King Charles Crafts Playlist With Apple Music as Kylie Minogue, Bob Marley and Raye Make Royal Cut

What connects pint-sized pop princess Kylie Minogue, reggae legend Bob Marley, disco diva Grace Jones, recent Oscar ceremony singer Raye and afrobeats icon Davido? That’s right, they’re all on King Charles‘ playlist.

The British monarch has made a rare regal venture into the world of music, teaming with Apple Music on both a collection of tracks and special broadcast to go out later this month.

“The King’s Music Room,” described as a “celebration of music from across the Commonwealth chosen by His Majesty King Charles III,” was recorded at Buckingham Palace in Charles’ office and is said to offer an “exclusive insight” into the King’s relationship with music.

“Throughout my life, music has meant a great deal to me.” said Charles in his introductory remarks for the broadcast. “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.”

Among those featured are Minogue, Marley, Jones, Davido and Raye and includes artists Apple Music says stretch back to 1930s crooners, while in the broadcast — recorded to mark this year’s Commonwealth Day on March 10 — the King shares anecdotes about his encounters with some of the stars and reveals why the songs help form “the soundtrack to his life.”

“Human curation has always been a key pillar of our unique editorial approach,” said Apple Music’s global head of content and editorial, Rachel Newman. “Apple Music Radio is where culture is happening worldwide, and we are honoured that King Charles III chose to share his personal playlist with us, and with music fans around the world.”

Added Errollyn Wallen, Master of The King’s Music: “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’s Music Room” will premiere on Apple Music 1 on March 10 at 6 a.m. in the U.K. with additional broadcasts throughout Monday and Tuesday.