King Charles III, a well-known lover of the arts and cultural patron, recently took his passion for music public in an engaging new radio show titled “The King’s Music Room,” produced in partnership with Apple. Broadcasting directly from Buckingham Palace, this delightful venture not only brings the monarch closer to the public but also showcases his eclectic taste in music, spanning continents and decades.
A Royal Playlist: From Kylie Minogue to Highlife Rhythms
In what could be seen as a significant royal update, King Charles has shared a selection of music that stands out to him, personally and culturally. Among the top hits on his list is “The Loco-Motion” by Kylie Minogue, a song he describes as having “infectious energy” that makes it nearly impossible for him to remain seated. This track, along with others from his show, exemplifies the kind of universal appeal and joyful energy the King appreciates in his music choices.
But it’s not just pop hits that capture his heart. The King expressed a deep appreciation for Ghanaian Highlife music, a genre he first encountered during a visit to Ghana in the 1970s. His recollections of the music’s “pulsating rhythm” paint a vivid picture of the cultural immersion and joy he experienced. It’s this very rhythm that prompted him, decades later, to dance along to tracks by Daddy Lumba—considered by many as one of Ghana’s greatest musicians—during his most recent visit in 2018.
Diana Ross and the Dance of Diplomacy
Beyond the Commonwealth, King Charles also holds a fondness for American music icons like Diana Ross. Her hit “Upside Down,” he notes, is one of his particular favorites. The song brings back memories of his younger days when he found it “absolutely impossible not to get up and dance” to its tunes. His humorous pondering over whether he can still manage those moves today adds a personal touch to his royal persona, showcasing his lighter, more relatable side.
Music: A Bridge Across Cultures
The King’s musical selections do more than just entertain; they serve as a metaphor for the unity and diversity within the Commonwealth itself. He eloquently noted that these songs, each from “many different styles and many different cultures,” share a “love of life, in all its richness and diversity.” This statement underscores his vision of music as a unifying force, echoing his ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural diversity within the Commonwealth nations.
In sharing these personal anecdotes and musical favorites, King Charles invites the world into a more intimate space, one where royalty and common interests meet. His new radio show, “The King’s Music Room,” is not only a royal treat but a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries, connect cultures, and perhaps, get a King to dance.