The Royals

3.7 (69)
Society & Culture
Weekly

The latest news on the drama that is the British royal family. Providing the inside story on Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, Harry and Meghan (and more!), The Times and The Sunday Times's royal editors Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah bring you the untold stories of what's really going on behind the palace gates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5d ago

Can King Charles apologise for Britain’s role in slavery?

King Charles’s Caribbean tour has reached its most politically sensitive moment, as Commonwealth leaders gather in Antigua and Barbuda amid growing calls for Britain to apologise for its historic role in slavery. The British government is now open to discussing a state apology, while continuing to rule out financial reparations. But Charles cannot simply decide to say sorry. He must navigate competing expectations while acting on government advice. So what does the changing political position mean for his speech – and can royal diplomacy help move the conversation forward? Reporting from the Caribbean, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey take listeners inside the tour, from the Junkanoo parade in Nassau to the King’s visit to a site in Georgetown where enslaved people were executed. They examine how the shifting political debate has complicated the palace’s carefully planned diplomacy, what Charles can realistically achieve as Head of the Commonwealth, and whether expressions of sorrow are still enough. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Got a question? Get in touch. Send your questions and thoughts to theroyals@thetimes.co.uk. Watch us on YouTube. Read more: King Charles to address slavery 'with honesty and sincere sorrow' Further listening: What are the royals for? Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 28

Does the Thomas Markle scandal change how we see Meghan?

Investigators in the Philippines are looking into Thomas Markle Sr, the father of the Duchess of Sussex, after his son told authorities he had found child sex abuse images at his father’s former home. So, what exactly do we know about the allegations? What could happen next? And is the scandal shifting the narrative around Meghan? Thomas Markle Sr denies the allegations against him. In this special episode from our sister podcast, The Story, Kate Mansey discusses the investigation, Meghan’s statement and the questions facing police. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. What would you like to know about the Caribbean tour? Send your questions and thoughts to theroyals@thetimes.co.uk. Watch us on YouTube. Clips: TalkTV, ITV News, E! News, The Daily T Podcast, The Real Thomas Markle Jr. and Friends - YouTube, Hard Megxit - YouTube, ABC News, Dan Wootton Outspoken - YouTube, 7News, Sky News. Read more: Police suspect Meghan’s father is ‘grossest kind of sex offender’ Further listening: The Story Producers: Sophie McNulty, Micaela Arneson Executive producer: Harry Stott Sound design: Dave Creasey Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 22

Should William forgive Harry?

Prince Harry has renewed his call to reconcile with King Charles and Prince William — but are his public interventions making a private resolution harder? And should William meet his brother halfway? Harry's newly released GQ interview landed as senior royals hosted the Sultan of Oman at Windsor. Harry’s team says the timing was outside their control and denies his comments were a swipe at William. Days earlier, Harry and Meghan received a warm welcome in Nottingham as they continued to build their independent public role in Britain. Roya Nikkhah and The Times executive editor Jeremy Griffin debate what both brothers should do next, answer listener questions about forgiveness, trust and William’s responsibilities as a future king, and Roya reports back from Nottingham: can the Sussexes assert their independence without deepening tensions with the Crown? If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Roya and Kate will join the King and Queen’s Caribbean tour next week. What would you like to know? Send your questions and thoughts to theroyals@thetimes.co.uk. Clip: GQ Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Harry and Meghan hate phrase 'working members of the royal family.' Further listening: Why Harry and Meghan face a school and security crisis Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 14

Are Harry and Meghan building an alternative royal court?

Harry and Meghan are back in Britain and this week they’re stepping out together for a series of public appearances that look strikingly like royal engagements. In Nottingham, the Sussexes are returning to causes associated with their working royal years, with royal reporters and photographers once again covering them on the ground. So what exactly are Harry and Meghan trying to build in the UK – and how different is it from the life they walked away from? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey examine whether the couple are creating a new public role for themselves outside the official Royal Family, how Buckingham Palace is responding, and why the increasingly blurred line between charitable work and commercial interests could prove difficult to navigate. They also discuss Harry’s relationship with the King, the continuing rift with Prince William, and whether the Sussexes’ new model of public life could create fresh tensions with the Palace. Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan ‘know they’re not invited’ to royal Christmas Producer: Natalie Ktena Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 7

Why Andrew is taking the police to court

Why is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor taking the Thames Valley Police to court — and what could his legal challenge change? Ahead of this week's High Court hearing, Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are joined by The Times legal editor Jonathan Ames to explain Andrew’s challenge to the search warrants used by Thames Valley Police in its investigation into his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. What could a successful challenge mean? And who will cover the legal costs – with the King reportedly insisting his financial support must not fund the case? Andrew remains under investigation following his February arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He denies all wrongdoing. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Watch us on YouTube. Read more: ’Poor Andrew? He’s having a very nice time’ Further listening: Andrew inquiry looks into 'sexual misconduct' allegations Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 30

Is King Charles under siege?

Four years into his reign, is King Charles setting the royal agenda — or being forced to react to the people and problems around him? Earl Spencer has renewed his attack on the King’s character and accused Buckingham Palace of responding “very aggressively” to his memoir. Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain continues to test the boundaries between family reconciliation and royal authority. And Andrew remains the most serious institutional threat, with the police investigation into him ongoing. He denies any wrongdoing. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey examine how Charles has handled these pressures — and whether his palace’s increasingly interventionist approach is a sign of confidence or defensiveness. With the King’s public approval at a record high for his reign, is the monarchy proving more resilient than the headlines suggest? If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Is Charles a King under siege, or does the monarch remain resilient? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Earl Spencer's memory is no way to judge the King Further listening: Inside the search for King Charles's most powerful aide Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 23

Earl Spencer, King Charles and the battle for Diana's legacy

Did King Charles really tell Earl Spencer that Diana would soon be forgotten? In his new memoir, Swan Song, Diana’s brother makes a series of explosive claims about the King’s behaviour following her death — prompting a swift and unusually personal response from Buckingham Palace. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Andrew Morton, author of Diana: Her True Story, to examine Spencer’s disputed account and ask whether the Palace scored a “colossal own goal” by responding. He also reveals where Spencer’s version conflicts with Diana's own account, and explains why he believes the memoir is an attempt to take control of her story ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death. They also discuss William’s reported “multigenerational fury”, Harry’s relationship with the Spencer family and whether the book honours Earl Spencer’s pledge to protect Diana’s sons — or risks them reliving their grief. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Who should have the final say over Diana’s story? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Hypocrite Spencer is peddling Diana's privacy, say King's allies Further listening: Catherine, Meghan, Camilla, Diana — the price of marrying a prince Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 16

Why Harry and Meghan face a school and security crisis

Why have Harry and Meghan moved Archie and Lilibet from their new school after just two days? Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey reveal what prompted the decision, how security concerns are disrupting the Sussexes’ new life in Britain, and whether the upheaval could strengthen Prince Harry’s case for greater protection. They also examine Harry’s packed programme of public appearances, Meghan’s plans to renew her charitable work, and whether the couple are building a rival public operation to the royal family. Plus, they discuss the extraordinary Palace letter clarifying that the Sussexes do not represent the King — and the remarkable intervention over Uganda’s withdrawal from the Invictus Games. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Can Harry and Meghan remain prominent “public figures” without coming into conflict with the royal family? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Watch us on YouTube. Read more: Harry and Meghan change Archie and Lilibet's school over security concerns Further listening: Can Harry and Meghan really be 'private' royals in the UK? Producer: Robert Wallace Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn Executive Producer: Tim Walklate Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Trailer

Introducing The Royals with Roya and Kate

Two of the biggest names in reporting the royals introduce their new podcast combining humour, insight, debate and the occasional scoop. Episode one will be available on Friday 10th of May, wherever you find your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trial of Russell Brand is season 14 of Times Investigates, bringing you award-winning investigative and true crime podcasts from The Times & The Sunday Times. From war zones to suburban homes, pursuing brutal criminals and cult leaders, our podcasts go further than any other to uncover the truth. In season one, war correspondent Anthony Loyd investigates the fate of his colleague John Cantlie, who was kidnapped in Syria by Islamic State. In season two, crime correspondent John Simpson breaks down the wall of silence surrounding the killing of 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis In season three Berlin correspondent Oliver Moody uncovers the story of Hans Globke, the Nazi bureaucrat who laid the legal basis for the Holocaust - and helped build the modern German state In season four, columnist David Aaronovitch follows the trail of charm and deception left by businessman Lex Greensill through the corridors of power in Britain In season five, special correspondent Emily Dugan asks whether the wrong man was sent to prison for a brutal attack on a mother of two In season six, Middle East correspondent Louise Callaghan steps into the weird world of ‘kittens’, ‘lions’, and televangelism surrounding a cult leader In season seven, journalists Brenna Daldorph and David Aaronovitch explore the dark past behind some of Britain’s wealthiest stately homes In season eight, feature writer Andrew Billen exposes a very British scandal at the world-famous university college, Christ Church, Oxford In season nine, David Aaranovitch steps into the online world of Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group using the Covid pandemic as a recruiting tool In season ten, journalists Peter Gillman and Emanuele Midolo investigate the death of one of our own, David Holden, the reporter whose killing became a Cold War whodunnit In season 11, social affairs editor James Beal follows a trail leading from a quiet British town to frozen Canada, where he discovers a man allegedly selling death online In season 12, reporter Mario Ledwith returns to his hometown in Northern Ireland, seeking answers about the bloody 1987 Remembrance Sunday attack In season 13, The Sunday Times’s Insight team investigates how Nigel Farage came to depend upon a crypto enthusiast, gambler and convicted fraudster In season 14, journalists Rosamund Urwin and Charlotte Wace join Luke Jones to report daily from the trial of Russell Brand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4.8 (41)

News
The biggest stories, told in depth, daily. Join the world's best journalists to understand what really matters. The Story is hosted by Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, published seven days a week and ready for you every morning. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Daily News
Two friends, too many opinions. Enjoy an unfiltered look at the ups and downs of life with Jane Garvey and Fi Glover - the kind of conversations that only happen Off Air. If you want to ask a question or get involved in the conversation, please email us: janeandfi@times.radio Follow our antics away from the mic on Instagram: @janeandfi Or join us on Times Radio every Monday to Thursday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4.5 (96)

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Roya Nikkhah

Host
Kate Mansey

Host
Melanie Sanderson

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Simon Vigar

Guest
Rosamund Urwin

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Valentine Low

Guest
Katie Tarrant

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3.7

out of 5

69 Ratings

Harry and Megan

Aug 21

Nanc0328

How can you assume no one mentioned this while they were visiting the King? You assume a lot. I’m guessing he had to get permission. Do you have that many insiders who snitch on the King? Sounds pretty bad if that’s the case.
Disagree with a lot of this

Aug 15

Mittenpants

I found it distasteful that the talk kept referring to Harry revealing family secrets. He told many untruths, and lies are very different than revelations. The vicious attacks should never be forgiven, and William has rightfully set a boundary for his mental health and to protect his family. A real “whitewash” is this normalizing of Harry’s toxic behavior.
Titles???

Jul 16

PonteLasPilas

Just listened to your latest episode on discussing the King meeting Harry’s kids after four years. The one thing I found very odd, given that both reporters are knowledgeable in royal matters, was that they mentioned it may be weird for his kids to have titles and meet their grandfather, a King of a nation they didn’t know or live in, and their father was a spare. Harry stopped being the spare well over a decade ago. He’s much lower in the hierarchy now. That’s a pretty big slip-up to call him “the spare” when he hasn’t been that for 12+ years.
Refreshing Perspective

11/06/2025

Habit Forming 2

I enjoy listening to this podcast because it seems to be very objective. I like hearing directly from someone who participates in the Royal Rota and the interpretation and significance of certain events and details. I know when something important happens that I can turn to this podcast to understand some of the reasons and significance of what it means for the future.

The latest news on the drama that is the British royal family. Providing the inside story on Charles and Camilla, William and Kate, Harry and Meghan (and more!), The Times and The Sunday Times's royal editors Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah bring you the untold stories of what's really going on behind the palace gates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.