The Royals

Diana, Camilla, Catherine and Meghan each made the life-changing choice to marry into the House of Windsor. On the surface, it looks like a fairy tale. But what is the true cost of becoming a royal wife? And why have some adapted to life behind palace walls more easily than others?Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are joined by Simon Vigar, royal correspondent for 5 News and author of the new book, The Four Wives of Windsor, to examine the sacrifices, scrutiny and rivalries that come with marrying a prince.Why did Diana’s star power become a threat? How did Camilla transform her public image? And why did Meghan’s time in the institution unravel so quickly? They also discuss the importance of love, laughter, and why playing the long game in the royal family matters most.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.What do you think: which royal wife adapted best to life inside the House of Windsor? Get in touch: [email protected]’s book, The Four Wives of Windsor: Rivalries, Influence and the True Power Behind the Crown, is available now. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.Image: GettyProducer: Robert Wallace, Shabnam GrewalVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: How Queen Camilla became the boldest royal of the bunch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry and Meghan are reportedly moving back to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, more than six years after leaving royal life for California. But why now — and how will their return work in practice?Roya Nikkhah is joined by Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent of The Sunday Times, to discuss the Sussexes’ shock decision, the King’s reaction and what it could mean for Prince William.They also examine Harry’s security concerns, the couple’s life in America and whether their return risks creating an alternative royal court — blurring the “half-in, half-out” boundaries established at Sandringham six years ago .If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.What do you want to know about Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch us on YouTube.Read more: How Prince Harry's return complicates the royal balance of power Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry is expected to return to Britain in September, amid signs of a thaw in his relationship with King Charles. But where does that leave Prince William? And can the King rebuild ties with his younger son while keeping his heir on side?Roya Nikkhah is joined by journalist Catherine Mayer, author of Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles, and The Times columnist Hilary Rose to ask whether the Highgrove reunion marked a genuine turning point. Why does William remain unable to forgive Harry? Has his silence protected his dignity, or allowed his brother’s account to dominate? And could Harry’s growing presence in Britain force the royal family to confront their estrangement?They also discuss the role of Camilla and Catherine in managing the family conflict, the significance of Harry potentially staying at Buckingham Palace, and why next year’s Invictus Games could present Charles and William with a difficult choice.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.What do you think: can Charles rebuild his relationship with Harry while keeping William on side? Get in touch: [email protected]’s book, Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles is available now. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.Image: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch us on YouTube.Read more: Harry and Meghan’s photos show a perfect summer. Why aren’t they happy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s most senior aide, is preparing to step down after 20 years at Charles and Camilla’s side. But who will replace him as King Charles’s new right-hand man?Kate Mansey is joined by Queen Elizabeth II’s former communications secretary Simon Lewis and royal biographer Robert Hardman to enter the hidden world of royal courtiers. What do the palace’s so-called “men in grey suits” actually do? How much influence do they wield over the royal family? And what happens when their advice is ignored?Simon reveals what life was really like inside Buckingham Palace, from driving the Queen at Balmoral to advising the sovereign behind closed doors. They also discuss Prince Harry’s clashes with Sir Clive, how Andrew circumvented palace officials, and the qualities the King will need in his next principal private secretary.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch us on YouTube.Read more: Wanted: skilled diplomat who knows how to make the King laugh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry and six other high-profile claimants lost every claim in their privacy case against Associated Newspapers. Now the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday is seeking almost £10 million upfront towards a £34.5 million legal bill.Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are joined by The Times legal editor Jonathan Ames to examine who could ultimately pay — and whether Harry’s description of the judgment as a “complete and obvious whitewash” could make matters worse.They also discuss the palace’s alarm over his attack on the courts, outgoing courtier Sir Clive Alderton’s role in Harry’s battles with the press, and whether this defeat will finally bring his long-running campaign against the British press to an end.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch on YouTube.Read more: Plot to destroy the press: the real story of Harry's hacking trial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Andy Burnham becomes Britain’s new prime minister, King Charles invites his fourth leader in four years to form a government, raising fresh questions about the true extent of royal influence behind closed doors.Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Valentine Low, former royal correspondent of The Times and author of Power and the Palace, to explore how the power of the Crown really works. What does King Charles and Andy Burnham's surprising history tell us about the future of their relationship? And what happens when royal interests collide with government priorities?Valentine book's, Power and the Palace: How the Royals Exercise Political Influence is available now. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceVideo Producer: Eve ChadbournExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch on YouTube.Read more: Palace refused to have post-Brexit deal signed at Windsor Castle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with Archie and Lilibet for a strictly private reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove. There were no photographs, few official details and — unusually — no briefing war afterwards.Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah reveal what they know about the meeting, why Camilla’s presence was so significant, and how Harry felt afterwards. They also ask whether the reunion can lead to a lasting reconciliation while Prince William remains outside the thaw.But Harry’s reunion came amid the fallout from his High Court defeat against Associated Newspapers. His description of the judgment as a “whitewash” reportedly left palace aides with their “jaws on the floor”.So can Harry rebuild trust with his father while continuing his public battles with the press and the British establishment — and can he finally become a peacetime prince?Next week, incoming prime minister Andy Burnham meets the King — what would you like to know about that relationship? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaWatch on YouTube.Read more: Palace 'jaws were on the floor' after Prince Harry's judiciary attack Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry is back in Britain for events linked to the Invictus Games — but what should have been a visit focused on his charity work has become a full blown Sussex-Palace psychodrama. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey unpack a bruising week for the Duke of Sussex: a humiliating High Court defeat against the publishers of the Daily Mail, a row over Buckingham Palace accommodation, unresolved security concerns, and uncertainty over whether Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will come to the UK. Was this ever an opening for reconciliation with the royal family — or does every return to Britain now risk becoming another palace crisis?Has Harry overplayed his hand - or has the palace acted coldly? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: Harry, the Duke of Hazard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is a former SAS soldier who became one of the royal family’s most trusted insiders – serving the Queen Mother, guiding Princes William and Harry through their early public lives, playing a key role in Prince William and Kate’s 2011 royal wedding, and later becoming godfather to Prince George.This week on The Royals, Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah speak to Jamie about what it takes to prepare young royals for public duty, and what he learnt about William’s future as king, Harry’s bond with the military and Kate's quiet confidence. And as the royal family becomes increasingly slimmed-down, what can his experience tell us about the challenges facing the next generation?Jamie's novel, Beyond the Edge of Light, is available from 9th July. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.Got a question? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert Wallace, Shabnam Grewal, Harry BlighExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: Kate, Wills and Harry's confidant: the man who kept their secrets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles and Prince William have revealed their personal tax bills for the first time, in a historic moment for royal financial transparency. But the disclosures come as the Sovereign Grant rises to £132.1 million, with core royal household funding set to double in the next three years.This week on The Royals, Kate Mansey is joined by Katie Tarrant, Whitehall correspondent for The Sunday Times, to unpack the Sovereign Grant report. They discuss why the King and Queen will not move back into Buckingham Palace after its £369 million reservicing programme, how William is responding to scrutiny over Dartmoor Prison rental income, and what the accounts reveal about Duchy wealth, public funding and value for money. Is the Palace’s new transparency push enough to answer critics – or does it simply open the door to more questions about royal money?Is this a new era of royal transparency? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: King Charles and Prince William pay more than £50m in tax Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Trooping the Colour to Garter Day and Royal Ascot, this was the week the royal family put on their grandest annual display of glamour and spectacle. This week on The Royals, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by the historian and author A.N. Wilson to ask whether these massive public events still have a place in modern Britain.They look beyond the carriages, uniforms and hats to discuss what these public ceremonies are designed to achieve for the monarchy and the country. At a time of protests, scandal, a smaller working royal family and growing scrutiny over royal wealth, is pageantry still the monarchy’s best way of proving its value, or does the institution now have to work harder to justify the show?Do the royals justify the pageantry? Get in touch: [email protected] Roya won! But you can still donate to Roya’s racing challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support through JustGiving.Image: GettyProducer: Robert Wallace, Shabnam GrewalExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: To shake off Andrew, royals must pay their way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From palace homes for non-working royals to "peppercorn" rents and subletting arrangements, the fallout from a major royal property investigation continues. This week on The Royals, Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are joined by The Times investigations reporter George Greenwood to examine why the National Audit Office report has struck such a chord. They discuss reports that the King is reviewing Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s rent arrangements, and Prince William’s hints at reform when he becomes king. So, what could this mean ahead of the renewal of the Sovereign Grant and a parliamentary inquiry into royal finances? And how much of this stems from the public outcry over Andrew’s Royal Lodge lease?Have a question about royal finances? Get in touch: [email protected] can donate to Roya’s racing challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support through JustGiving.Image: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: Cosy property deals hurt the monarchy - here's how to fix them Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As police widen their inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, a major National Audit Office report has disclosed new details about his dealings on Royal Lodge, including that he sublet three cottages on the estate for 20 years. On The Royals this week, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey analyse what the report reveals about royal property arrangements – from grace-and-favour homes to rents paid by members of the Royal Family.They are joined by The Times chief reporter Fiona Hamilton to look at the latest developments around Andrew, including reports that Buckingham Palace was handed an archive of emails in 2020 relating to Andrew’s time as trade envoy. Andrew denies wrongdoing and has not been charged with any offence.Will this trigger a turning point for royal transparency?Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: I fear the royal family will never let Andrew end up in court Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two significant developments surround the story of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. First, detectives investigating Andrew could examine allegations of sexual misconduct and corruption as part of their inquiry into potential misconduct in public office. Andrew has not been charged and denies all wrongdoing. Secondly, newly released government files show that it was the late Queen’s wish for Andrew to take on the prominent trade envoy role now under scrutiny.Roya Nikkhah is joined by The Sunday Times’s Whitehall correspondent Katie Tarrant to discuss the latest police developments and unpack the government files. We also hear from Fiona Hamilton, chief reporter for The Times, on the Thames Valley Police briefing. Image: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: The Andrew files - read the documents in full Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As scrutiny grows over royal wealth, property and privilege, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey ask whether Prince William is becoming more transparent about royal finances – or being pushed into openness. They examine new details about the Prince and Princess of Wales’s annual rent at Forest Lodge, The Sunday Times’s reporting on William’s tax bill, and the ripple effect of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s peppercorn rent deal at Royal Lodge. Will Humphries, southwest and countryside correspondent forThe Times, joins to explain his investigation into changes at the Duchy of Cornwall, from tenant farmers in Devon to William’s plans to sell off part of the estate and invest in housing, renewable energy and communities.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: Inside the £1bn property empires of King Charles and William Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following the King’s diplomatic success during his state visit to the US, the Princess of Wales stepped back onto the international stage with a visit to the Italian city of Reggio Emilia. Four years on from her last official overseas visit, aides say the Princess is “taking it up a gear” as she resumes foreign travel following her cancer treatment. Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are in Italy with the latest from the Princess’ milestone trip. What does her star power abroad reveal about the royal family’s enduring international appeal? And what more can we expect from the Princess on the world stage in the year ahead? They also speak to Trudi Seneviratne, a consultant psychiatrist who has worked alongside the Princess on her Early Years initiative since 2017 to find out the inspiration behind Catherine’s passion for the project and what the Princess is really like to work with behind the scenes.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Natalie KtenaExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a week since King Charles’ high-stakes state visit to the US ended in diplomatic triumph. After months of difficult headlines for the royals and the US-UK relationship, many applauded the King for steadying the ship. But what does this moment tell us about the current state of the special relationship? And how does it compare to historical ups and downs? In a final dispatch from Washington, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Susan Page, Washington bureau chief of USA Today and author of the new book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History. Queen Elizabeth II met with thirteen sitting US presidents, more than any other head of state in history. Page talks us through the highs and lows of the special relationship during her reign, and discusses the role a monarch can play to keep important relationships on side. Susan Page's book, The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History.Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert Wallace, Natalie KtenaExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: King Charles flattered and chided Trump. The president loved it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a White House welcome to the Congress speech and the state dinner, this was supposed to be the day King Charles showed royal symbolism can still carry real diplomatic weight in America. But it didn't quite turn out that way. After a big day of pageantry in Washington, the visit took an extraordinary turn at the banquet, when President Donald Trump appeared to suggest that the King backed him on Iran — a remark that's triggered headlines around the world. In response to Trump's comments, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King is "naturally mindful of his government's long-standing and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation".In the immediate aftermath, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by The Times’s assistant US editor David Charter for post-match analysis on the spectacle, the tensions and the question now hanging over the visit: did royal diplomacy win the day, or has Trump seized the final word?Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: King Charles’ speech to Congress: praise, warnings and 12 standing ovations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the King lands in Washington for a high-stakes US state visit, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton joins Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey to examine the real state of the 'special relationship'. He reveals why Donald Trump is drawn to the royal family, describing his UK visits as some of the happiest moments of his presidency, and explains why that personal connection could matter more than traditional diplomacy. So, can the King can influence Trump? Or does the monarchy risk being pulled into political controversy at a particularly tense moment.Image: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: King Charles is ready for Trump, but would Elizabeth have cancelled? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virginia Giuffre made headlines worldwide after speaking out about the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein as well as his former friend, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.One year after her death, Virginia’s brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, join Roya Nikkhah to discuss her life and their loss. The anniversary comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the monarchy. In just a few days’ time, the King and Queen will travel to the United States for a state visit, with Virginia’s family now calling on the royal couple to meet with Epstein’s survivors.Should the King and Queen meet Epstein survivors during their US visit? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Dan BoxRead more: What really happened to Virginia Giuffre? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week, The Royals podcast is on the ground in Washington D.C. as the King and Queen begin a historic—and highly delicate—state visit. The royal editors of The Times and The Sunday Times, Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah, are in the capital, asking whether the monarchy can still help heal the 'special relationship' at a time of immense transatlantic tension. From the shadow of the Middle East conflict and the legacy of Epstein, to the tightrope diplomacy of the King’s meeting with President Trump, this visit faces unprecedented challenges. Subscribe to The Royals wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, we look back at the life and legacy of a monarch who came to define an age.Beloved by millions but a century after her birth, harder questions are being asked: about the institution she led, the problems left unresolved at the end of her reign, and how history should judge her.Roya Nikkhah is joined by The Times's executive editor Jeremy Griffin, and Lord Robin Janvrin, the late queen’s former private secretary and chair of her memorial committee, about the public sovereign and the private woman behind the Crown.The US state visit is next week. Can the King help repair the 'special relationship' with President Trump? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Daniel Box Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are Harry and Meghan in Australia and why now? Their four-day trip has all the hallmarks of a traditional royal tour but it has also raised questions – is this philanthropy or personal branding? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Australian royal correspondent Juliet Rieden to discuss how the visit is landing locally and what it reveals about their role on the global stage. We also turn to the mounting pressures facing Prince Harry back in Britain, including an extraordinary legal battle with his own former charity. So is this trip a show of strength or a distraction from the challenges closing in? And what does it all mean for a possible family return to the UK this summer.Queen Elizabeth II would have turned 100 next week — but how should she be remembered? And has her legacy changed in the three years since her death? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the King’s upcoming US state visit be overshadowed by the Epstein scandal? US Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-authored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, tells Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey why he believes King Charles should use his address to Congress to acknowledge the scandal and meet survivors. Plus, The Times chief US reporter Josie Ensor explains why the Epstein story risks following the Royal Family’s diplomatic work in America.Do you think the King should meet Epstein survivors? And can the King help repair the 'special relationship' with President Trump? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buckingham Palace has appointed a royal correspondent as the King’s new press secretary – what does this reveal about how King Charles wants to run his media operation? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by former palace press secretary Ailsa Anderson to explore what Rhiannon Mills' hire says about Palace communications at a moment of intense scrutiny, faster news cycles and growing pressure.So, what should a modern media approach for the monarchy look like? And does the late Queen's “never complain, never explain” mantra still work?The US state visit has been confirmed. What issues do you think the King should discuss with President Trump? Get in touch: [email protected]: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince William has addressed questions about his religion publicly for the first time, revealing to The Sunday Times his Christianity as a “quiet faith". But why has William chosen to speak now? And what does a “quiet faith” mean for a future King who will also be Supreme Governor of the Church of England?That approach was tested this week as William and Catherine attended the installation of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by The Times religious affairs correspondent Kaya Burgess to examine William’s intervention, how it differs from previous monarchs, and whether it reflects a monarchy evolving for a more secular, multi-faith Britain.Do you think William’s ‘quiet faith’ fits a modern monarchy? Or does a monarch need to be more openly religious? Get in touch: [email protected] more: Prince William confirms 'quiet faith' and new commitment to ChurchImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Questions are being raised about Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s royal titles amid renewed attention on the monarchy following the Epstein files and the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey discuss the future of the York sisters within a slimmed-down monarchy, and whether the spotlight on their roles is unfair or an inevitable consequence.Do you think Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie should keep their royal titles? Get in touch: [email protected]: Getty Producer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As King Charles and senior royals gathered for Commonwealth Day, the monarchy faced pressure on two fronts: domestic protests over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and MPs questioning whether the King’s US state visit should still go ahead amid Donald Trump’s war in Iran. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Sir Peter Westmacott, former British ambassador to the US and former deputy private secretary to King Charles, to discuss how the Palace manages crises on the world stage and why he believes the state visit next month is “problematic” if the war is still ongoing.Image: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaShould the King's US state visit go ahead? Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A fortnight on from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the crisis has shifted into constitutional territory — with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying the Government is “looking at options” on the line of succession. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey explain why succession is a matter for both Parliament and the Palace, what “removal” would actually involve, and what it could mean for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie — as well as the precedent it could set for a future monarchy under William.Image: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an extraordinary break with convention, this week MPs were allowed to debate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct and his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in the Commons. A week after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, calls are growing for transparency and even changes to the line of succession. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey ask Russell Myers, royal editor of the Daily Mirror and author of the new book about William and Catherine, what this constitutional moment means for the future of the monarchy and for William.Guest: Russell Myers, Royal Editor at The Daily Mirror & author of William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is being held in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office after police were seen at the Sandringham estate on his 66th birthday. In an unprecedented move, the King issued a statement saying the “law must take its course”. As scrutiny intensifies over Andrew’s decade as UK trade envoy and what the Epstein files appear to suggest about that period, Roya Nikkhah is joined by Harry Yorke and Charlotte Alt to talk about how this moment could affect the monarchy, and whether the institution has ever faced pressure on this scale.Guest: Harry Yorke, Deputy Political Editor, The Sunday Times.Charlotte Alt, News Reporter, The Times.Producer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles’ lifelong commitment to the environment is in the spotlight in a new Amazon Prime documentary, Finding Harmony. Tony Juniper, the King’s long-time adviser and a contributor to the film, joins Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey to discuss how Charles’s once-mocked views have gone mainstream, what influence a monarch can really have on climate, and whether sustainability will be the defining legacy of his reign.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince William met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Saudi Arabia while the monarchy continues to face a major crisis over the Epstein files. As police assess claims that Andrew shared confidential trade information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy, the King issued an unprecedented statement pledging Buckingham Palace’s full support for any investigation. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Catherine Philp to discuss whether the monarchy’s soft power can survive this scandal.Guest: Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times. Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode comes from The Story, The Times’ daily news podcast.The British royal family isn't the only European monarchy in turmoil. In Norway the Epstein files have revealed intimate conversations between the Crown Princess and future Queen, Mette-Marit, and the paedophile after he was convicted. Meanwhile, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is on trial facing charges on thirty-eight offences, including four counts of rape. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison. Could this be a fatal blow for the Norwegian royal family? And what does it tell us about the long tentacles of Jeffrey Epstein's influence in the palaces and parliaments of Europe?Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a major release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, pressure is mounting on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence to US lawmakers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged him to cooperate in the interests of Epstein’s victims, a move that pushes the controversy far beyond the Palace and into the heart of Westminster. Andrew has now also moved out of Royal Lodge, the grace-and-favour home he occupied for more than two decades, underscoring the scale of the fallout. As Labour peer Peter Mandelson faces the prospect of a police investigation over his past links to Epstein, long-held political conventions are being tested and pressure is building at the very top of government. What do these latest files really reveal, and how damaging could this moment be for Britain’s institutions? Caroline Wheeler joins Roya and Kate to unpack the consequences and what could come next.Guest: Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor, The Sunday Times.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has backtracked on his criticism of UK troops in the Afghan war. The US president’s change of tone came after concerns raised by King Charles through diplomatic channels – a move seen as a win for Britain’s soft power. Roya and Kate ask Katy Balls whether the monarchy is Britain’s way of staying at the diplomatic table, and what it could mean for the "special relationship" ahead of a key US visit.Guest: Katy Balls, Washington editor for The Times & The Sunday Times.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry has been in the High Court this week in a major privacy case against Associated Newspapers Ltd, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Roya reports from court as Harry gives evidence and the paper’s lawyers push back on claims of unlawful information gathering. Meanwhile, Kate has been in Scotland with the rest of the royal family, as the working monarchy keeps its distance. Plus, royal diplomacy is back in the spotlight: Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales will make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia next month, as questions swirl over the timing - and politics - of the much anticipated US state visit.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week, Prince Harry returns to Britain at a critical moment. Roya and Kate unpack the significance of his return — including a major High Court case, a long-running security review, and the impact both could have on family reconciliation and future visits to the UK. Could this be a turning point for Harry and the monarchy?Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a new year begins, the monarchy faces fresh tests. Roya and Kate, joined by Jeremy Griffin, look at what lies ahead – from the latest Epstein file revelations about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and scrutiny of royal finances, to a possible US state visit and Prince Harry’s return to the UK courts. So, how will the final weeks of last year shape the Crown’s challenges in the months ahead?Guests: Jeremy Griffin, executive editor, The Times and Times RadioListens: Power, politics and the PalaceImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 tested the Royal Family like few years before it. As Andrew’s long-running crisis reached its decisive moment, the monarchy also faced illness at the top, family fractures and global diplomacy. In this end-of-year special, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey look back on a year that reshaped the Crown forever.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributors: Andrew Lownie; George Greenwood, investigations reporter at The Times; Kaya Burgess, religious affairs correspondent at The Times; Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent for The Times; Max Foster, anchor and correspondent at CNN; Mark Landler, London bureau chief at The New York Times; Chiara Brown, commissioning editor at The Times LuxxProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty ImagesClips: Extracts from 'The Reluctant Traveller', an Apple Original series, courtesy of Apple TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Britain prepares to hear the King’s Christmas Broadcast, we ask what the monarch’s message can - and can’t - achieve after one of the most difficult years the institution has faced in decades. With the Andrew and Epstein link deepening scrutiny of the Crown, and public support for the monarchy at a historic low, how does the King speak to a world that is changing fast? Kate and Roya are joined by The Sunday Times Europe editor Peter Conradi to explore royal crises past and present, the power of the Christmas message, and what Charles needs to say, or carefully avoid, in his most important speech to date.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributor: Peter Conradi, Europe editor of The Sunday TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: X.com / @RoyalFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a poignant visit to a homeless charity, Prince William this week introduced his son Prince George to the family business by taking him to one of Diana’s most cherished charities. So what does this mean for the way in which the two future Kings are shaping the monarchy? In a year marked by illness, family strain and intense scrutiny, the institution is under more pressure than ever before. But there’s good news for the Windsors, too. King Charles gave a rare health update confirming his cancer treatment will be reduced in the New Year. Roya and Kate are joined by The Times health editor Eleanor Hayward to examine what these parallel moments reveal about leadership, inheritance, and how the future of the Crown is being shaped in real time.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributor: Eleanor Hayward, health editor of The TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a year marked by scandal and uncertainty, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has emerged as a figure of quiet resolve and renewed influence within the Royal Family. Roya and Kate unpack the year - from remission to the royal spotlight - and what it all reveals about the Queen she will become. Plus, Prince Harry’s UK security faces fresh review, and Meghan reconnects with her estranged father in a week of highly personal Sussex headlines.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, King Charles hosts German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a diplomatically significant state visit at Windsor Castle, reaffirming ties between the UK and Europe. But as the pageantry unfolded, Parliament announced a formal inquiry into the Crown Estate. Following revelations over Andrew’s lease deal at Royal Lodge, other royal properties are now under a new level of scrutiny. Kate and Roya are joined by Times reporter Tom Witherow and German royal expert Annelie Malun to unpack a week of ceremony, soft power and hard questions.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributors: Tom Witherow, senior news reporter at The Times, and Annelie Malun, royal expert for ARDProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, three royal stories converge in America. Andrew’s ties to Epstein reach Congress, King Charles is reportedly planning a high-profile state visit, and Prince Harry is already there - recasting his role from Montecito. President Trump has signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but has the monarchy’s handling of Andrew emboldened American lawmakers? And is the British royal family still America’s favourite foreign soap opera? Roya Nikkhah is joined by Mark Landler of The New York Times, and Chiara Brown of The Times.Presenter: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for the Sunday TimesContributors: Mark Landler, London bureau chief of The New York Times; Chiara Brown, commissioning editor at The Times Luxx.Producer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After one of the most turbulent months for the monarchy in generations, Roya and Kate step back from the noise to ask a bigger question; what is the Royal family for? As headlines rage, the Windsors keep going: Catherine returned to public life; William promoted his climate agenda in Brazil; and Princess Anne powered through a demanding schedule in Australia and Singapore. And the Court Circular never missed a beat. They are joined by Michael Binyon, former foreign correspondent for The Times and longtime Leader writer, to explore how the monarchy weathers crises, how it projects British influence abroad and what lies behind the real purpose of the Crown?Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributor: Michael Binyon, Leader writer for The TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is thirty years since Diana, Princess of Wales' interview with Panorama, and its legacy continues even now as the BBC faces questions over its editorial standards on covering President Trump. Journalist, Andy Webb, is the author of a new book, Dianarama, which explores in detail how that interview happened and the consequences for all involved. Twenty five years later the BBC was forced to commission what they describe as a 'robust independent inquiry' from Lord Dyson. His report said the reporter Martin Bashir was 'deceitful' and that the BBC had covered up what they knew. Kate and Roya are joined by Andy to discuss the legacy of Diana's interview for the royal family and the BBC. Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The Times.Guest: Andy Webb, author of Dianarama, published by Penguin Random House UK / Michael JosephImage: GettyClips: Sky News / Film Image Partner (via Getty) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the fallout from the ‘Andrew problem’ rolls on, William is in Brazil to present the Earthshot Prize and represent the King and government at the environment summit, COP30, as he attempts to steer the agenda towards green innovation. But can William also shift the royal narrative? And will the Andrew story require a bigger break from the past for the royals?Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The Times.Producer: Robert WallacePhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He will now be known simply as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The man formerly known as Prince Andrew is being stripped of his titles and removed from his mansion, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor estate. Last month The Times obtained a copy of the leasehold agreement for Royal Lodge which showed that while the prince paid £1 million for the lease plus at least £7.5 million for refurbishments completed in 2005, he has paid “one peppercorn (if demanded)” in rent per year, since 2003. Andrew's links with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein brought increasing public and political demands for action. It is a seismic moment in royal history – but is it enough? Roya is joined on the podcast by Aubrey Allegretti, the paper's chief political correspondent and George Greenwood, investigations reporter for The Times.Presenter: Roya NikkhahContributors: Aubrey Allegretti, Times chief political correspondent and George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter for The TimesProducers: Sophie McNulty, Priyanka Deladia, Robert Wallace, Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, after Prince Andrew was forced to give up his Duke of York title, full details of the life of Prince Andrew’s accuser were revealed. Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir ‘Nobody’s Girl’ is a harrowing read. Its publication came in the same week the King made an historic State Visit to the Vatican, with the King and the Pope praying together for the first time in five centuries. As history was made in Rome, there were more revelations about Andrew and the "peppercorn" rent he pays for Royal Lodge, his Windsor home. Calls by politicians and the public for more action to be taken have grown louder and led to debate about the British constitution and the monarchy.Guests: •Kaya Burgess, Religious Affairs Correspondent, The Times.•George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter, The Times. Host: Roya Nikkhah, Royal Editor, The Sunday Times.Producer: Robert WallaceEditor, Times Podcasts: Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty ImagesGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.