Kylie has a legion of fans around the globe, but it might come as a surprise to many that the king is one of those who can’t get her out of his head.
The princess of pop, alongside Bob Marley and Grace Jones, are among the music artists beloved of Charles, it was revealed on Friday as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations, which falls on Monday.
In a collaboration with Apple Music, King Charles has launched The King’s Music Room show, sharing a “personal playlist of hits that bring him joy”, which is said to include disco, reggae and Afrobeats. The king spoke about enjoying contemporary artists Davido and Raye, as well as “1930s crooners”.
In a radio broadcast recorded at Buckingham Palace, the king has shared stories about meeting many of the artists he enjoys, and shared the songs that form the soundtrack to his life.
He said: “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. In other words, it brings us joy.”
In the footage, the king, in a suit and tie and with a pocket square in his jacket, is shown sat recording at his antique desk, with an illuminated vintage “on air” sign next to him.
An image of the king’s empty desk next to the window in the grand room also shows an array of ornaments, including a magnifying glass with a floral handle, ornate scissors and a letter opener in the shape of a bird, red pens, and an upright cushion on his chair to support his back.
In the recording, Charles says: “So this is what I particularly wanted to share – songs which have brought me joy. This seemed such an interesting and innovative way to celebrate this year’s Commonwealth Day.”
He tells his audience: “Thank you for listening. I wish you all every possible blessing.”
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Errollyn Wallen, master of the king’s music, said Charles’s “wide-ranging enthusiasm for music” could be seen in the Commonwealth Day playlist.
She said: “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.”
In 2021, Charles appeared on a hospital radio show called Music and Memories with HRH the Prince of Wales, for the Hospital Broadcasting Association, revealing that songs by the Three Degrees, Diana Ross and Edith Piaf were among his favourites.
In a 2016 BBC Radio 2 programme about the late Queen Elizabeth’s musical tastes, her friends and family revealed that her favourite hits included Oklahoma from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical of the same name, Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun and ukulele-playing George Formby’s Leaning On A Lamp-post.