King Charles launched a podcast.

When someone has to do nothing but be a king, it makes you wonder why?

The easier answer is attention, status, money, etc.

And of course, for Apple, this is clearly their way of competing with Spotify and Amazon podcast exclusives.

It promotes Apple Music and Podcasts at the same time, which is a win-win for their ecosystem.

But there's something else that makes this genre something that people fall in love with.

I've seen it over and over since 2012.

The celebrities and public figures that continue to pour time and energy into podcasting even when they don't have to.

This medium is not forgiving if you are fake. People can detect authenticity like it's a sixth sense.

Just look at what's going on with Meghan Markle's new cooking show on Netflix.

No amount of money and power can force a connection with viewers and listeners.

It can only help you tap into what's there at a much faster rate.

So what is it that makes King Charles come off the throne and get behind the mic?

My guess is 4 things in addition to the above:

1. Trust

Podcasting creates an intimate connection with listeners. For someone like King Charles, whose public image has been carefully managed for decades, a podcast offers a unique opportunity to build trust directly with the public. The long-form, conversational nature allows listeners to hear his unfiltered thoughts, creating a sense of transparency that royal press releases simply can't match.

Takeaway for creators: Don't hide behind slick production.

Your listeners crave authenticity.

Share genuine stories, admit when you don't know something, and be consistent. Trust is built episode by episode, not overnight.

2. Sovereignty

While Charles may be sovereign in title, podcasting gives him editorial sovereignty. Unlike traditional royal communications filtered through press offices and protocol, a podcast gives him control over his own narrative.

In a world where the monarchy is constantly analyzed and criticized, having a platform where he sets the agenda is invaluable.

Takeaway for creators: Own your platform and voice. In a world of algorithms and gatekeepers, your podcast is the one place where you make the rules.

Don't just chase trends.

Develop a clear vision for your show and stick to it, even when growth seems slow.

3. Expression

The constraints of royal life are legendary. Podcasting offers Charles a creative outlet where he can discuss his lifelong passion for music—a subject close to his heart but rarely highlighted in his public duties.

"The King's Music Room" allows him to share his personal taste, musical knowledge, and the stories behind his favorite pieces in a way that formal royal engagements never could.

The medium allows his enthusiasm and personality to shine through in a way that's impossible in brief public appearances or written statements.

Takeaway for creators: Podcasting rewards depth and passion. Don't just cover topics—explore your unique perspective on them.

The creators who sustain long-term success are those who genuinely love what they're discussing and bring their full personality to the table.

Like Charles sharing his musical favorites, your authentic enthusiasm for your subject matter will resonate with listeners far more than any polished performance.

4. Legacy

At 76, legacy is undoubtedly on Charles's mind. Podcasting creates a permanent, accessible record of his thoughts and voice for future generations.

While the monarchy itself is his primary legacy, a podcast allows him to share his personal perspective on his role in history and the causes he champions.

Takeaway for creators: Your podcast is building something lasting. Each episode becomes part of your body of work.

Think beyond download numbers and consider the long-term impact of your content. What conversations are you starting? What ideas are you preserving?

The Illusion of Spontaneity

Let's be real: King Charles isn't sitting down with a Blue Yeti and hitting record.

His podcast undoubtedly involves teams of producers, editors, and royal communications experts carefully crafting each episode.

There's likely extensive pre-planning, topic approval, and post-production editing to ensure nothing too controversial makes the final cut.

Yet the genius lies in creating the perception of unfiltered access.

The podcast format itself—intimate, conversational, seemingly off-the-cuff—gives listeners the feeling they're getting the "real" Charles, even when every word has likely been vetted.

It's a calculated risk that balances royal dignity with human connection.

Takeaway for creators: You don't need a royal budget to learn from this strategy. The art is in making your preparation invisible.

The podcasts that sound the most natural are often the ones with the most preparation.

Do your research, plan your talking points, but deliver them as if they're spontaneous insights. Your listeners will feel the authenticity even in a carefully produced show.

What's fascinating about the King's podcast venture is that it represents a modern evolution of how royalty connects with subjects.

From royal portraits to television broadcasts of the Queen's Christmas message, to now, intimate audio conversations.

The medium may change, but the pursuit of connection remains constant.

For those of us in the podcasting world, it's yet another validation of what we've known all along—there's something magical about the human voice that transcends status, wealth, and even a royal title. If it works for a king who seems impossible to relate to, imagine what it can do for you.

Your Podcasting Journey Isn't Royal And That's Your Advantage

While we can learn from King Charles's podcast strategy, let's acknowledge the obvious: your podcasting journey looks nothing like his. And that's actually your secret weapon.

You don't have a royal communications team or Netflix-level production budget.

You don't have millions of built-in followers or press coverage for your launch.

And most importantly, you don't have the constraints of a royal title limiting what you can say.

Your podcast strategy needs to be fundamentally different.

As a non-celebrity creator, you're building from zero, finding your voice in real-time, and creating authentic connections without the safety net of fame or fortune.

Ready to develop a podcasting strategy that works for real creators, not royalty?

I'm offering free 30-minute podcast strategy sessions to help you own your means of production.

We'll discuss your unique voice, content strategy, and growth plan tailored to where you are right now—not where King Charles is.

Click here to book your free strategy session and turn your podcasting passion into a platform that resonates, even without a crown.

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In your corner,

Misbah Haque

Founder & Consultant at Pod Mahal​

Writer & Host of Habit Chess​
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P.S. Get instant access to my Pod Mahal Notion Workspace with over 30 customizable templates designed to crush every podcast bottleneck you'll face along the way.