The Royals

Harry, Meghan and the King: was Highgrove a royal breakthrough? 15.07.2026 25min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

Harry's UK return — rows, rulings and palace psychodrama 09.07.2026 26min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaRead more: Harry, the Duke of Hazard? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The man who prepared William, Harry and Catherine for royal duty 02.07.2026 35min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert Wallace, 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.

The Sovereign Grant — and the £100m question for the monarchy 26.06.2026 28min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

Can royal pomp and pageantry hold its power? 18.06.2026 24min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk 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.

Inside the royal property fallout — will William and Charles act? 11.06.2026 30min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk.You 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.

Andrew, Royal Lodge and royal property revelations 04.06.2026 25min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

BONUS: Andrew inquiry looks into 'sexual misconduct' allegations 22.05.2026 15min

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.

Is William being forced to open up about royal money? 20.05.2026 25min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

Kate returns to the global stage following her cancer treatment 14.05.2026 24min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Natalie KtenaExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles, Elizabeth and the presidents: royals in the 'special relationship' 05.05.2026 24min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

Did Trump take revenge on the King at the White House state dinner? 29.04.2026 30min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: 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.

Former Trump adviser on the President, the King and a tense state visit 28.04.2026 17min

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.

BONUS: Virginia Giuffre’s family on her life, legacy and the royal fallout 25.04.2026 22min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Dan BoxRead more: What really happened to Virginia Giuffre? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Elizabeth II: 100 years on - what is her legacy? 22.04.2026 29min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Daniel Box Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry and Meghan in Australia: a 'royal' tour or PR stunt? 15.04.2026 27min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Meet the Epstein survivors” - US congressman to King Charles 08.04.2026 25min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Buckingham Palace's new media strategy 01.04.2026 25min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: GettyProducer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William and God. Does his 'quiet faith' matter in modern Britain? 27.03.2026 27min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukRead 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.

Could Beatrice and Eugenie lose their royal titles? 20.03.2026 22min

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: theroyals@thetimes.co.ukImage: Getty Producer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.