Elton John’s Rocket Hour is adding King Charles III to its guest list for a November 14, 2026 special marking The King’s Trust’s 50th anniversary and Charles’s 78th birthday. Apple Music and Buckingham Palace announced the episode on November 12, according to 9to5Mac. Source
MacRumors reports that the conversation was recorded during Charles’s October visit to Apple Music’s London studios. Source
When to listen
The special is scheduled to premiere on Apple Music 1 at 9 a.m. GMT on Saturday, November 14, equivalent to 4 a.m. ET or 1 a.m. PT. That’s a fairly demanding royal appointment for U.S. listeners. Source
Further broadcasts are scheduled across Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits over the weekend, with on-demand availability planned afterward, according to 9to5Mac. Source
From Rocket Baby Dolls to the Royal Albert Hall
Charles founded the youth charity in 1976 under its original name, The Prince’s Trust, according to reporting from 9to5Mac and MacDailyNews. Source Source The conversation looks back at its musical supporters and fundraising history, including concerts at Wembley Arena and the Royal Albert Hall, according to MacRumors. Source
MacRumors reports that Muse received a grant to buy sound equipment when it was still called Rocket Baby Dolls, then returned to raise money for the charity with a Royal Albert Hall concert in 2018. A sound-equipment grant with an excellent second act. Source
The episode’s music selections also include Raye and Skye Newman, according to MacRumors. Source
“If you champion a young artist and show you believe in them, it makes all the difference,” John said, as quoted by MacDailyNews. Source
That focus on young talent extends to Apple’s work with the charity. MacRumors reports that the recording coincided with the introduction of Apple x King’s Trust Creative Labs, an education initiative offering young adults practical experience with creative technology. The first workshops took place in October and focused on music and creative industries. Source
Comments