The Royals with Roya and Kate

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested and is being held in custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office after police were seen at the Sandringham estate on his 66th birthday. In an unprecedented move, the King issued a statement saying the “law must take its course”. As scrutiny intensifies over Andrew's decade as UK trade envoy and what the Epstein files appear to suggest about that period, Roya Nikkhah is joined by Harry Yorke and Charlotte Alt to talk about how this moment could affect the monarchy, and whether the institution has ever faced pressure on this scale.Guest: Harry Yorke, Deputy Political Editor, The Sunday Times.Charlotte Alt, News Reporter, The Times.Producer: Robert WallaceExecutive Producer: Priyanka DeladiaImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles' lifelong commitment to the environment is in the spotlight in a new Amazon Prime documentary, Finding Harmony. Tony Juniper, the King's long-time adviser and a contributor to the film, joins Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey to discuss how Charles's once-mocked views have gone mainstream, what influence a monarch can really have on climate, and whether sustainability will be the defining legacy of his reign.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince William met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Saudi Arabia while the monarchy continues to face a major crisis over the Epstein files. As police assess claims that Andrew shared confidential trade information with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy, the King issued an unprecedented statement pledging Buckingham Palace's full support for any investigation. Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey are joined by Catherine Philp to discuss whether the monarchy's soft power can survive this scandal.Guest: Catherine Philp, World Affairs Editor, The Times. Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode comes from The Story, The Times' daily news podcast.The British royal family isn't the only European monarchy in turmoil. In Norway the Epstein files have revealed intimate conversations between the Crown Princess and future Queen, Mette-Marit, and the paedophile after he was convicted. Meanwhile, her son, Marius Borg Høiby, is on trial facing charges on thirty-eight offences, including four counts of rape. If convicted, he faces up to ten years in prison. Could this be a fatal blow for the Norwegian royal family? And what does it tell us about the long tentacles of Jeffrey Epstein's influence in the palaces and parliaments of Europe?Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a major release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, pressure is mounting on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to give evidence to US lawmakers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged him to cooperate in the interests of Epstein's victims, a move that pushes the controversy far beyond the Palace and into the heart of Westminster. Andrew has now also moved out of Royal Lodge, the grace-and-favour home he occupied for more than two decades, underscoring the scale of the fallout. As Labour peer Peter Mandelson faces the prospect of a police investigation over his past links to Epstein, long-held political conventions are being tested and pressure is building at the very top of government. What do these latest files really reveal, and how damaging could this moment be for Britain's institutions? Caroline Wheeler joins Roya and Kate to unpack the consequences and what could come next.Guest: Caroline Wheeler, Political Editor, The Sunday Times.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has backtracked on his criticism of UK troops in the Afghan war. The US president's change of tone came after concerns raised by King Charles through diplomatic channels – a move seen as a win for Britain's soft power. Roya and Kate ask Katy Balls whether the monarchy is Britain's way of staying at the diplomatic table, and what it could mean for the "special relationship" ahead of a key US visit.Guest: Katy Balls, Washington editor for The Times & The Sunday Times.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry has been in the High Court this week in a major privacy case against Associated Newspapers Ltd, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Roya reports from court as Harry gives evidence and the paper's lawyers push back on claims of unlawful information gathering. Meanwhile, Kate has been in Scotland with the rest of the royal family, as the working monarchy keeps its distance. Plus, royal diplomacy is back in the spotlight: Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales will make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia next month, as questions swirl over the timing - and politics - of the much anticipated US state visit.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next week, Prince Harry returns to Britain at a critical moment. Roya and Kate unpack the significance of his return — including a major High Court case, a long-running security review, and the impact both could have on family reconciliation and future visits to the UK. Could this be a turning point for Harry and the monarchy?Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a new year begins, the monarchy faces fresh tests. Roya and Kate, joined by Jeremy Griffin, look at what lies ahead – from the latest Epstein file revelations about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and scrutiny of royal finances, to a possible US state visit and Prince Harry's return to the UK courts. So, how will the final weeks of last year shape the Crown's challenges in the months ahead?Guests: Jeremy Griffin, executive editor, The Times and Times RadioListens: Power, politics and the PalaceImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 tested the Royal Family like few years before it. As Andrew's long-running crisis reached its decisive moment, the monarchy also faced illness at the top, family fractures and global diplomacy. In this end-of-year special, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey look back on a year that reshaped the Crown forever.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributors: Andrew Lownie; George Greenwood, investigations reporter at The Times; Kaya Burgess, religious affairs correspondent at The Times; Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent for The Times; Max Foster, anchor and correspondent at CNN; Mark Landler, London bureau chief at The New York Times; Chiara Brown, commissioning editor at The Times LuxxProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty ImagesClips: Extracts from 'The Reluctant Traveller', an Apple Original series, courtesy of Apple TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Britain prepares to hear the King's Christmas Broadcast, we ask what the monarch's message can - and can't - achieve after one of the most difficult years the institution has faced in decades. With the Andrew and Epstein link deepening scrutiny of the Crown, and public support for the monarchy at a historic low, how does the King speak to a world that is changing fast? Kate and Roya are joined by The Sunday Times Europe editor Peter Conradi to explore royal crises past and present, the power of the Christmas message, and what Charles needs to say, or carefully avoid, in his most important speech to date.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributor: Peter Conradi, Europe editor of The Sunday TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: X.com / @RoyalFamily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a poignant visit to a homeless charity, Prince William this week introduced his son Prince George to the family business by taking him to one of Diana's most cherished charities. So what does this mean for the way in which the two future Kings are shaping the monarchy? In a year marked by illness, family strain and intense scrutiny, the institution is under more pressure than ever before. But there's good news for the Windsors, too. King Charles gave a rare health update confirming his cancer treatment will be reduced in the New Year. Roya and Kate are joined by The Times health editor Eleanor Hayward to examine what these parallel moments reveal about leadership, inheritance, and how the future of the Crown is being shaped in real time.Presenters: Roya Nikkhah, royal editor for The Sunday Times, and Kate Mansey, royal editor of The TimesContributor: Eleanor Hayward, health editor of The TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesContributors: Tom Witherow, senior news reporter at The Times, and Annelie Malun, royal expert for ARDProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonImage: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesContributors: Mark Landler, London bureau chief of The New York Times; Chiara Brown, commissioning editor at The Times Luxx.Producer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesContributor: Michael Binyon, Leader writer for The TimesProducer: Robert WallaceEditor: Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 JosephImage: GettyClips: Sky News / Film Image Partner (via Getty) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 WallacePhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 NikkhahContributors: Aubrey Allegretti, Times chief political correspondent and George Greenwood, Investigations Reporter for The TimesProducers: Sophie McNulty, Priyanka Deladia, Robert Wallace, Stephen TitheringtonPhoto: Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 WallacePhoto: Getty ImagesGet in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday Times chief foreign correspondent Christina Lamb joins The Royals to discuss the Duchess of Edinburgh's high risk visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl. The conversation explores how members of the royal family are using their positions to engage with some of the most challenging issues of our time from conflict and human rights to the environment and Britain's place in the world and asks what meaningful impact they can have when they step onto the global stage.This episode contains discussions of war crimes and sexual violence in conflict zones.Image: AARON CHOWN/PA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The interview that will reshape the monarchy. In an extraordinary series of interviews with Eugene Levy, Prince William reveals that he wants to bring “change”. But what does that look like? Roya and Kate dissect the messaging behind his tour of Windsor Castle with Eugene Levy, host of Apple TV's The Reluctant Traveller. Opening up about deeply personal family challenges, it's also his clearest statement of intent yet as he promises to test royal traditions to see if they are “fit for purpose”. William signals change is coming, but in a gentle revolution, based on learning from family history.Image courtesy of Apple TVExtracts from 'The Reluctant Traveller', an Apple Original series, courtesy of Apple TV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After emails emerged this week showing that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson was still in touch with paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein after she had publicly denounced him, the charities she once supported have disowned her. Before this latest episode it had looked as if the palace would restore some links with the Duchess, but the King's faith in Ferguson now seems misguided. So what happens now?Photograph: Credit - Karwai Tang / Getty Images Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump swept into Windsor with helicopters and fanfares but what did we learn about the future of the special relationship, not just between the US and the UK but between the White House and the royals themselves? Roya and Kate separate the pageantry from the politics with CNN's royal correspondent, Max Foster and speak to Chief Scout Dwayne Fields to find out what really went on when the First Lady met the Princess of Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It finally happened: Prince Harry's “homecoming” brought a long-awaited reunion with his father, King Charles - their first meeting in 19 months. But while father and son reconnected, has the “permafrost” between Harry and Prince William shown any sign of thawing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the new book Power and the Palace, journalist and author Valentine Low reveals details of the hidden world where monarchy meets government: From Queen Elizabeth II's stance on Brexit to Camilla's assault as a teenage schoolgirl, we uncover the secrets of royal power from King Charles's clashes with ministers to William's growing influence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.