Royal History Geeks

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are rarely out of the news.  Recent months have seen critics decry the "failure" of their commercial ventures.  Harry has intervened in global politics and the duchess described herself as the most trolled woman of the last decade.We discuss recent events and what the ongoing Sussex saga means for the monarchy.

We recap the latest events and reactions in the ever-unfolding drama around the former Duke of York.  As revelations continue to surface we analyse the consequences for the wider Royal family and the legacy of Elizabeth II.

Unedited and unpolished.  What does this mean for Andrew?  What does this mean for the monarchy?

Christmas represents a high-profile time in the Royal calendar, as the world watches the family make their way to church on Christmas Day.  Recent weeks however, have also given us plenty of unexpected events to discuss. The Queen bravely shares her story of an incident of assault. The King offers a (somewhat, but not very) controversial message, and James and Gareth express some sympathy for the Duchess of Sussex.We also caught up with Philippa Lacey from British History Tours, who is hosting the "Online History Festival" from 20-22 March.  It  will explore six defining moments from British history.  You can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/defini...Also, Gareth talks about "Heated Rivalry". A lot. But we edited most of it out.

The King's decision to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of all Royal accolades has raised serious questions about the way styles and titles work in Britain.  We had the pleasure of catching up with Jason Loch, an expert on the British constitution, to discuss the intricacies and history of the title system.Unfortunately the interview is a little quiet, so put your volume up when you listen.You can read Jason's work at his blog: https://venerablepuzzle.wordpress.com/Jason was also kind enough to send links to the various docs we discussed:https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/488 (1864 Letters Patent declaring styles and titles of the Royal Family)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/487 (1917 Letters Patent declaring styles and titles of Princes and Princesses)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/374 (1957 Letters Patent conferring the title of Prince on the Duke of Edinburgh)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/359 (1996 Letters Patent declaring that a Prince's former wife loses HRH)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/358 (2012 Letters Patent granting princely status to children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/486 (2025 Letters Patent removing Andrew's style of Royal Highness and title of Prince)https://cbaionline.org/corpus/items/show/485 (2025 Royal Warrant directing the Secretary of State to remove Andrew from the Roll of the Peerage)

November was another busy month in Royal news.  Royal commentator James Taylor joins RHG creator Gareth Streeter to discuss the stories that hit headlines in  recent weeks.Following the Andrew fallout, the Royal finances are inevitably back under the spotlight.  Meghan continues to divide opinion with her content.  The Royal assemble at the cenotaph to remember our heroic veterans.  We discuss a range of new books including a new publication by Diana's former private secretary.We also caught up with historian Lauren Johnson to discuss her spell-binding new factual book on Margaret Beaufort, the mother of the Tudor dynasty.

To prevent our October 2025 "Royal roundup" being dominated by the fall of the Yorks, we have devoted an entire bonus episode to the topic.We discuss the events that led up to Andrew's fall, the sanctions placed upon him and impact on the future of the monarchy.Apologies for the slightly dodgy sound in places.  Hopefully it doesn't impact enjoyment.

The King and Queen make an historic visit to the Vatican with the King, head of the Church of England praying publicly with the Bishop of Rome.  William gives a controversial - and unexpected -  interview to Eugene Levy and hints at changes to come under his watch.  Join us as we review the Royal month that was October.We also spoke to Royal historian Gareth Russell about the North America release of his groundbreaking book: "The Six loves of James I".In order to prevent this month being dominated by the fall of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, we have released a separate podcast exploring that topic.

Join us as we review the Royal comings and goings of September 2025.From the sad death of the Duchess of Kent to the bells and whistles of Trump's state visits, September was saturated with Royal news.  The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were back in the headlines.  Toward the end of the month, the Duchess of York saw any credibility she had managed to claw back crumble as unfortunate emails came back to haunt her.In this month's "history corner" we speak to Dr Elizabeth Norton, author of "Women Who Ruled the World: 5000 years of female monarchy.

In the final part of our series on the Abdication crisis of 1936, we answer your questions.With Royal History Geeks creator, Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor.

The reign of King Edward VIII is over.  Now, the newly created Duke of Windsor begins his exile.  Painfully for Edward, he must wait several long months before he can make Wallis his Duchess.  This episode briefly explores the aftermath of the Abdication crisis. During this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor explore: The immediate 'logistics' around the Duke's relocation A glimpse of happiness at the end of the worst year of Queen Mary's lifeThe controversy around the Windsor's wedding, the date and the lack of Royal attendanceThe (questionably legal) decision to deny Wallis the HRH styleThe Duke and Duchess's Nazi links and role in the warThe "snub" to the Windsor's at Princess Elizabeth's weddingThe ultimate death of the Duke and later the Duchess

After six weeks of build up, it is finally time to explore the actual Abdication of Edward VIII - the only truly voluntary surrendering of the throne in history.It this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor explore:The "last supper" where the Prime Minister tries to convince the King to stay but is denied a bed for the nightThe Duke of York and his last-minute preparations for the crownThe Cabinet's rush to prepare the legislation for AbdicationBaldwin's surprisingly spectacular Commons performance and the beginnings of the romantic myth of the crisisQueen Mary's subtle sign of support for the governmentThe arrangements for Edward's future including title and incomeEdward's master piece of a broadcast to the nationAlthough Edward has now left the throne, this is not the end of the series.  Next week we shall explore the aftermath.

In this episode we pause the continuity of the crisis to take a look at how the events of 1936 affected members of the Royal family.Despite it having huge repercussions on their lives, Britain's premier pedigree were not major players in the crisis (apart from the King, of course).  However, this is a ROYAL history podcast so we wanted to take a moment to look at events from the family's vantage point.In this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:Queen Mary, her background and reaction to the crisisThe Duke and Duchess of York's fears as they prepare to assume powerThe beginnings of the Duchess of York's (later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) feud with Wallis SimpsonThe closeness between Edward VIII and Princess Mary, the Princess RoyalThe wayward Duke of Kent and how some thought he should be KingThe cool relationship between Henry, Duke of Gloucester and his eldest brotherThis episode also features comments by Elizabeth Basford, author of "Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess."

When the story of the King's relationship with the twice-divorced Wallis Simpson broke in the British press, Edward VIII believed his abdication was inevitable.  But for a brief moment on the 4th and 5th of December, it looked as if a flicker of public support might light a path for his survival.In the latest episode of "Royal Revolutions", RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:Wallis's tumultuous escape from Britain to FranceThe motivations of the King's supportersThe media reaction and hints of public support for the KingWhy Harry Enfield ruined a teenage Gareth's life back in the 90sWallis's latest attempts to break it off with the KingThe King's planned broadcast appeal that never airedBaldwin's fears of the constitutional settlement being overturnedWinston Churchill's outspoken role in the crisisConcerns about the legality of Wallis's divorceWe are again joined by historian Adrian Phillips who helps us make sense of the so-called "King's Party".

As Wallis Simpson awaits her divorce hearing, the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, pleads with Edward VIII to change course.  From that moment, the relationship between the King and Mrs Simpson becomes an official issue of government business and the event can truly be called a constitutional crisis.In the latest episode of our series on the abdication crisis, James Taylor and Gareth Streeter discuss:The King’s attitude toward the Prime Minister and the governmentWallis’s divorce and the falloutThe King’s dinner with Queen Mary, when he broke the news that he intended to marry Mrs SimpsonThe idea of a morganatic marriage and the attempts to find a compromiseA controversial speech by an obscure BishopThe breaking of the story in the pressWe were also joined by historian Adrian Phillips to learn more about Stanley Baldwin and his attitude toward the crisis.

What are your burning Royal history questions?  Over twixmas, Gareth will do his best to answer them...

As the events of 1936 heat up, the King abandons the traditional Balmoral summer for a pleasure cruise of the Balkans.  The world media goes crazy for pictures of the King and Mrs Simpson.  The pressure begins to get too much for Wallis. In this episode, Royal commentator James Taylor joins RHG founder, Gareth Streeter to discuss: Churchill's "failure" to tell the King and Wallis what they want to hearEdward's "sulky" attitude toward his dutiesWhy someone, please, in the name of mercy, needs to think of the poor debutantesWhether Wallis was intelligentObservations of Edward and Wallis's behaviour on the Balkan trip, based on eye-witness testimonyWallis's attempt to break it all offThe King abandoning his duties to collect Wallis from Aberdeen stationGareth also embarks on a rant about Edward acting like a rebel within the system, rather than the head of the system with real agency to make change if only he had the courage to confront.

The second part in our series on the Abdication crisis of 1936. Edward VIII ascends the throne and immediately begins a subtle but determined campaign to position Wallis Simpson as his consort. But even without the dangers posed by Wallis, Edward soon begins to ruffle feathers.  Among government, fears abound around the new King's reliability, capability and political instincts. This episode again sees Royal commentator James Taylor team up with RHG founder, Gareth Streeter to discuss the unfolding crisis.  It also features a guest interview with Adrian Phillips, author of "The King who had to go". We discuss:The circumstances of Edward's ascension and his immediate decision to break protocol by watching his own proclamation with WallisConcerns about the new King's reliability and work ethicThe early intervention of Cosmo Lang and Edward's relationship with this seasoned Archbishop of CanterburyThe politics of the 1930s and the circumstances that made Edward's German sympathies more difficult to manageA potential plot to assassinate the King?Wallis Simpson's first steps in divorcing her husband Ernest Unfortunately, there are a few moments in this episode where there is bit of feedback sound.  RHG apologies for this but wants to reassure you that such distractions only crop up a few times and last for just a few seconds. 

This episode was originally part of the "Royal Revolutions" series, broadcast in December 2024.The love affair between Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson could never have been a truly private matter.  But when their relationship began in 1934 few could have predicted that it would lead to Britain's most recent Royal Revolution. Royal commentator James Taylor once again joins RHG founder, Gareth Streeter.  They discuss:  - The upbringing and early life of Edward and Wallis - Life in the early twentieth century Royal family - George V and Queen Mary's parenting skills - The character, personality and limits of the dashing but dangerous Edward, Prince of Wales - The Prince's love affairs with Freda Dudley Ward and Thelma Furness - Wallis and Edward's meeting and early relationship - The King and Queen's reactions - Wallis and her husband Ernest's motivations for tangling with the Prince

Today marks the paperback release of “Spare” – the tell all biography written by the Duke of Sussex. It’s now been some years since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back as working members of the Royal family.  Now that the dust – to at least some extent – has settled – it’s possible to review that decision, and the controversies that followed with an open mind and a level head.  During this two-part podcast, this is what we have tried to do. In part 2, Royal commentator James Taylor and history writer Gareth Streeter discuss:The Netflix series and the background (as far as we understand it) of the dealThe treatment of the Duchess of Sussex in aspects of the UK media and how this compares with the way the Princess of Wales is discussedThe importance of source criticism in dealing with any mediaThe book Spare, and why Gareth got too angry to finish itHarry’s bravery and honesty in being vulnerable about his mental healthThe book’s strengths and weaknesses

Today marks the paperback release of “Spare” – the tell all biography written by the Duke of Sussex. It’s now been some years since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to step back as working members of the Royal family.  Now that the dust – to at least some extent – has settled – it’s possible to review that decision, and the controversies that followed with an open mind and a level head.  In this two-part podcast, this is what we have tried to do. During this podcast, Royal commentator James Taylor and history writer Gareth Streeter discuss: Harry and Meghan’s engagement and initial clash with the mediaThe Royal wedding and the huge optimism that surrounded itThe couple’s early married life as working RoyalsTheir decision to step backThe “Sandringham summit” and the Royal family’s responseThe controversial Oprah Winfrey interviewHow Royal titles work and the reason that the couple’s children were not initially a Prince and Princess

A year ago, the world was rocked by the release of the “missing Princes project” interim findings.  A new book and TV documentary on the “Princes in the Tower” followed hot on the heels.  The epic Philippa Langley was the driving force behind all three.Okay, so it may have been a relatively niche portion of the world that was “rocked” by this release.  But we Royal history geeks were curiously captivated.In this video, history writer Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss the books strengths and weaknesses.We cover:·       The background and merits of the "missing Princes project"·       The positives of the book and corresponding TV show·       The problem with biases in historical research·       Our big issues with the book's approach to source criticism·       The opportunities for the future of the project·       Our fears that the quest to prove Richard III’s innocence will undermine the genuine historical value of the project·       Whether the bones supposedly belonging to Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York should be subject to DNA examinationsPlease note that this episode was recorded several months before broadcast.  As such, some topical references will be out of date.

Welcome to the Royal History Geeks podcast.  This is a "catch all" channel where we post content from all our other series.  That said, there will be some original content here.If you prefer to listen to a series as a discrete unit, go to Royalhistorygeeks/podcasts to check out what we do...

Gone but never forgotten.It's been one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.Royal commentator, James Taylor and history writer, Gareth Streeter reflect on the late Queen's passing, her reign and her legacy.As well as discussing news of Elizabeth's death and the public reaction, the discussion explores crucial moments from the Queen's reign.This episode was originally broadcast on September 8 2023

A special bonus episode in the "Coronation catastrophes" podcast.Royal commentator, James Taylor and history writer, Gareth Streeter, discuss the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.This episode was originally broadcast on June 20 2023

In 1838, Britain was in the midst of a new dawn.  Following the years of George III’s mental illness and the debauchery of his sons, a new, young Queen had come to the throne the previous year.While other coronation ceremonies may have been beset with problems ahead of the event but were alright on the night, Victoria’s coronation didn’t live up to that adage.There was much confusion about the form of service, she was made to wait around an interminable amount of time, an elderly peer was almost injured paying homage and the Queen left the abbey with a very painful finger.In this episode, we look at the events of this tumultuous ceremony and, using the Queen’s own words, we explore some of the familial relations within the Royal Family itself at the time.This episode was originally broadcast on May 8 2023

The marriage between George IV and Caroline of Brunswick was doomed from the start.  Their mutual dislike - which festered from their first meeting - was about the only thing they could agree on.Estranged within two years, George eventually managed to exile his hated wife to the continent.  But when he eventually ascended the throne, Caroline returned to claim her place as Queen.Initially, Caroline rode a wave of public support rendering the King unable to secure a divorce.  So when he decided to bar her from the coronation, she tried and force her way in.In this episode, we explore the history of the unhappy couple, the accusations that were levied against Caroline and the surge in popularity she enjoyed as the public rallied to the cause of a wronged woman.This episode was originally broadcast on May 8 2023

When Henry VIII ascended the throne in 1509 he was weeks shy of his 18th birthday.  Most would have assumed that the young King would be crowned alone.However, shortly after taking the throne, Henry announced that he was to marry the resident Spanish Princess, Katherine of Aragon.  The Infanta was the widow of Henry's brother Arthur and had once been betrothed to the new King himself.The marriage would not end well.  But for Katherine, Henry's decision to marry her was more than a grand romantic gesture.  It rescued her from seven years of obscurity, isolation and genteel poverty.This episode explores the history of the couple from their first meeting in 1501 to their eventual nuptials and speculates as to why Henry was in such a rush to take a wife.This episode was originally broadcast on May 3 2023

After his ultimate and unlikely victory at Bosworth in August 1485, many expected Henry VII to quickly marry the Princess Elizabeth of York.  This would have restored the "true" Royal line to the throne.  It was Henry's promise to marry Elizabeth that had caused many of his men to support him.  But, much to the likely horror of the nobility, Henry announced that he was to be crowned alone.  The coronation ceremony was hastily rewritten to remove the role of Queen Consort and much of the political class were likely left wondering if Henry was ever going to come true on his promise.In this episode we explore the practical, ceremonial and political ramifications of Henry’s decisions and speculate about the motivations and factors that shaped his strategy.This episode was originally broadcast on May 2 2023

In Gareth's new book "Do Let's Have Another Drink" the late Queen Mother steps forth as a figure of fun, a staunch defender of tradition and a woman you did not want to make an enemy of.RHG caught up with Gareth to learn more about his new book and the life of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.If you enjoy what Gareth has to say, consider buying "Do Let’s Have Another Drink: The Singular Wit and Double Measures of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother".This episode was originally broadcast on March 6 2023

Gareth Russell is emerging as one of the strongest narrative historians of a generation.  He has penned books on Catherine Howard, the history of English Kings and the sinking of the Titanic.In this interview, Royal History Geeks asked Gareth about his research on Catherine Howard, his thoughts on the Crown season four and his obsession with Anne Boleyn.This episode was originally broadcast on March 22, 2021

Royal History Geeks caught up with Dr Owen Emmerson, residents historian and castle supervisor at Hever Castle.The magnificent Hever Castle was the home of Anne Boleyn.  We spoke to Owen about the huge role it has played in history and its importance in the lives of legendary figures.We also talked about Hever's vast collection of portraiture and explored the elusive question of what Anne Boleyn may have actually looked like.This episode was originally broadcast on 28 September 2020

Lady Margaret Beaufort was the mother of Henry VII.  She played a vital role in establishing the Tudor dynasty on the throne of England.  In recent years, she has been much maligned in popular fiction.I am joined by two authors and experts to discuss the real Margaret Beaufort.  How accurate are the depictions we see in fiction?  What were her real qualities?  What is her legacy?This episode was originally broadcast on 26 September, 2020

It was an immense privilege to sit down (over zoom) with historian and novelist, Alison Weir.Alison is responsible for some of the best researched 'narrative history' on the Tudor and Plantagenet periods.  She has written novels as well as history books.  At the time of the interview, she had just released her 5th book in the 'Six Tudor Queens' fictional series: Katherine Howard, the Tainted Queen (Scandalous Queen in the USA).Please visit Alison's website and consider buying her books from a local bookstore or online.