Advertise on podcast: Royal History Geeks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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