King Charles III Steps into the DJ Booth with "The King’s Music Room"

King Charles III, in a surprising and engaging move, has taken on the role of radio DJ, hosting an Apple Music broadcast titled "The King’s Music Room." Released in conjunction with Commonwealth Day, the show features a curated playlist of the King’s favorite songs, interspersed with personal anecdotes and reflections on the music’s significance to him and the Commonwealth. The broadcast, recorded in the King’s office at Buckingham Palace, offers a unique glimpse into the musical tastes of the monarch and his appreciation for the diverse cultures within the Commonwealth.

King Charles described the venture as an "interesting and innovative" way to celebrate Commonwealth Day, emphasizing that the chosen tracks "originated from across the Commonwealth family and other parts of the world." He highlighted the potent ability of music to evoke cherished memories, stating that he would share "songs which have brought me joy." The playlist spans a wide range of genres and eras, showcasing the King’s eclectic taste and his connections to various artists and cultures.

The show opened with the upbeat reggae anthem "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley and the Wailers. King Charles shared his memories of meeting Marley, describing him as possessing a "marvelous, infectious energy," along with "deep sincerity" and a "profound concern for his community." This opening selection not only set a positive and vibrant tone for the show but also highlighted the King’s appreciation for music with a message of unity and social consciousness.

The playlist then transitioned to another Jamaican classic, "My Boy Lollipop" by Millie Small. This cheerful and iconic ska tune further demonstrated the King’s appreciation for Jamaican music and its impact on global culture. The inclusion of these two songs underscored the significant contributions of Jamaican artists to the global music landscape.

Moving into the realm of pop, the King selected Kylie Minogue’s "The Loco-Motion," describing it as "music for dancing" with "that infectious energy" that makes it "incredibly hard to sit still." This choice revealed a lighter side of the King, showcasing his appreciation for music that simply brings joy and encourages movement.

A nostalgic turn followed with Al Bowlly’s "The Very Thought of You," a tune that the King revealed his "much-loved grandmother" used to play. He described the era of the 1920s as one of "songs made memorable by brilliant lyrics, incredible bands, and unstoppable rhythm." This selection offered a glimpse into the King’s family history and the musical influences that shaped his early years.

The King then posed a question to his listeners before playing Grace Jones’ rendition of "La Vie En Rose," asking, "Is it possible to improve on such a classic song? See what you think." This indicated a thoughtful and engaging approach to curating the playlist, encouraging listeners to form their own opinions and engage with the music critically.

Acknowledging contemporary talent, King Charles praised Raye, the British singer-songwriter nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys (Note: The provided text states the Grammys as 2025, this is likely a typo and has been left as is). He lauded her as "one of our most exciting and acclaimed contemporary singer-songwriters" and played her song "Love Me Again." He added, "Anyone who saw Raye perform at the Grammy Awards will know that she is a great ambassador for British music." This selection demonstrated the King’s commitment to supporting contemporary British artists and recognizing their achievements on the global stage.

Remembering his visits to Ghana, King Charles played "Mpempem Do Me" by Daddy Lumba, "who is regarded by some as the greatest musician Ghana has ever produced." He also selected "KANTE" by Davido, showcasing the vibrancy of contemporary African music and his appreciation for diverse musical traditions within the Commonwealth. "The Click Song" by Miriam Makeba also made the list, celebrating the rich musical heritage of South Africa.

King Charles then highlighted his connection to the incredibly talented Jools Holland, playing his and Ruby Turner’s song "My Country Man," calling Turner "another unstoppable phenomenon." He followed this up with "Indian Summer" by Anoushka Shankar, "Anta Permana" by Siti Nurhaliza, and "E Te Iwi E (Call to the People)" by Kiri Te Kanawa, further demonstrating his appreciation for the musical diversity of the Commonwealth and beyond.

The show concluded with a series of upbeat and widely popular tracks. King Charles included "Havent Met You Yet" by Michael Bublé, "Hot Hot Hot" by Arrow, "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé, and finally "Upside Down" by Diana Ross. He described Beyoncé as "so exceptional" that he "just could not resist including her music," and he also congratulated her for winning Album of the Year for the first time at the Grammys last month. The King added that Ross’s “Upside Down” is "one of my particular favorites" and recalled that when he was younger, "it was absolutely impossible not to get up and dance when it was played." "I wonder if I can still just manage it," he joked, adding a touch of humor and self-awareness to the broadcast.

Near the end of the show, King Charles expressed his hope that listeners had discovered some "new and interesting" songs from "the wonderfully diverse tapestry that makes up the modern Commonwealth, with its rich pattern of cultures that it continues to share with peoples across the entire world." His selections highlighted the power of music to connect people across cultures and generations.

"The King’s Music Room" offered a unique and personal glimpse into the musical world of King Charles III. The broadcast showcased his eclectic tastes, his appreciation for diverse cultures, and his ability to connect with listeners through the shared language of music. The show was not only an entertaining listening experience but also a thoughtful celebration of the Commonwealth and its rich tapestry of musical traditions. By stepping into the DJ booth, King Charles demonstrated a willingness to embrace new platforms and connect with audiences in innovative and engaging ways.