'Songs which have brought me joy': King's playlist to mark Commonwealth Day

The King has shared a personal playlist of hits that bring him joy, in a new collaboration with Apple Music to mark Commonwealth Day.

The King’s Music Room is a celebration of music from across the Commonwealth with genres including, 1930s “crooners”, Afrobeats, disco and reggae.

His playlist features music from Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, Grace Jones, Davido and RAYE and will launch at 6am GMT on Monday.

The show was recorded in the King’s office at Buckingham Palace and reflects his personal taste and relationship with music.

The King meeting RAYE at Apple HQ in December / Credit: PA

In accompanying footage, the King is shown sitting at an antique desk with an illuminated ‘On Air” sign.

The King, who is Head of the Commonwealth, says: “Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me.

“It has that remarkable ability to bring happy memories, 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. In other words, it brings us joy.

“So, this is what I particularly wanted to share with you – songs which have brough me joy. “This seemed such an interesting and innovative way to celebrate this year’s Commonwealth Day.”

The show is shaped by his experiences from around the world and includes anecdotes about his encounters with some of the artists.

The King meeting Bob Marley’s widow Rita during a visit to Jamaica as Prince of Wales in 2000 / Credit: PA

Errollyn Wallen, Master of The King’s Music, said: “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.”

The King is not the only member of the Royal Family to have collaborated with Apple. The Prince of Wales appeared in a special episode of the Time to Walk series on Apple Fitness+ in 2021.

And the Duke of Sussex created a mental health docuseries with Oprah Winfrey for Apple TV in the same year.

The King’s Music Room launches at 6am GMT on Apple Music 1 on March 10 – with additional radio broadcasts throughout Monday and Tuesday on Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits.