley’s Influence on the King
The playlist opens with Bob Marley & The Wailers’ hit “Could You Be Loved.” During the broadcast, Charles recalled meeting Marley, who would have turned 80 this year.
“I remember when he came to London to perform when I was much younger, and I met him at some event … that marvellous, infectious energy had, but also his deep sincerity and his profound concern for his community,” he shared.
Marley’s music has long been associated with messages of unity, love, and social change, themes that align with the Commonwealth’s mission. BBC Music has also explored Marley’s enduring influence on global culture.
Diverse Musical Selections Reflecting Commonwealth Nations
The king’s playlist highlights a wide range of musical styles, spanning decades and cultures. It features iconic songs from artists across Commonwealth nations, including Australia’s Kylie Minogue, Nigeria’s Davido, and Canada’s Michael Bublé.
For instance, “Indian Summer” by Anoushka Shankar, daughter of legendary sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar, represents India’s rich musical heritage. Similarly, “E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)” by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a Māori opera singer from New Zealand, celebrates the indigenous sounds of the Pacific.
According to The Guardian, King Charles has always shown a keen interest in music that connects different cultures, aligning with his lifelong advocacy for heritage preservation and interfaith dialogue.
King Charles III’s Apple Music Playlist
Below is the full list of songs included in the King’s playlist:
- “Could You Be Loved” — Bob Marley & The Wailers
- “My Boy Lollipop” — Millie Small
- “The Loco-Motion” — Kylie Minogue
- “The Very Thought of You” — Al Bowlly
- “La Vie En Rose” — Grace Jones
- “Love Me Again” — Raye
- “Mpempem Do Me” — Daddy Lumba
- “KANTE” — Davido featuring Fave
- “The Click Song (Qongqothwane)” — Miriam Makeba
- “My Country Man” — Jools Holland and Ruby Turner
- “Indian Summer” — Anoushka Shankar
- “Anta Permana” — Siti Nurhaliza
- “E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)” — Dame Kiri Te Kanawa
- “Haven’t Met You Yet” — Michael Bublé
- “Hot Hot Hot” — Arrow
- “Crazy In Love” — Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
- “Upside Down” — Diana Ross
A Personal Touch from the King
In addition to curating the playlist, King Charles recorded personal introductions for each song at Buckingham Palace, sharing stories and memories associated with some of the tracks. His selections offer a unique perspective into his personal tastes and cultural influences.
This initiative not only reflects Charles’ passion for music and the arts, but also highlights the diverse and dynamic musical traditions across Commonwealth nations.
For more details on His Majesty’s playlist, visit Apple Music or tune into Apple Music 1’s special programming.
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