The Royals

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 WallacePhoto: Getty ImagesGet in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Virginia Giuffre's memoir - 'Nobody's Girl' - claims Prince Andrew felt ‘sex with me was his birthright’. He has denied all allegations that he had sex with the then 17 year old, but do the Epstein links again threaten the wider reputation of the monarchy? Andrew has already been stripped of any meaningful official role. He no longer receives public funds, and holds no royal patronages. He has had to relinquish his honorary military titles. But what do the British public think about this ongoing and ever more upsetting saga? Recorded live in front of an audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on 16th October 2025.Image: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday Times chief foreign correspondent Christina Lamb joins The Royals to discuss the Duchess of Edinburgh’s high risk visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl. The conversation explores how members of the royal family are using their positions to engage with some of the most challenging issues of our time from conflict and human rights to the environment and Britain’s place in the world and asks what meaningful impact they can have when they step onto the global stage.This episode contains discussions of war crimes and sexual violence in conflict zones.Image: AARON CHOWN/PA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The interview that will reshape the monarchy. In an extraordinary series of interviews with Eugene Levy, Prince William reveals that he wants to bring “change”. But what does that look like? Roya and Kate dissect the messaging behind his tour of Windsor Castle with Eugene Levy, host of Apple TV's The Reluctant Traveller. Opening up about deeply personal family challenges, it's also his clearest statement of intent yet as he promises to test royal traditions to see if they are “fit for purpose”. William signals change is coming, but in a gentle revolution, based on learning from family history.Image courtesy of Apple TVExtracts from 'The Reluctant Traveller', an Apple Original series, courtesy of Apple TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After emails emerged this week showing that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson was still in touch with paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein after she had publicly denounced him, the charities she once supported have disowned her. Before this latest episode it had looked as if the palace would restore some links with the Duchess, but the King’s faith in Ferguson now seems misguided. So what happens now?Photograph: Credit - Karwai Tang / Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump swept into Windsor with helicopters and fanfares but what did we learn about the future of the special relationship, not just between the US and the UK but between the White House and the royals themselves? Roya and Kate separate the pageantry from the politics with CNN’s royal correspondent, Max Foster and speak to Chief Scout Dwayne Fields to find out what really went on when the First Lady met the Princess of Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It finally happened: Prince Harry’s “homecoming” brought a long-awaited reunion with his father, King Charles - their first meeting in 19 months. But while father and son reconnected, has the “permafrost” between Harry and Prince William shown any sign of thawing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the new book Power and the Palace, journalist and author Valentine Low reveals details of the hidden world where monarchy meets government: From Queen Elizabeth II’s stance on Brexit to Camilla’s assault as a teenage schoolgirl, we uncover the secrets of royal power from King Charles’s clashes with ministers to William’s growing influence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Royals where this week Kate Mansey is exploring State Visits past and present. Pomp, pageantry and sumptuous banquets await Donald Trump, but what really goes on behind the scenes to ensure a successful State Visit? And what can the politically astute King Charles learn from his late mother’s achievements? Kate talks to royal historian and author Robert Hardman to explain the political machinations fuelling the public spectacle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roya is at Royal Ascot where she was joined by a lively double act, trainer Jamie Osborne and his jockey daughter, rising star Saffie Osborne. From family business banter to riding for the royals, the Osbornes share their frank views, their humour and offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of the sport of Kings and Queens.Recorded 17th June 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roya is joined by Channel 5’s royal correspondent Simon Vigar for a candid look at the changing nature of 'The Firm' and their relationship with the press. Simon shares his insider stories, from being insulted by the public after Princess Diana's death to travelling with royals on watershed tours. Together, they discuss the challenges of access to the royal family, the royals' relationship with Netflix and a notable absence at VJ Day. Plus with polls suggesting that a quarter of the British public would rather leave the monarchy behind, and the monarchy's secrecy over money Simon has a question for the King. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Royals, Kate Mansey speaks to royal biographer Andrew Lownie whose allegations in his new book - Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York - have been described just about everywhere as 'explosive'. From trade envoy trips to connections with Jeffrey Epstein, Lownie outlines claims of institutional cover ups, financial secrecy, and royal resistance to scrutiny. And The Times Investigations reporter George Greenwood reveals why it's so difficult to obtain information from the government about the royal family, and what it could mean for public trust in 'The Firm'.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roya gets an exclusive first look at The King’s Tour: Artists at Buckingham Palace - a remarkable exhibition showcasing never-before-seen artworks from King Charles's personal collection. Curator Kate Heard shares insights into how artists were invited on royal tours to capture intimate behind-the-scenes moments and fleeting stories. Roya also meets Susannah Fiennes, an artist who joined the King on historic visits to Hong Kong, Oman and the Falklands and recalls the challenge of using watercolours in one of the hottest places on Earth.The King’s Tours Artists runs at the Palace until September the 28th, 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Royals, Roya and Kate dig into Royal Yacht lobbying, Princess Anne’s no-fuss 75th birthday, and Prince George’s latest milestone. Plus: questions around Harry and Meghan’s Netflix future, an racing visit to Newmarket, and strong support for the Lionesses ahead of the Euros final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, King Charles and Prince Harry take small steps to reconciliation, with private peace talks that are then leaked to the press. But who tipped them off? Plus, Harry follows in Diana’s footsteps in Angola, the Princess of Wales returns to Centre Court to a standing ovation, and Queen Camilla makes naval history...with a side of cling film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the stops were pulled out for a full-blown state visit for President Macron so Roya and Kate go behind the scenes at Windsor Castle to bring you all the news from carriages to canapés as well as speeches and sparkling (British) wine. the Princess of Wales attended her first state banquet in two years, and stole the show. King Charles and the president both delivered messages of post-Brexit unity and Roya and Kate discuss how important the royals are when an Entente Cordiale is upgraded to an Entente Amicale! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.