Most Apple news is fairly predictable these days. We know to expect announcements about iOS and friends (looking at you, June). New iPhones? See you in September. Even most “secret” future product launches get leaked left, right and center. But Friday’s Apple Music announcement bucked the trend and took us rather by surprise.
Apple Music has tapped a new DJ, and he’s only one of the most famous men in the entire world. King Charles III has recorded an exclusive show for the music streaming service from his office at Buckingham Palace in London. The broadcast, titled The King’s Music Room, will offer an insight into the diverse musical preferences of His Majesty, featuring artists from across the Commonwealth.
“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me. I know that is also the case for so many others,” said the King. “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.”
In case you’re curious about what’s on King Charles’ playlist, Apple has already dropped a few hints. We should expect 1930s crooners, Afrobeats stars, disco divas and reggae icons, according to a press release. Artists including Bob Marley, Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, Davido and Raye are set to feature. It’s an interesting selection that veers away from the stuffy and expected, and does seem in line with His Majesty’s wider ambition to modernize the monarchy.
“I’m not surprised the King has decided to record with Apple Music,” said Dickie Arbiter, a royal commentator and former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, over email. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Apple in bidding had made a sizeable contribution to HM’s charity fund. Nothing today is free. As far as his love of music goes — who doesn’t love music? While entertaining, music also has a calming effect on one’s being.”
To listen in to the King’s Music Room for free, you can join the premiere on Monday, March 10, on Apple Music 1, with additional broadcasts throughout Monday and Tuesday. If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can enjoy the broadcast any time on demand.
