The working Royals assembled to mark the centenary of Elizabeth II.  But onlookers note the lack of young blood in their ranks.

Meanwhile, the King and Queen embark on a controversial state visit to the United States.

We discuss all this and more in the latest Royal roundup.

We discuss recent events and what the ongoing Sussex saga means for the monarchy.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

With Royal History Geeks creator, Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator, James Taylor.

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 life
• The controversy around the Windsor's wedding, the date and the lack of Royal attendance
• The (questionably legal) decision to deny Wallis the HRH style
• The Duke and Duchess's Nazi links and role in the war
• The "snub" to the Windsor's at Princess Elizabeth's wedding
• The ultimate death of the Duke and later the Duchess

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 night
• The Duke of York and his last-minute preparations for the crown
• The Cabinet's rush to prepare the legislation for Abdication
• Baldwin's surprisingly spectacular Commons performance and the beginnings of the romantic myth of the crisis
• Queen Mary's subtle sign of support for the government
• The arrangements for Edward's future including title and income
• Edward's master piece of a broadcast to the nation

Although Edward has now left the throne, this is not the end of the series.  Next week we shall explore the aftermath.

In this episode, RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:

• Queen Mary, her background and reaction to the crisis
• The Duke and Duchess of York's fears as they prepare to assume power
• The beginnings of the Duchess of York's (later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) feud with Wallis Simpson
• The closeness between Edward VIII and Princess Mary, the Princess Royal
• The wayward Duke of Kent and how some thought he should be King
• The cool relationship between Henry, Duke of Gloucester and his eldest brother

This episode also features comments by Elizabeth Basford, author of "Princess Mary: The First Modern Princess."

In the latest episode of "Royal Revolutions", RHG founder Gareth Streeter and Royal commentator James Taylor discuss:

• Wallis's tumultuous escape from Britain to France
• The motivations of the King's supporters
• The media reaction and hints of public support for the King
• Why Harry Enfield ruined a teenage Gareth's life back in the 90s
• Wallis's latest attempts to break it off with the King
• The King's planned broadcast appeal that never aired
• Baldwin's fears of the constitutional settlement being overturned
• Winston Churchill's outspoken role in the crisis
• Concerns about the legality of Wallis's divorce

We are again joined by historian Adrian Phillips who helps us make sense of the so-called "King's Party".

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 government
• Wallis’s divorce and the fallout
• The King’s dinner with Queen Mary, when he broke the news that he intended to marry Mrs Simpson
• The idea of a morganatic marriage and the attempts to find a compromise
• A controversial speech by an obscure Bishop
• The breaking of the story in the press

We were also joined by historian Adrian Phillips to learn more about Stanley Baldwin and his attitude toward the crisis.

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 hear
• Edward's "sulky" attitude toward his duties
• Why someone, please, in the name of mercy, needs to think of the poor debutantes
• Whether Wallis was intelligent
• Observations of Edward and Wallis's behaviour on the Balkan trip, based on eye-witness testimony
• Wallis's attempt to break it all off
• The King abandoning his duties to collect Wallis from Aberdeen station

Gareth 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.

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 Wallis
• Concerns about the new King's reliability and work ethic
• The early intervention of Cosmo Lang and Edward's relationship with this seasoned Archbishop of Canterbury
• The politics of the 1930s and the circumstances that made Edward's German sympathies more difficult to manage
• A 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.

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

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 deal
• The treatment of the Duchess of Sussex in aspects of the UK media and how this compares with the way the Princess of Wales is discussed
• The importance of source criticism in dealing with any media
• The book Spare, and why Gareth got too angry to finish it
• Harry’s bravery and honesty in being vulnerable about his mental health
• The book’s strengths and weaknesses

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 media
• The Royal wedding and the huge optimism that surrounded it
• The couple’s early married life as working Royals
• Their decision to step back
• The “Sandringham summit” and the Royal family’s response
• The controversial Oprah Winfrey interview
• How Royal titles work and the reason that the couple’s children were not initially a Prince and Princess

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 examinations

Please note that this episode was recorded several months before broadcast.  As such, some topical references will be out of date.

If you prefer to listen to a series as a discrete unit, go to Royalhistorygeeks/podcasts to check out what we do...

This episode was originally broadcast on September 8 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.