The Royals

Is Kate the monarchy's greatest hope?

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:01:00 +0000

In a year marked by scandal and uncertainty, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has emerged as a figure of quiet resolve and renewed influence within the Royal Family. Roya and Kate unpack the year - from remission to the royal spotlight - and what it all reveals about the Queen she will become. Plus, Prince Harry’s UK security faces fresh review, and Meghan reconnects with her estranged father in a week of highly personal Sussex headlines.

Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The Times

Producer: Robert Wallace

Editor: Stephen Titherington

Image: Getty Images

The King courts Europe and MPs investigate Crown Estate

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:01:00 +0000

This week, King Charles hosts German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a diplomatically significant state visit at Windsor Castle, reaffirming ties between the UK and Europe. But as the pageantry unfolded, Parliament announced a formal inquiry into the Crown Estate. Following revelations over Andrew’s lease deal at Royal Lodge, other royal properties are now under a new level of scrutiny. Kate and Roya are joined by Times reporter Tom Witherow and German royal expert Annelie Malun to unpack a week of ceremony, soft power and hard questions.

Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The Times

Contributors: Tom Witherow, senior news reporter at The Times, and Annelie Malun, royal expert for ARD

Producer: Robert Wallace

Editor: Stephen Titherington

Image: Getty Images

Do Epstein Files threaten US relationship with Royals?

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 00:01:00 +0000

This week, three royal stories converge in America. Andrew’s ties to Epstein reach Congress, King Charles is reportedly planning a high-profile state visit, and Prince Harry is already there - recasting his role from Montecito. President Trump has signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but has the monarchy’s handling of Andrew emboldened American lawmakers? And is the British royal family still America’s favourite foreign soap opera? Roya Nikkhah is joined by Mark Landler of The New York Times, and Chiara Brown of The Times.

Presenter: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for the Sunday Times

Contributors: Mark Landler, London bureau chief of The New York Times; Chiara Brown, commissioning editor at The Times Luxx.

Producer: Robert Wallace

Editor: Stephen Titherington

Photo: Getty Images

What are the Royals for?

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:01:00 +0000

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 Times

Contributor: Michael Binyon, Leader writer for The Times

Producer: Robert Wallace

Editor: Stephen Titherington

Photo: Getty Images

Was Diana betrayed by the BBC?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

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 Joseph

Image: Getty

Clips: Sky News / Film Image Partner (via Getty)

Can William save the planet and the monarchy after the "Andrew problem"?

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

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 Wallace

Photo: Getty Images

Andrew and Epstein - The King acts

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

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 Nikkhah

Contributors: Aubrey Allegretti, Times chief political correspondent and George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter for The Times

Producers: Sophie McNulty, Priyanka Deladia, Robert Wallace, Stephen Titherington

Photo: Getty Images

Andrew, Epstein and a monarchy now changed forever?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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 Wallace

Editor, Times Podcasts: Stephen Titherington

Photo: Getty Images

Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Andrew sex allegations - time for the King to act?

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 10:55:14 +0000

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

How the Royal household is preparing for President Trump’s visit

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

Royal Ascot’s double act as Roya meets the Osbornes - Jamie and Saffie

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

From Princess Diana to republicanism: How the Royal landscape has changed

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

Prince Andrew and an 'explosive' new biography

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:00:00 +0000

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'.

The King’s Tour artists: painting the royal visits

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

Princess Anne at 75, Prince George at 12 and Royal Lobbying

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

Is a reunion for King Charles and Prince Harry on the cards?

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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.

How to do a state visit with style

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:01:00 +0000

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!

Kate’s Cancer recovery & the end of the royal train

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:49:54 +0000

The Princess of Wales has given her most personal insight yet into the emotional toll of recovery, offering a powerful glimpse into life after cancer treatment. This week, Roya and Kate reflect on her words, and what they signal about a changing tone inside the Palace. Meanwhile, the Sovereign Grant is up, the royal train is out, and William and Kate become even more influential with royal warrants in hand.

Trump’s visit fast tracked? And William’s reign reimagined

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Roya and Kate take you inside King Charles's preparations to host President Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, one that seems to have been fast-tracked by the British Prime Minister, and might be raising eyebrows at the palace. How much say does the King have over who he meets and when, and what does Donald Trump’s return means for Windsor, Westminster, and Washington?

And a special look at how Prince William, the heir to the throne is reimagining royalty for when he is King. Roya has been delving into how his reign could look radically different. And together Roya and Kate explore how his time as king could mark a major shift for the monarchy with a stripped-back, medieval-inspired coronation to a complete overhaul of how the palace is run. What does it really mean to “look under the hood” of the royal household? And how far is William likely to move away from long-standing ceremonial traditions as he balances modernisation with royal heritage?

Inside the glamorous world of Royal Ascot

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:01:00 +0000

Roya and Kate take you with them as they attend Royal Ascot 2025—a dazzling celebration where time-honoured traditions, powerful thoroughbreds, and extravagant hats take centre stage. While Ascot Racecourse hosts nearly a month of racing each year, its crown jewel is the Royal Meeting each June, a highlight of the royal summer calendar.

Join Roya and Kate as they go behind the scenes of this horse-racing extravaganza, speaking with some of the people who can explain the connection between the Royal Family, horse racing and fashion. You’ll hear from racing journalist Brough Scott, MBE; the late Queen’s Press Secretary Ailsa Anderson, LVO; Ascot Creative Director Daniel Fletcher; and an extraordinary father-daughter racing duo, Jamie and Saffie Osborne.

Trooping the Colour, William the Statesman, and Trump’s State Visit

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 23:01:00 +0000

This week, we head to Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour as King Charles marks a quiet but significant shift—retiring from horseback for the event. The Prince of Wales steps further into statesman territory, and Roya and Kate discuss his recent visit to Monaco alongside international heads of state, signalling a growing global presence. Plus, they look ahead to two headline-grabbing moments: President Trump’s second state visit to the UK and David Beckham’s long-awaited knighthood.

Meghan and Harry delivery room dance, William reports for duty and presents to the royals revealed

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:39:15 +0000

This week, Roya and Kate unpack Meghan and Harry’s surprising dance in the delivery suite and Prince William’s flying visit as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role that was destined for Prince Harry. Plus, an emerging place for The Duchess of Edinburgh. What is Sophie's future role and is William quietly shifting the spotlight? King Charles's punchy message to President Trump from Canada, and a look at royal gifts.

Diplomatic Diamonds - how the King and Queen help Canada shine

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:14:15 +0000

"Welcome home" shouted the crowd welcoming the King and Queen in Ottawa at they started their whirlwind visit to Canada - and Roya and Kate were there too! Amid tensions between Canada and the United States the inference was clear: No matter what they’re called in Britain, Charles and Camilla are the King and Queen of Canada. After months of subtle signs of support for Canada in its trade war with the US, this visit was the full seal of approval - but how well are the Royals walking the diplomatic tightrope?

The Royals Live! What's it really like to report on the Royal Family?

Thu, 22 May 2025 23:01:00 +0000

In this week's special episode, Roya and Kate face a live audience as they lift the lid on life as a royal reporter. From secret sources to front-page scoops, the two royal editors take you behind palace walls with their unique insights on the monarchy in conversation with The Times' executive editor Jeremy Griffin and with questions from the audience.

Don't forget we always want to hear your comments and questions too!

From Megxit to Beckxit - how the Beckhams joined the royal news

Fri, 16 May 2025 11:35:17 +0000

From one family drama to another - Roya and Kate discuss how the Beckhams entered the royal news this week - from a dinner party in Montecito to a fashion statement from the Princess of Wales. And an emotional Camilla paid tribute to her late brother, and how Charles was left flabbergasted by a magician in Bradford. Also, which member of the family topped the latest popularity poll?

The 80th anniversary of VE day and a bombshell interview from Harry

Fri, 09 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This week Roya and Kate take you behind the scenes of the historic 80th anniversary VE Day celebrations, from the big balcony moment to a surprise appearance by young Prince George. They also unpack Prince Harry’s BBC interview following his security ruling, and explore the shortlist for Queen Elizabeth II’s national memorial.

Clip Credit: BBC Radio 4, 1985, The Way We Were: Queen Elizabeth II describes VE day.

The King's cancer message & William and Kate's Scottish getaway

Thu, 01 May 2025 23:01:00 +0000

The King shares a personal message about his cancer journey at a Buckingham Palace reception for cancer charities. Meanwhile, William and Kate mark their anniversary with a low-key trip to Scotland and Prince Andrew is once again under scrutiny following renewed questions about his future in the wake of Virginia Giuffre’s tragic death. Kate and Roya also unpack Meghan’s unexpected use of the HRH title which has reignited debate over the Sussexes’ royal exit.

Image: Getty