King Charles has lauded Beyoncé as “incomparable” and expressed his struggle to sit still when enjoying the music of Kylie Minogue. The monarch has included Beyoncé’s 2003 hit “Crazy in Love” as one of two bonus tracks in his newly created Apple playlist, The King’s Music Room, in honor of Commonwealth Day.
He describes Beyoncé as “a performer so exceptional that I just could not resist including her music,” highlighting her status as “one of the Trust’s most faithful supporters.” Additionally, he extends his congratulations to her for winning her first Grammy for Album of the Year.
Alongside Beyoncé’s track, the other featured non-Commonwealth song is “Upside Down” by Diana Ross, which Charles calls “a particular favorite.” He reminisces, “When I was much younger, it was absolutely impossible not to get up and dance when it was played! So, I wonder if I can still manage it…?!”
Fifteen of the playlist’s seventeen songs are from Commonwealth artists, including Kylie Minogue, who serves as an ambassador for the King’s Trust. Introducing Kylie, Charles remarks, “The song is ‘The Loco-Motion,’ and this is music for dancing. Again, it has that infectious energy which makes it, I find, incredibly hard to sit still!”
The playlist showcases a diverse range of musical genres spanning ten centuries and five continents, featuring styles like Afrobeats, reggae, pop, disco, and calypso. Notable artists included are Millie Smalls from Jamaica, Nigerian singer Davido, South African icon Miriam Makeba, Canadian crooner Michael Bublé, and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa from New Zealand.
While discussing Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” the King reflects on their meeting, praising Marley’s “marvellous, infectious energy” and “deep sincerity,” along with his profound concern for the community. He fondly recalls Marley’s impactful words: “The people have a voice inside of them,” a sentiment that Marley conveyed in a way that still resonates today.
The Apple Music 1 program follows the King’s visit to Apple HQ at Battersea Power Station two months ago, where he met singer Raye, who also appears on the playlist. The two reportedly hit it off, leading the King to explore her music before including her track “Love Me Again.”
Sources indicate that although His Majesty doesn’t use a mobile phone, he has an iPad, which he likely used to assemble the playlist that is available globally and for free starting today. The King was a “one-take wonder” during last month’s recording in the 18th Century Room, his private office at Buckingham Palace.
