The British monarchy is an institution of mystery, intrigue, and—let’s be honest—a whole lot of pomp and circumstance. But every once in a while, we get a rare glimpse behind the gilded curtain. And what could be more revealing than the musical preferences of King Charles III? Yes, the man who spent decades waiting for the top job has a playlist, and it's as delightfully perplexing as you’d expect.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
1. A Royal Soundtrack: The Expected Picks
King Charles’ playlist, unsurprisingly, includes classical music. This is the man who has spent his entire life dressed like he’s about to either knight someone or host an elaborate fox hunt, so of course, he appreciates the finer compositions. Bach? Check. Beethoven? Check. Chopin? Naturally. If we had to guess, he probably listens to Mozart while having his morning tea, contemplating how much more impressive the British Empire used to be.
Why It’s Telling:
This selection screams, “I am a man of culture.” The monarchy thrives on being perceived as the epitome of refinement, so you can bet Charles’ Spotify Wrapped would be filled with dead composers whose music exudes an aura of wealth and power. The man isn’t exactly queuing up Dua Lipa in between official engagements.
2. Jazz Hands: A Royal Surprise
One unexpected delight? Charles allegedly has a soft spot for jazz. We’re talking about the smooth, velvety tones of Diana Krall, the timeless magic of Duke Ellington, and the soulful stylings of Louis Armstrong. Who knew?
Why It’s Telling:
Jazz is the genre of improvisation and free-flowing creativity, two things the royal family isn’t exactly famous for. It suggests that beneath all the stiff royal protocol, Charles might secretly long for a little spontaneity in his life. Maybe in another timeline, he’s a saxophonist jamming at some underground club instead of presiding over centuries-old traditions.
3. Musical Theatre Mania: The King Likes a Show Tune
Oh, but it gets better! King Charles has also expressed a love for musical theatre. Think "My Fair Lady," "Les Misérables," and "Phantom of the Opera." Just picture it: the King of England dramatically belting out "I Dreamed a Dream" in front of a mirror at Buckingham Palace.
Why It’s Telling:
This is a man who has spent his entire life on the grandest stage imaginable, with the world watching his every move. A love for musical theatre makes perfect sense—he relates to the larger-than-life drama, the intricate storytelling, and the overwhelming burden of destiny. Also, let’s be honest: when you’ve been raised in a family with as many plot twists as the Windsors, an Andrew Lloyd Webber score probably feels downright relatable.
4. A Love for Folk and Rock: The Earthy Side of Royalty
Believe it or not, Charles also has a fondness for folk and classic rock. He has admitted to enjoying artists like Leonard Cohen, The Three Degrees, and even The Beatles. Yes, the King of England enjoys a bit of counterculture music from a time when Britain was arguably more interesting.
Why It’s Telling:
There’s something oddly charming about imagining King Charles listening to "Hey Jude" while pondering foreign policy. It also suggests he might fancy himself as a bit of a ‘man of the people.’ He may live in palaces, but he enjoys the music of the everyman (well, at least the everyman of 50 years ago).
5. No Pop, No Problem?
Notably absent from Charles’ musical preferences? Modern pop music. There’s no evidence to suggest that he’s out here blasting Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, or Harry Styles.
Why It’s Telling:
It’s not exactly shocking that a septuagenarian monarch isn’t tuning into the latest pop bangers. But it does cement the idea that Charles’ taste in music is firmly rooted in the past—much like the institution he represents. If he ever does add a Beyoncé track to his playlist, it would probably be something like "Irreplaceable" (which, ironically, is exactly what the monarchy claims to be).
The Ultimate Conclusion
So, what does King Charles’ playlist reveal? It tells us that he is exactly what we think he is—a man of tradition, a little unexpected in his love for jazz, and perhaps a tiny bit dramatic (but then again, who wouldn’t be, given the family history?). His musical taste is refined, nostalgic, and mostly free of any modern influence, which is probably just the way he likes it.
And hey, at least he’s not secretly a fan of death metal. That would be a whole different conversation.