Elton John is set to welcome King Charles as a guest on a special edition of his Apple Music show, Rocket Hour, airing this Saturday, November 14. The episode marks two milestones: the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, the charity founded by Charles in 1976, and his 78th birthday. It also happens to be the first Rocket Hour episode recorded in Apple Music’s new radio studios in London.
Since its debut in July 2015, Rocket Hour has become a platform where Elton John blends new tracks, classic hits, and interviews with various artists. Over 470 episodes have aired so far, including standout moments featuring Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, and Noel Gallagher, as well as specials celebrating big milestones like the show’s 300th episode. This weekend’s show adds King Charles to that list as figure reflecting on his decades-long work through music with The King’s Trust.
What to Expect & When to Tune In
The special Rocket Hour with King Charles will premiere on Apple Music 1 at 9 a.m. GMT (that’s 4 a.m. ET and 1 a.m. PT) this Saturday. The episode will also air throughout the weekend on both Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Hits. For those who can’t catch it live, the show will be available on demand after the broadcast.
Listeners will get more than just a conversation about music. Elton John and King Charles look back on the history of benefit concerts—from iconic rock galas at Wembley Arena in the 1980s to performances at Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, and other major venues—framed through the lens of how music has supported charitable efforts tied to the royal’s longstanding philanthropic work.
Rise of Apple Music’s London’s Studio
This is the first Rocket Hour episode to be recorded in Apple Music’s newly established London radio studio—a sign of the platform investing more heavily in regional production and original content outside its U.S. hubs. With its reach through Apple Music 1 and Hits, Apple continues pushing to make global voices and events key parts of its programming strategy.
For access, the show requires an Apple Music subscription—monthly or via Apple One. Listeners can expect this episode or others they’re interested in to be available on demand after its initial broadcast window.
Why this matters: This special represents more than a star guest—it blends royal patronage, music history, and philanthropy. It underscores both the enduring cultural influence of benefit concerts and Apple Music’s growing ambitions in live and original audio content.
