Podcast appearances and mentions of Queen Victoria

A funeral is one of those rare occasions where you don't really need to think too much about your choice of outfit. After all, everyone wears black to funerals as a sign of grief, don't they? Well, that might be true in the Western world, but it's not necessarily the case everywhere, which is what we're going to talk about today.  In the Western world, funeral customs have long been intertwined with strict dress codes. The tradition of "mourning attire" became widespread across Europe from the Middle Ages onwards, and was particularly stringent during the Victorian era in England. Queen Victoria herself mandated that widows wear black mourning attire, including jewellery, for at least a year.  Has that always been the case? What about in other parts of the world then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: ⁠Should you sleep with socks on?⁠ ⁠How can I get the most out of daytime napping?⁠ ⁠How quick is premature ejaculation?⁠ A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. First Broadcast: 3/5/2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The corporate world serves up fresh surprises as 2025 winds down to its final months. "If the society is not willing to destroy, it cannot create."  In this episode of HR Bandit, Ankita and Apoorva explore how this Nobel Prize-winning philosophy is reshaping our world of work. From Spotify deciding that "one CEO isn't enough" with their controversial dual-CEO announcement, to Microsoft Teams' new feature that feels like "a digital version of peeking over their cubicle wall," October served up fascinating developments in workplace evolution.  Join us as we unpack why some founders are choosing two successors instead of one, debate whether "visibility equals productivity," and explore why your life might be better than Queen Victoria's.  Plus, catch updates on JP Morgan's custom-scented headquarters and Meta's revolving door of AI talent. Remember: "technology doesn't define culture — it exposes it."

A digital journey to the ocean depths, a virtual reality exploration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and an international conference on art and technology are among the events announced today for Ireland's arts & technology festival, Beta. Title image :Foolish Flame, by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler. The immersive experience exploring climate change will be open to members of the public as part of Beta Festival 2025. Supported by The Digital Hub the event will be held at various locations throughout Dublin from November 7th to 23rd. This year's theme explores concepts of water and fluidity, and speaking at the programme announcement the festival's curator Aisling Murray invited members of the public to dive right in: "Beta Festival is the only festival of its kind in Ireland that merges art and technology. We are bringing together some of the leading minds from both fields to present cutting-edge ideas to the public and together imagine new possibilities. From immersive exhibitions, to quantum-inspired poetry performances and virtual reality experiences, I invite everyone to come and find inspiration in our carefully curated programme of exhibitions, workshops, and international guests." Beta Festival Highlights A centerpiece of the festival is a landmark exhibition titled "Undercurrent: As Below, So Above," which will be hosted at Dublin Port. The exhibition will feature interactive artworks by artist Kat Austen, who confronts the vital problem of marine microplastic pollution alongside an immersive experience created by Lauren Moffat that takes visitors on a journey to the ocean floor, and new multimedia works by Siobhan McDonald. As part of the festival, the Digital Hub, in partnership with Project Arts Centre, will present the Irish premiere of "Foolish Flame." Created by artists Peter Power and Leon Butler, this immersive installation addresses themes of climate change and cultural trauma. Combining the old with the new, the work draws inspiration from traditional Sean-nós dance archives, reinterpreted by choreographer Robyn Byrne, and features music composed by Peter Power, performed by Uilleann Piper Muireann Ní Shé. This year's festival is filled with public workshops and technology demonstrations. The Virtual Reality Notre-Dame Experience, created through 5,000 hours of historian-guided graphic work, will allow participants to explore the cathedral like never before, including areas of the cathedral that are not open to the public. A related panel discussion entitled "AI, Design & Cultural Heritage" will explore how contemporary designers are using AI as both a creative and interpretive tool for historic architecture. For the festival's opening weekend Beta will host the Irish premiere of "HeartBeat, Son cœur a trouvé sa cadence dans le silence des rencontres", the Venice Immersive Biennale experience by French artist Bonnie Lisbon. The installation offers a non-verbal encounter between two strangers, sharing their pulse and exploring emotional relationships. Local Artists Network The Local Artists Network strand of the programme is dedicated to new work by some of Ireland's most exciting artists working with new technology. Pallas Projects will present an exhibition by Caroline Mac Cathmhaoil, artist Istvan Lazslo will present an augmented reality work reconstructing the removal of Queen Victoria's statue from Leinster House, and a large-scale installation by Aoife Dunne will be presented within the historic Riddel's warehouse. Conference The Beta Festival's annual conference gathers artists, researchers, policymakers, and tech experts to discuss how art connects with technology and the environment. Among the conference highlights, Dr. Oonagh Murphy will deliver a keynote address titled "Responsible AI in the Cultural Sector," focusing on ethical practices, responsible technology use, and public programmes that prioritise people and the environment. A performative lecture from Jose Luis de Vicente will investigate ...

As the capital of the world's largest democracy, Delhi embodies the essence of modern India – a vivid paradox of old and new, rich and poor, foreign and familiar. It's been fourteen years since my last visit and the economic transformation is ever-present. High rises, swanky malls and residential colonies housing the booming middle-class are mushrooming everywhere. As my engaging Wendy Wu Tours guide Girish remarked, as we were whisked into the city from the airport, “Delhi is more than a mere city, it has morphed into the national capital region.” With the metropolitan population now nudging 30 million, Delhi is a megalopolis and on-track to becoming the world's most populous city in three years' time. Our hotel was in New Delhi, the more modern, planned city within a city, that was built by the British in 1911 and replaced Kolkata as the national capital, twenty years later. In a city notorious for its air pollution, which is supposedly steadily improving, one of the great paradoxes of New Delhi is that it's also swathed in a sprawling green canopy. It's arguably the greatest legacy from British rule, because the new city was deliberately, meticulously planned to be nestled within a vast green cover, fanning out from Connaught Place on those broad long avenues. Large-canopy trees like banyans, mango, and pilkhans were selected by the British, while indigenous trees ideally suited to the climate have added to the canopy in recent decades. That sprawling tree cover is certainly a godsend from the fierce Delhi heat. Delhi's contradictions abound. You'll still see working elephants trudging along traffic-clogged roads, as fire-engine red Ferraris zip by. Handwritten posters singing out, “Customs confiscated goods sold here,” still compete next to glossy fashion billboards for Gucci and Prada. It's all part of Delhi's curious fabric. The city is littered with so many crumbling tombs and ruins, most of them are not even on the tourist map. But if you are a first-timer to the city, signature sights include marvelling at the sheer grace of the soaring Qutb Minar Tower. It was built 800 years ago by the Turkish Slave King Qutb-ud-din Aibak to celebrate his victory over the Hindu Rajputs. Wander through the sculptural Jantar Mantar, a huge, open-air astronomy observatory built in 1725 by Jai Singh, creator and ruler of Jaipur. Admire the 16th-century garden tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, precursor to the Taj Mahal, which was built by Humayun's great-grandson. Over in Old Delhi, two Mughal-era masterpieces, the imposing Red Fort (which was the Mughal seat of power for 200 years) and Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Both sandstone show-stoppers are definitely worth exploring. The mosque was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1656 and it took 5000 labourers 6 years to complete. Within its hallowed walls lie sacred relics like Prophet Muhammad's hair. Beyond ticking-off the capital's great monuments, heading to Old Delhi is like a journey back in time. The beating, chaotic, carnival-like heart of Old Delhi is Chandni Chowk, Delhi's 400 year old marketplace that was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The market has been redeveloped to tame some of the chaos, including some fully pedestrianised streets and non-motorised transport lanes. But as I gazed at the spaghetti-like tangle of street wiring that garlands the crowded market lanes, there's no denying the ramshackle, faded glory feels amid this pulsating hot-spot of old-school commerce. Be sure to get your fill of jalebis from a street food vendor. Made from a deep-fried spiral-shaped wheat flour batter, which is then soaked in a sugar syrup, a plate of piping hot, crispy, sticky jalebis is a very satisfying sugar hit. We enjoyed a classic rickshaw ride through the throng of traders, shoppers and wandering cows, all heaving in those pencil-thin lanes. Girish also led us through the Khari Baoli Spice Market in Chandni Chowk, positively bulging with so many spices, nuts, herbs, pickles, preserves, rice and teas. Renowned as Asia's largest wholesale spice market, it's an aromatic head-blast. Shops and stalls bulge with heaping mounds and baskets of over a hundred different spices, headlined by turmeric, cardamom, coriander, star anise, ginger and cumin. Just as they have for hundreds of years, shoppers, dealers and chefs converge here every day to haggle and hustle. Many vendors have been peddling their wares for generations. Dawdle too long in front of a stall, and traders with huge sacks of chilis or cardamom pods will soon bump you out of their way. One of the oldest and tidiest shops is Mehar Chand and Sons. They've been in business since Queen Victoria ruled over them. And it's a great place to stock up on packaged spices, tea and saffron. Anshu Kumar, who is part of the family that has owned the shop since its inception, tells me that one of their biggest sellers with international visitors is turmeric, powered by the world's booming love-affair with this powerful superfood and supplement. (Their packaged products are allowed in New Zealand – just be sure to declare them.) Heading back to the hotel, we also stopped by the Indian parliament and sized up the monolithic might of India Gate. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this monstrous landmark is more than just a stunning feat of architecture—it's a poignant memorial to the 70,000 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Beautifully illuminated after sunset, street food vendors and ice cream carts line the area, swathed in sprawling lush gardens. The great thing about a Wendy Wu Tours private holiday is that you have complete flexibility over how much temple-touring and sightseeing you want to do. Equipped with your own driver and guide, it's a stress-free way to tackle Delhi. The itinerary can be as active or as laid back as you are, with full flexibility over included meals and excursions. You'll be in the best of hands with Wendy Wu Tours. www.wendywutours.co.nz/india Nothing beats retreating to a leafy oasis of eminent comfort and style after a hot, sticky day intrepidly gorging on the city sights. Nestled along the tree-lined boulevards of Connaught Place, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, is a five-star hotel with serious wow-factor. From the moment you step inside the grand art-filled lobby, you know you are somewhere special. Service is swift, sparkling, flawless and convivial. It's the epitome of affordable luxury, with sharply-priced room rates that won't blow your budget. Push the boat out and lock in a Horizon Club room or suite. That will give you access to the hotel's cherry on top, the 19th floor Horizon Club lounge, allowing you a quick check-in, breakfast, evening cocktails and light bites. Plus panoramic views of the city's skyline. The hotel's arsenal of dining venues is very impressive. Head to Mister Chai for some authentic Indian street food coupled with flavoured tea and coffee. There is Tamra serving European, Japanese, Indian, Thai and Southeast Asian fare from live kitchens. “Lavish” doesn't do justice to the expansive array of buffet options at Tamra for breakfast. Sorrento specialises in Italian food with a contemporary twist and Shang Palace offers flavours of Sichuan, Cantonese and Yunnan cuisines. This is a signature dining venue in Shangri-La hotels and Shang Palace is widely feted as the world's most loved Chinese specialty restaurant. Dining here was divine, noshing on prawn dumplings with caviar; Xinjiang spice twice cooked baby lamb ribs; and the Cantonese BBQ platter. Shang Palace is a must. Celebrating it's 20th birthday this year, Shangri-La Eros is not the sort of hotel to rest on its laurels. And with wellness offerings continuing to be increasingly sought after, the hotel recently unveiled a wealth of enticing new amenities. The Wellness Club boasts offers over 4,000 square feet of world-class fitness space, advanced recovery therapies, a 100-feet outdoor swimming pool, salon, spa, and a calming hydrothermal zone featuring a cold plunge, Himalayan salt sauna, whirlpool, and steam. What more could you want for personal pampering? The Wellness Club seamlessly blends conscious luxury with modern wellness. Designed by Dubai's Stickman Tribe, Dubai, the interior is bathed in natural hues and hand-painted art. Calming music sets the tone for a serene escape with gilded details and reflective surfaces lending a touch of grandeur to the venue. The Spa has become a runaway hit with custom-crafted amenities to indulge the senses. Signature rituals include the Taste of India Retreat, Signature Indulgence, and a Couple's Serenity Bath, crafted to nourish the body and calm the mind. But my favourite hotel feature is the enormous new pool. Tranquil corridors lead you outdoors to the gloriously leafy green space, crowned with that magnificent pool and elegant sun loungers. As black kites circled high above in the sky, and mischievous rhesus macaques swung between the trees – much to the annoyance of nesting rose-ringed parakeets, marinating myself in the hotel's glorious pool became a rinse-and-repeat prize draw. www.shangri-la.com From New Zealand, it's just a one-stop connection to a multitude of destinations in India, including New Delhi, with Singapore Airlines, on their various daily services from Auckland and Christchurch to Singapore. Enjoy well-timed connections for an easy transit in Singapore. Across all classes of travel, the award-winning carrier has not only fostered a world-beating reputation for its exceptional customer service and in-flight product, but also its innovation. Become a KrisFlyer member and enjoy complimentary in-flight WiFi. For best fares and seats to suit head to https://www.singaporeair.com Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The House of Grimaldi has ruled the tiny principality of Monaco since January 8, 1297, when Francois “The Spiteful” Grimaldi disguised himself as a monk and knocked on his uncle's castle door, launching a coup. In the violence that followed, according to legend, a woman – possibly a lover of Francois, possibly a witch he had wronged (can't it be both?) – issued a curse that has resonated across the centuries: “Never will a Grimaldi find true happiness in marriage.” The Grimaldi family was considered scandalous enough in Queen Victoria's time that she forbade any of her close relatives to marry into it, leading Prince Albert I of Monaco to marry an American heiress in 1889 – a precedent that would matter decades later when Prince Rainier III, urged on by none other than shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, began interviewing Hollywood A-listers for a very special role: Princess of Monaco. Which is how Grace Kelly abandoned the big screen for the Rock of Monaco, and would go on to celebrate her 40th birthday in High Scorpio style. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Sources: The Grimaldis of Monaco: Centuries of Scandal, Years of Grace, by Anne Edwards (Amazon) Grace: The Secret Lives of a Princess, by James Spada (Amazon) Elizabeth Taylor: There is Nothing Like a Dame, by Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince (Amazon) A Detailed Look at the Many Romances of Prince Albert of Monaco (esquiremag.ph) Portrait of Princess Caroline: Love and Philanthropy (hellomonaco.com) Who is Giving Prince Ernst August a little TLC During his Marital Strife? (vanityfair.com) Is Princess Caroline the Latest Victim of the Grimaldi Family Curse? (vanityfair.com) A Runaway Princess Bride and Feudal Feuds: Three Insane Royal Weddings (vanityfair.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House of Grimaldi has ruled the tiny principality of Monaco since January 8, 1297, when Francois “The Spiteful” Grimaldi disguised himself as a monk and knocked on his uncle's castle door, launching a coup. In the violence that followed, according to legend, a woman – possibly a lover of Francois, possibly a witch he had wronged (can't it be both?) – issued a curse that has resonated across the centuries: “Never will a Grimaldi find true happiness in marriage.” The Grimaldi family was considered scandalous enough in Queen Victoria's time that she forbade any of her close relatives to marry into it, leading Prince Albert I of Monaco to marry an American heiress in 1889 – a precedent that would matter decades later when Prince Rainier III, urged on by none other than shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis, began interviewing Hollywood A-listers for a very special role: Princess of Monaco. Which is how Grace Kelly abandoned the big screen for the Rock of Monaco, and would go on to celebrate her 40th birthday in High Scorpio style. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. Sources: The Grimaldis of Monaco: Centuries of Scandal, Years of Grace, by Anne Edwards (Amazon) Grace: The Secret Lives of a Princess, by James Spada (Amazon) Elizabeth Taylor: There is Nothing Like a Dame, by Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince (Amazon) A Detailed Look at the Many Romances of Prince Albert of Monaco (esquiremag.ph) Portrait of Princess Caroline: Love and Philanthropy (hellomonaco.com) Who is Giving Prince Ernst August a little TLC During his Marital Strife? (vanityfair.com) Is Princess Caroline the Latest Victim of the Grimaldi Family Curse? (vanityfair.com) A Runaway Princess Bride and Feudal Feuds: Three Insane Royal Weddings (vanityfair.com) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He gleams through the London fog – a man made of gold. The Albert Memorial isn't just a monument; it's a love story cast in marble and gold leaf. This episode of London Calling tells the tale of Queen Victoria and her beloved Albert – the earnest, intelligent prince who believed civilisation could be improved by plumbing and hard work – and how his death broke her heart so completely she built a temple to him in Kensington Gardens. It's absurd, magnificent, and completely sincere: London's grandest love letter.

In this episode of Home in Progress, host Dan Hansen explores the rich and intricate world of Victorian architecture—a collection of styles that flourished during Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901.Hansen unpacks the key visual hallmarks of the period—turrets, spindles, gingerbread trim, bay windows, and ornate color schemes—and the social and technological forces that made them possible. He traces how the Industrial Revolution transformed craftsmanship, allowing mass production to bring beauty and ornamentation within reach of the middle class.Listeners will hear the dramatic story of the Great Fire of 1834 that destroyed the Palace of Westminster and sparked a design competition that launched one of the most influential collaborations in architectural history: Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. Hansen explains how their Gothic Revival masterpiece reshaped British identity and inspired the exuberant architectural language that became synonymous with the Victorian era.The episode also highlights the philosophical contributions of thinkers like John Ruskin and Pugin, who saw beauty and ornament as moral imperatives—an idea that spread from cathedrals to cottages. Hansen then follows the movement's evolution into ever-richer styles like High Victorian Gothic and Queen Anne, before charting its decline under the influence of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.Finally, the episode reflects on the lasting legacy of Victorian architecture—its optimism, craftsmanship, and celebration of individuality—and concludes with a look at Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year and a special listener contest.Episode Timeline00:00 — Introduction and Overview00:07 — Victorian Architecture: An Era of Styles01:52 — The Great Fire of 1834: A Turning Point02:54 — The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact04:57 — The Rise of the Middle Class and Architectural Changes07:36 — The Gothic Revival and Its Champions12:38 — John Ruskin: Beauty as a Moral Good17:14 — From Philosophy to Painted Ladies18:24 — Ruskin's Influence and High Victorian Gothic19:45 — Ornamentation and the Machine Age20:44 — Queen Anne: Victorian Eclecticism at Its Peak23:39 — Inside the Victorian Home: Layers of Luxury27:54 — The Decline of Victorian Design32:24 — The Lasting Legacy33:59 — Benjamin Moore's 2026 Color of the Year and Contest

When it comes to grand gestures, painting your entire city in the one colour is quite something. So much for painting the town red. How about pink? Jaipur beckons as one of India's most enchanting destinations, where the Old City is harmoniously bathed in the same pink hue. The elegant capital of Rajasthan was painted in pink stucco in 1876 to welcome Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, who was the son of Queen Victoria and later became King Edward VII. Jaipur's Maharaja chose the colour because pink symbolises hospitality in Rajput culture, and the gesture impressed the Prince so much that he nicknamed the city the "Pink City." The name – and the stucco - has stuck ever since. A year later, a law mandated that all future buildings in the Old City must be painted pink. As I swept into Jaipur on a private holiday Wendy Wu Tours, there's no denying how that welcoming palette sweetly seduces even the most jaded of travellers. Jaipur effortlessly casts you under its spell, as you delve into its rich history and treasury of enticements. There is an unmistakeable magic about the place. Nearly 300 years ago, an enlightened maharajah with a penchant for jewels and a keen eye for architecture built this planned city, wedged between the arid hills of northwest India. Built in the form of a rectangle, Jaipur was divided into nine blocks, seven for public use and two reserved for the state's most prestigious palaces and buildings. The entire city was girdled by a formidable protective wall. Called Jaipur after the city's founder, Jai Singh II, the planned city soon gave rise to astonishing royal palaces and vast workshops of artisans recruited to establish a new commercial hub. These days, gem cutters, jewellery designers and garment-makers are still doing a flourishing trade in Jaipur. And the royals still occupy a wing of the majestic City Palace, while gleaming mid-rise towers and a new subway system anchor Jaipur's forward march. But for all the contemporary progress, it's the architectural grandeur, proud sense of place and thriving craftwork traditions that make this destination so infectious. Street markets are splashed in colour and handicrafts, and Hindu temples can be found nearly every 100 metres. Though the streets heave with beeping and belching traffic, aimless tourists and dung-dropping cows, there is a charm and charisma to the carnival of commotion. Close to City Palace, my wonderful Wendy Wu Tours guide Vipin treated us to some sizzling old-school retail therapy. We walked under the peeling pink porticos of the roadside bazaars which were emblazoned with everything from puppets to pyjama pants; passing by carts of fried chickpea cakes, and marble-lined shrines with statues of Hindu gods. Garment-hunting was high on the agenda, for gifts to take home. Vipin led us to his favourite shop, where an explosion of colourful fabrics heaped in piles and stacked to the ceiling soon greeted us, as attentive staff served us Masala chai. Whether you're after local, authentic t-shirts, shirts, trousers, scarfs, saris, rugs, cushion covers, towels or table-cloths…this is textile and garment-shopping heaven. As my sister snapped up some sensational saris, I haggled down the price on a sublime tablecloth with block-printed red elephants. The other boom retail business is jewellery, because Jaipur is a global centre for cutting and polishing precious and semiprecious gems. Head to Jewels Emporium's stately white building and take a tour of the workshops, where cutters shape facets, and men at workbenches adorn gold settings with jewels, and rinse the gold dust from their hands in wash basins. That water is later sold to extraction companies. The quality of the workmanship is second to none, true Rajasthan's abiding legacy. Jaipur's Pink City bragging rights is best epitomised by the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. We stopped by to pose in front of this five-story palace façade, constructed from pink sandstone. Built in 1799, its iconic facade features 953 small windows which allowed royal women of the court to observe street processions without being seen while also creating a natural cooling effect. The palace's architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, ornately designed with protruding bays of lattice stonework and cupolas mimicking Krishna's crown. Could there be a more glorious façade in the world? City Palace is a stirring complex to leisurely explore, peppered with mouth-watering architecture, tranquil courtyards and lush gardens. The prize draw is the Palace of the Breeze, a triumph in building design, whereby the air circulates so efficiently that it keeps the occupants cool even in the extreme summer months, when the mercury can nudge 50 degrees. The on-site museum is studded with royal treasures, costumes and curiosities. Out in the courtyard, I admired some massive silver vessels that carried the Maharaja's drinking water from the Ganges River to London in 1902 for Edward VII's coronation. You can see the royal reception rooms that are still in use, where Jaipur's royal family entertain guests in an ornate dining room and parlour, where chairs have silver lions for armrests. The walls are painted with gold dust and extracts of rubies and emeralds. Yipin pointed out where the royal family reside. There's a lot of tabloid tattle about Jaipur's current Maharaja, Pacho Singh. He's only 27, quite the polo-playing playboy and is currently living in the palace with his French girlfriend. But it's fully expected he cannot marry her, in deference to royal tradition and Rajasthan's adherence to arranged marriages and astrological alignment. Beyond the Old City, no visit to Jaipur is complete without savouring the sky-piercing magnificence of the four-hundred-year-old Amber Fort. (Pronounced Ah-meer.) Sprawling across the upper reaches of a hillside like a scene out Return of the Jedi, this fortress was previously the seat of power for the Rajput kings from 1599, before relocating to Jaipur's Old City just over a century later. En-route to the fort, Vipin led us to the most dreamy viewpoint, on the shores of Lake Maotha, where we gazed up in awe at this hilltop colossus. Brightly dressed elephants lumbered by, readying to carry visitors up the slope to the fortress. I had previously taken an elephant ride up to Amber Fort, but I've put weight on since then and am more mindful of animal welfare. We opted for a jeep ride through the skinny lanes snaking their way up to Sun Gate. From here, we marvelled over the China Wall-esque fortifications, the Amber Wall, riding across the ridgelines as far as the eye can see. ( It's 12km in length.) But this Rajput stronghold hooks in the tourist hordes principally for its gobsmacking array of palatial buildings and extravagant ornamental gardens. In shades of honey and rose stone, white marble and gilt decor, it's a frothy fusion of ornate Hindu and Islamic design. Amber Fort's exquisite craftsmanship is best exemplified by the Mirror Palace, or Sheesh Mahal. Candlelight dinners would have been next-level. A single lit candle spangles the beautifully cut Belgian glass panels and mirror mosaics that festoon the walls of the banquet room, transforming the space into a night-sky kaleidoscope across the walls and ceiling. Apparently, this room was made by the Maharaja so that the Maharani (queen) could see the stars at night, as she was not allowed to sleep in the open. Other highlights include the many-pillared Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience; the Jal Mandir, or Hall of Victory, which features carved marble panels, a mirrored ceiling, and expansive views over the ramparts of the fort. The Sukh Niwas, the Hall of Pleasure, is another drop-dead-gorgeous marble room that was cleverly cooled with water. Here, the Maharaja reportedly relaxed with his ladies. Amber Fort is a resplendent blockbuster, reverberating with the glory days of Rajput rule in Rajasthan. Jaipur residents are rightly proud of their architectural showstoppers. One of the signature attributes to the city is the fact that some historic palaces, no longer required for the affairs of state, have been reimagined as beacons of hospitality. But I stayed at a brand-new luxury build that is a grand triumph of contemporary construction, fully inspired by Jaipur's landmarks and Rajasthani finesse. Introducing Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur. Whether it's for a big bling-bling Bollywood wedding or for immersive luxury experiences away from the heaving throng of Jaipur's tourist spots, this hotel delivers a tour de force in lavish Rajasthani living, with a contemporary take. It is splendour defined. As our Wendy Wu Tours driver pulled into the entrance, a troupe of Rajasthani dancers and costumed drummers serenaded our arrival in spectacular, effervescent style. Unfurling over 5.5 lush acres, the grand hotel's money shot is its sensational main façade, drawing rich inspiration from Amber Fort and Rajasthan's royal palaces. Features include majestic arches, intricately designed jharokhas (bay windows), and graceful chhajjas (overhanging eaves) and detailed carvings. It was thoughtfully painted in the same colours as Amber Fort's walls during golden hour. Rajputana history and heritage permeates the hotel. You'll notice it in the materials—yellowstone from Jaisalmer, marble from Banswara and Makrana, and locally sourced timbered. There's the treasury of sublime artworks, notably including portraits of Rajput warriors and royalty. Peek inside the Rang Mahal ballroom, where the walls are completely covered with celebratory nods to the state's heritage. It was handpainted over two-and-a-half years by third-generation artists. Delicate thikri glasswork, hand-carved wood accents, and intricate gold leaf detailing abound across the hotel. Amer Bagh garden venue unfurls like a verdant blanket at the base of the hotel – and is a stirring outdoor venue. Jai Bagh (victory garden is the main outdoor space for guest and I was absolutely enthralled delving into the daily bazaar that is staged here in the afternoon, complete with puppeteers, block printers, bangle makers and astrologers. Anantara's core DNA is to create hotels steeped in local elements and the Jaipur addition excels at delivering exactly that. You can even go chowk-hopping, vegetable shopping and cooking with local women. The hotel boasts 150 rooms and suites, layered across five categories, with most overlooking the inner courtyard or Jai Bagh. We stayed in the Anantara One-Bedroom Terrace Suite, which is kitted out with its own outdoor Jacuzzi and expansive terrace. I was transfixed here watching muscular monsoon thunderstorms tear up the sky and soak the land! Guestrooms do not skimp on celebrating the sense of place, with sumptuous comforts and artful design elements, from the zardozi on the pillows, thikri work on the headboards, wooden jharokas by the window nooks, and Mughal miniature art on the walls. If that's not enough to tempt you, Anantara's first outpost in India will enchant you with its gastronomic verve. Led by Executive Chef Sunil Jajoria, Sheesh Mahal is a pinch-yourself jewel box of a venue, to experience the true essence of Rajasthan with exquisitely fitted out with glittering mirror mosaics, dressed in 350,000 pieces of glass, inspired by the legendary Mirror Palace. Coud there be a more wondrous place to savour the true essence of Rajasthan's culinary brilliance? The menu marries traditional Rajasthani delicacies with global influences, paired with signature cocktails like the Jewel of Jaipur. Jajoria, a Rajasthan native, has been researching local cuisine for the last seven years. Perfected over 20 trials, his menu dives deep into how maharajas entertained. His tasting menu kicks off with hummus that tastes like Bikaneri bhujia, moving on to ker sangri kebabs, besan kebabs mimicking paneer (as there was no paneer in the history of Rajasthan, says the chef), and Shekhawati maas tacos. The menu is handwritten by the chef himself, on vintage paper he has been collecting since his he was a boy. Pair this menu with the ‘Echoes of Distillation' spirit tasting of heritage liquor from the royal family of Mahansar. It's mixology at its finest, with no shortage of artful theatre thrown in. Another cracking experience is Amrit Mahal, the vibrant all-day dining venue, which presents a diverse array of international and Indian specialties. There were too many highlights to recount, but the lamb baos, edamame truffle dimsums, lotus root on fire, Cantonese buttermilk prawns, soba noodles, and Japanese caramel cheesecake were all pleasurably devoured. The buffet breakfast here is like a royal banquet! The spa experience is a signature feature pillar of any Anantara property, and resident experts were brought in from Thailand to train the Jaipur team. The treatment repertoire remains consistent with their global spa menus—a mix of Ayurveda, Thai massages, and western therapies. I deployed my sister to the spa for some personal panel-beating and she is still buzzing about the deep tissue massage she savoured. She rates it as the best massage of her life, “life-affirming, age-reducing and liberating.” Another starring attribute of the hotel is its genuine sense of connection with the community. As a part of their grassroots outreach, the hotel works with local women to make the rotis on their menu on a chulha or traditional clay stove. You can take an early morning trip to the flower market or a guided farming experience. Even better, take a private visit to Hathi Gaon, which is a community of rescue elephants residing in their natural habitat. Or partake in a local culinary class. I was particularly impressed that the hotel takes care of their staff's accommodation needs, building nearby apartments to ensure they are well-housed. Hospitality is as sparkling as the palace-like hotel itself - faultless, ultra-attentive, charismatic and truly unforgettable. Treat yourself to a remarkable Jaipur escape at Anantara Jewel Bagh. You'll be royally treated from the moment you arrive. You will not want to leave. www.anantara.com Delve into India and the Golden Triangle with the award-winning tour specialists across Asia and beyond. I chose a tailor-made Classic India private holiday, that enables you optimise your itinerary and accommodation preferences, as much as you wish. The itinerary can be as active or as laid back as you are, with full flexibility over included meals and excursions. You'll be in the best of hands with Wendy Wu Tours. www.wendywutours.co.nz/india From New Zealand, it's just a one-stop connection to a multitude of destinations in India, including New Delhi, with Singapore Airlines, on their various daily services from Auckland and Christchurch to Singapore. Enjoy well-timed connections for an easy transit in Singapore. Across all classes of travel, the award-winning carrier has not only fostered a world-beating reputation for its exceptional customer service and in-flight product, but also its innovation. Become a KrisFlyer member and enjoy complimentary in-flight WiFi. For best fares and seats to suit head to https://www.singaporeair.com Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queen Victoria, the second longest Queen of England (at the time of recording), escaped death on numerous occasions. But did she ever explore the spirit world? Alasdair recounts an series of (attempted) murder mysteries and relates the strange tale of a stolen timepiece. While James attempts to answer that age old question: who watches the watch, man? Find out more about Vicky's Ticker in Roger Clarke's article on the Spitalfields Life blog here. Join the LoreFolk at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/loremenpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/loremen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check the sweet, sweet merch here... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/stores/loremen-podcast?ref_id=24631⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @loremenpod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/loremenpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/loremenpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/loremenpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a part of Mark's “A Journey Through Poetry” – a personal reflection of his life as a poet, a writer, and a author – in which he recites a different poem from every one of his poetry collections. In this episode Mark recites his poem ‘The Rain Over Queen Victoria', from his poetry collection The Dreamer and The Dream, and he gives some insight and some context into why he was inspired to write this poem in particular.

There have long been whispers of a romance between Queen Victoria and her Scottish servant John Brown, but nothing concrete to support them. This Long Read – written by historian Dr Fern Riddell, author of an explosive new book on the subject – reveals how she turned sleuth to track down evidence of their secret passion. HistoryExtra Long Reads brings you the best articles from BBC History Magazine, direct to your ears. Today's feature originally appeared in the September 2025 issue, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Forrige episode endte på en real cliff-hanger: Hvorfor var det katastrofalt for fødselsomsorgen at Norge fikk sitt eget universitet? Torgrim Sørnes er tilbake, pensjonert gynekolog og fødselslege, med en sterk interesse for historie. Vi plukker opp tråden tidlig på 1800-tallet, da sykehus var farlige på grunn av null tro på bakterier, ingen håndvask og blodige frakker som statussymbol. Vi følger keisersnittets vei fra første inngrep til starten av Torgrims karriere, da keisersnitt ble sett på som et nederlag. Og hvorfor førte fosterovervåkingens inntog til at keisersnitt-tallene skjøt i været? Bedøvelsen kommer (hei, kloroform!), Queen Victoria nekter å være ku og vi får høre om gummihanskens pikante opphav. Torgrim rister også i dagens fødselsomsorg og skuer fremover: Hva skjer hvis antibiotika slutter å virke? Og hva håper han selv på for fremtiden? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since October arrived, we are starting to see decorations for Halloween. In light of that, we are covering a historical perspective on grief. This week, we focus on Queen Victoria and her beloved Albert. As believers, how can we grieve appropriately?

Over the course of Queen Victoria's reign, Britain transformed into the world's foremost industrial and imperial power. The Victorians built railways that spanned continents, invented life-changing technologies, and expanded a vast realm that stretched from the Caribbean to India. Yet, for all their achievements, they grappled with social unrest, stark inequalities between the rich and poor, and the dark side of imperialism.    So how did the Victorians justify their colonial project, while they tolerated such inequality at home? How did their moral values shape the way they treated those at the fringes of their rigid society? And how do the Victorians' struggles with industrialisation, governance, and poverty echo in the modern world?  This is A Short History Of The Victorians, Part One A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Dr Amy Milne-Smith, Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, and Dr Onyeka Nubia, a British historian, writer and presenter. Written by Sean Coleman | Produced by Kate Simants | Assistant Producer: Nicole Edmunds | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by Oliver Sanders | Assembly edit by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cody Reynolds-Shaw | Get every episode of Short History Of… a week early with Noiser+. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PREVIEW: GUEST NAME: Conrad Black SUMMARY: John Batchelor converses with Conrad Black about King Charles III's growth into his office. Blackdescribes a dignified state dinner at Windsor Castle, contrasting it with a historical one involving Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm. Despite health challenges, Black praises King Charles's effective, high-end performance as king, noting his conduct with utmost dignity. WINDSOR CASTLE WATERLOO ROOM

This is the fifth and final episode in this series of conversations with RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week Richard and I discuss two of Stephen Sondheim's most challenging musicals, ASSASSINS and PASSION, as well as his final show HERE WE ARE. If you missed the first four episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 18th century, modern Germany continued to be a patchwork of various duchies, which kept German nobles in the marriage rotation throughout Europe. So it was that two brothers - Ernst and Leopold - came into the world in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1784 and 1790. One would become the King of Belgium, and one would be the legal father of Prince Albert, later the husband of Queen Victoria. We say "legal father" because apparently it's not 100% clear that Ernst's estranged wife, the long suffering Princess Louise, wasn't comforting her brother-in-law after the death of his wife, England's Princess Charlotte, whose death in childbirth prompted the Hanoverian race to reproduce that gave the world Queen Victoria.  It is, as they say, complicated. Want early, ad-free episodes, regular Dumpster Dives, bonus divorces, limited series, Zoom hangouts, and more? Join us at patreon.com/trashydivorces! Want a personalized message for someone in your life? Check us out on Cameo! To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 18th century, modern Germany continued to be a patchwork of various duchies, which kept German nobles in the marriage rotation throughout Europe. So it was that two brothers - Ernst and Leopold - came into the world in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1784 and 1790. One would become the King of Belgium, and one would be the legal father of Prince Albert, later the husband of Queen Victoria. We say "legal father" because apparently it's not 100% clear that Ernst's estranged wife, the long suffering Princess Louise, wasn't comforting her brother-in-law after the death of his wife, England's Princess Charlotte, whose death in childbirth prompted the Hanoverian race to reproduce that gave the world Queen Victoria.  It is, as they say, complicated. Want early, ad-free episodes, regular Dumpster Dives, bonus divorces, limited series, Zoom hangouts, and more? Join us at patreon.com/trashydivorces! Want a personalized message for someone in your life? Check us out on Cameo! To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 18th century, modern Germany continued to be a patchwork of various duchies, which kept German nobles in the marriage rotation throughout Europe. So it was that two brothers - Ernst and Leopold - came into the world in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1784 and 1790. One would become the King of Belgium, and one would be the legal father of Prince Albert, later the husband of Queen Victoria. We say "legal father" because apparently it's not 100% clear that Ernst's estranged wife, the long suffering Princess Louise, wasn't comforting her brother-in-law after the death of his wife, England's Princess Charlotte, whose death in childbirth prompted the Hanoverian race to reproduce that gave the world Queen Victoria.  It is, as they say, complicated. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the 18th century, modern Germany continued to be a patchwork of various duchies, which kept German nobles in the marriage rotation throughout Europe. So it was that two brothers - Ernst and Leopold - came into the world in the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld in 1784 and 1790. One would become the King of Belgium, and one would be the legal father of Prince Albert, later the husband of Queen Victoria. We say "legal father" because apparently it's not 100% clear that Ernst's estranged wife, the long suffering Princess Louise, wasn't comforting her brother-in-law after the death of his wife, England's Princess Charlotte, whose death in childbirth prompted the Hanoverian race to reproduce that gave the world Queen Victoria.  It is, as they say, complicated. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In This Hour:-- In a stunning come-from-behind finish American rifle shooter Brandon Green claimed the King's Prize at the historic Bisley shooting competition -- the first American to win in the 156-year history of a match marked by Queen Victoria firing the first shot in 1860!--  It's time to take a fresh look at .380 pistols for defense.--  Was there really a proposal to ban trans from owning guns? The gun rights community rallied to oppose that idea.Gun Talk 09.07.25 Hour 2Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gun-talk--6185159/support.

Royal funeral plans are sparking new drama as reports claim Prince Harry may walk side by side with Prince William, but insiders insist he's still out of the inner circle. Meanwhile, fresh details emerge about Kate Middleton's private life, from school-run WhatsApp groups to playing rounders at kids' parties. Plus, royal crushes revealed (from Charles and Barbra Streisand to Diana and Kevin Costner), a Minnesota woman claims she's Queen Victoria's secret descendant, and palace insiders spill the truth about the Firm's ultimate weapon: silence. When the royals erase you, they do it quietly — and permanently.

My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. This week, we explore two of Sondheim's most brilliant works, Sunday In the Park with George and Into the Woods. If you missed the first three episodes in this series, you may want to catch up with them before listening to this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And if you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation, there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our two former puppeteers revisit the delightfully bizarre—and terribly provocative—Peter Sellers episode of The Muppet Show. Sellers arrives not as himself, but as every outrageously caricatured persona you can imagine: a fiddle-playing Romani, an overbearing German masseuse channeling Dr. Strangelove, a regal (and bearded) Queen Victoria, and a cryptic cameo as Inspector Clouseau himself.We celebrate Sellers' chameleon-like genius—but we also confront the problematic stereotypes. Many sketches now come with legitimate cultural baggage. The torqued-up massage gag, for example, walks a fine line between homage and grotesque parody. All the while, Sellers' famous existential quip—"There is no me… I had it surgically removed"—adds an unsettling and surreal layer to the slapstick.Making this episode even more a mixed bag, we find a legendary performance from Kermit that is equal parts beautiful and empowering. Join us as we unpack the comedy, the controversy, and the poetry of this episode; and why revisiting it forces us to laugh, cringe, and reflect—all at once.Join the discussion on our discord! https://discord.gg/JDtWJrhPF6Follow us on twitter @PMoNPodcast and on Instagram and Threads @puppetmastersofnoneFind out more about the puppet masters on our website: https://puppetmastersofnone.wixsite.com/puppetmastersofnoneOriginal Music Composed by Taetro. @Taetro  https://www.taetro.com/Send us a text

Episode: 1425 Laying the transatlantic telegraph cable.  Today, Queen Victoria sends a telegram to President Buchanan.

My guest again this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the much-acclaimed recent book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. In the first two episodes of this series, Richard took us deep inside the inner workings and underlying meanings of Gypsy, Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, and the fascinating characters who inhabit them. This week, we explore two of Sondheim's most challenging and brilliant works, Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd —The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. If you missed the first episode in this series, you may want to catch up with that before embarking on this one. Richard Schoch is a Professor of Drama at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland. He is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Incogni! In the tangle of British royals to come out of the Hanoverian period, most aren't memorable. This is probably partly due to Queen Victoria's long reign, but there was a cousin of the Queen that she was quite partial to: Fat Mary. Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge was 14 years the Queen's junior, but she and her siblings were the cousins who comprised Victoria's friend group during her heavily restricted childhood, and Mary's age made her almost a younger sister to the future Queen. Mary had little use for the notions of how women were supposed to behave, especially royal women, in her era, and enjoyed life lavishly. Her weight was a concern to her parents from a young age, and when it came time to find suitors for their daughter, few were forthcoming. Mary wouldn't walk down the aisle until the age of 32, when she found a love match with Frances, Duke of Teck, a member of a noble family in Germany. The couple prospered - though never financially - and in this Part One episode, we talk about Fat Mary's childhood, and the childhood of her daughter, the future Queen Mary. Let's say that having a large and extremely gregarious mother was not especially to the liking of her shy daughter. Sponsors Protect your privacy from data brokers, scammers, and more with Incogni. Use code Trashy to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at incogni.com/royals. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Incogni! In the tangle of British royals to come out of the Hanoverian period, most aren't memorable. This is probably partly due to Queen Victoria's long reign, but there was a cousin of the Queen that she was quite partial to: Fat Mary. Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge was 14 years the Queen's junior, but she and her siblings were the cousins who comprised Victoria's friend group during her heavily restricted childhood, and Mary's age made her almost a younger sister to the future Queen. Mary had little use for the notions of how women were supposed to behave, especially royal women, in her era, and enjoyed life lavishly. Her weight was a concern to her parents from a young age, and when it came time to find suitors for their daughter, few were forthcoming. Mary wouldn't walk down the aisle until the age of 32, when she found a love match with Frances, Duke of Teck, a member of a noble family in Germany. The couple prospered - though never financially - and in this Part One episode, we talk about Fat Mary's childhood, and the childhood of her daughter, the future Queen Mary. Let's say that having a large and extremely gregarious mother was not especially to the liking of her shy daughter. Sponsors Protect your privacy from data brokers, scammers, and more with Incogni. Use code Trashy to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan at incogni.com/royals. Listen ad-free at patreon.com/trashyroyalspodcast. To advertise on this podcast, reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guest today is Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria, cousin of Prince Phillip, descendant of Russian Tsars and of Pushkin, and the second son of David, the late Marquess of Milford Haven, who was Prince Philip's best man at his wedding to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. Lord Ivar tells Gyles about his complex and fascinating lineage, and he also tells him about growing up in a grand house "like Downton Abbey", surrounded by servants and with a mother who was lazy, uninterested in her children and too posh to pack her own suitcase. He talks about the death of his father when he was only 7, and about his relationship with his Great Uncle, Louis Mountbatten, who was eventually assassinated in 1979. Ivar talks about his schooldays and tells Gyles some great stories about holidaying with Queen Elizabeth II. He talks about his sexuality, about meeting and marrying his wife, and about how he eventually gained the courage to come out as gay and begin a new life with his now husband, James Coyle. And he talks about appearing on the US version of the Traitors! This is a fascinating snapshot of life in the English aristocracy, and an honest account of coming out as gay when you're a member of one of the most famous families in the world. Enjoy this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Richard III's lavish wardrobe to Queen Victoria's chaotic ceremony, coronations have a rich and fascinating history. For some, a coronation is a once-in-a-lifetime public event; for the new king or queen, it is a display which can set the tone for their reign.  In this episode of On the Record released to mark the coronation of King Charles III, our specialists examine records from previous coronations and explore how traditions have formed and changed through the centuries. For a transcript and information about the documents used in this episode visit our show notes: https://bit.ly/TNACoro This podcast series is part of a season of events and commemorating the coronation of King Charles III on May 6th. Find out more at nationalarchives.gov.uk/coronations

fWotD Episode 3023: Mandell Creighton Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 14 August 2025, is Mandell Creighton.Mandell Creighton (; 5 July 1843 – 14 January 1901) was a British historian, Anglican priest and bishop. The son of a successful carpenter in north-west England, Creighton studied at the University of Oxford, focusing his scholarship on the Renaissance Papacy, and then became a don in 1866. He was appointed the first occupant of the Dixie Chair of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Cambridge in 1884. The following year, he also was engaged as the founding editor of the English Historical Review, the first English-language academic journal in its field. In these posts, he helped to establish history as an independent academic discipline in England.In addition to his work as a historian, Creighton had a career in the clergy of the Church of England from the mid-1870s until his death. He served as a parish priest in Embleton, Northumberland, and later, successively, as a canon residentiary of Worcester Cathedral (1885), Bishop of Peterborough (1891) and Bishop of London (1897). His moderation and practicality drew praise from Queen Victoria and won notice from politicians. In later years, he was appointed to various positions of trust, including the Privy Council, and it was widely thought that he would have become Archbishop of Canterbury had his death, at the age of 57, not supervened.As a historian, Creighton's magnum opus was A History of the Papacy during the Period of the Reformation, published in five volumes between 1882 and 1894. His historical work received mixed reviews. He was praised for scrupulous even-handedness, but criticised for not taking a stand against historical excesses. He was firm in asserting that public figures should be judged for their public acts, not private ones. He believed that the Church of England was uniquely shaped by its particular English circumstances, and he saw it as the soul of the nation.Creighton was married to the author and future women's suffrage activist Louise Creighton, and the couple had seven children.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:59 UTC on Thursday, 14 August 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Mandell Creighton on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Emma.

Phil has just returned from a week Northern Ireland - a place where he worked during ‘the Troubles'. It prompted him to think about the peace process there, today's fashionable support for the pro-IRA (and allegedly pro Hezbollah) band called Kneecap, and why history tends to be kind to extremists.Then Sam Kelly joins from America to discuss his fantastic, often scandalous and sometimes very funny book on why drugs explain all human history. It's a little tongue in cheek but it reveals so many terrific new angles on some of the most celebrated figures of all time - from Alexander the Great through George Washington to Queen Victoria!Sam's book is available here...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Human-Histor...Several Australia listeners have asked for a full list of where Phil is speaking there in October. And so here are six opportunities to see him and say ‘G'Day'.1) Perth 9 October...Was Australia Always the Good Guy in 1945? With Phil Craighttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/13793372) Melbourne with Prof Clare Wright 10 October...Phil Craig in conversation with Clare Wright.https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/14247563) Day Long conference in Melbourne 11 October...Fighting to the Finish: Australia in 1945 – Strategy, Victory and Legacy – MHHVhttps://www.mhhv.org.au/event/fighting-to-the-finish-australia-in-1945-strategy-victory-and-legacy/4) Sydney with Chris Masters 12 October Author Talk: 1945 The Reckoning - Phil Craighttps://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/author-talk-1945-the-reckoning-phil-craig-tickets-12487638492895) Sydney with Michaela Kalowski 12 October...Author Talk and Book Launch - Phil Craig ‘1945: The Reckoning'https://events.humanitix.com/author-talk-and-book-launch-phil-craig-1945-the-reckoning6) Canberra with Christine Helliwell 15 October...Marking the end of the Second World War | Australian War Memorialhttps://www.awm.gov.au/the-end-of-the-second-world-warLooking for the perfect gift for a special scandalous someone - or someone you'd like to get scandalous with? We're here to help...https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ScandalM...You can get in touch with the show via...team@podcastworld.org(place 'Scandal Mongers' in the heading) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander the Great. George Washington. William Shakespeare. Queen Victoria. What do all of these people all have in common? Not just that they're commonly in every student's history class, but what's left out of the textbook: they all routinely used drugs. They got drunk, stoned, high—and they aren't the only ones. Historian and viral TikToker SamKelly Kelly covers 40 historical figures in 40 chapters, starting in Ancient Greece and imperial China through modern day. His viral TikTok account has proven the voracious appetite for these uncovered histories, with more than 100k followers and 2.4 million likes, and HUMAN HISTORY ON DRUGS expands upon his most successful videos while also offering tons of brand-new content.Hysterical, reflective, and illuminating, Kelly introduces readers to the history that isn't included in school's curriculums. He covers well-known historical figures but introduces new angles to their stories that most people don't know about—such as William Shakespeare's fondness for cannabis, Sigmund Freud's love affair with cocaine, and Steve Jobs' endorsementof the benefits of LSD. He shares amazing true stories that will blow the most ardent history fans away, from how one of the most prolific creators of psychedelic drugs was on the DEA payroll, to the CIA allegedly doing sinister experiments with LSD on the college kid who became the Unabomber, to the pope who drank cocaine wine to fortify himself “when prayer was insufficient,” and more.Perfect for fans of bite-sized history, like Bad Days in History and Lies My Teacher Told Me, but also fit for hardcore history buffs, HUMAN HISTORY ON DRUGS is a punchy, easy-to-pick-up read the entire way through. History is rife with drug use and drug users, and HUMAN HISTORY ON DRUGS takes us through those highs (pun intended) and lows on a wittily entertaining ride that uncovers their seriously unexpected impact on our past.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

Ever since the 1870s, rumours have swirled around Queen Victoria and her Highland servant John Brown. Were the pair in love? Could they have got married? And might they even have had a secret child? Historian Fern Riddell investigates these claims in her book Victoria's Secret, and has made some dramatic discoveries that she believes cast the story in a new light. Speaking to Ellie Cawthorne, she outlines her findings.  (Ad) Fern Riddell is the author of Victoria's Secret: The Private Passion of a Queen/ (Ebury, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fvictorias-secret%2Ffern-riddell%2F9781529199314. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a brief summer break, I am thrilled to be back with an all-new episode of Broadway Nation! My guest this week is RICHARD SCHOCH, author of the recent and much-acclaimed book, HOW SONDHEIM CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Just when you thought there might be nothing left to say about the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, Schoch's engaging book opens up a new treasure trove of fascinating analysis and insight. Richard Schoch, is a Professor of Drama at Queen's University Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is the author of eight books, both popular and academic, on topics ranging from musical theatre to Shakespeare to Queen Victoria. Become A PATRON of Broadway Nation! This episode is made possible in part through the generous support of our Patron Club Members. If you are a fan of Broadway Nation, I invite you to become a PATRON! For as little as $7.00 a month, you can receive exclusive access to never-before-heard, unedited versions of many of the discussions that I have with my guests — in fact, I often record nearly twice as much conversation as ends up in the edited versions. You will also have access to additional, in-depth conversations with my frequent co-host, Albert Evans, that have not been featured on the podcast. And all patrons receive special “on-air” shout-outs and acknowledgement of your vital support of this podcast. And If you are very enthusiastic about Broadway Nation there are additional PATRON levels that come with even more benefits. If you would like to support the work of Broadway Nation and receive these exclusive member benefits, please just click on this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://broadwaynationpodcast.supercast.tech/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you in advance for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we discuss with author Jennifer Selway her book "The Godfather of Horror Films: Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee".  Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee: three middle-class Englishmen whose names are synonymous with the history of the horror movie. Karloff was born in 1887, the year of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and Lee, the youngest, died in 2015, when Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch.

Here's a little known story about Queen Victoria and a person who became her closest friend. But the question is: why nobody's ever heard of him? Animation is created by Bright Side. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Music by Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com Check our Bright Side podcast on Spotify and leave a positive review! https://open.spotify.com/show/0hUkPxD34jRLrMrJux4VxV Subscribe to Bright Side: https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brightside Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brightside.official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brightside.official?lang=en Stock materials (photos, footages and other): https://www.depositphotos.com https://www.shutterstock.com https://www.eastnews.ru ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queen Vic, Lil' Drina, Granny Europe, The Windsor Widow, The Saxe-Coburg Slicker, Big Bo Peep. Whatever you call her, Queen Victoria still holds the record for the monarch with the most pubs and Spice Girls named after them. No wonder Pete from Derby wanted a lukewarm lens cast over her - and he knew just the beans for the job.With thanks to our editor Laura Grimshaw.Join our PATREON for ad-free episodes and bonus/video episodes: www.patreon.com/threebeansaladTickets for our UK TOUR available here: https://littlewander.co.uk/tours/three-bean-salad-podcast/Merch now available here: www.threebeansaladshop.comGet in touch: threebeansaladpod@gmail.com @beansaladpod

Queen Victoria, who ran the British Empire for 63 years, defined the buttoned-up, conservative era named for her… the Victorian Era. But it turns out… her many pleasures included opium, cocaine, and sex!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tulsa is a thriving city with a diverse cultural and arts scene, but it wasn't always that way. The city suffered through the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The area was settled by the Creek Nation after they were removed from their ancestral homes in Alabama and Georgia and Tulsa eventually became an oil boomtown. The history here has led to hauntings in many locations and we are joined by Teri French of Tulsa Spirit Tours to explore the history and hauntings of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Moment in Oddity features Queen Victoria's burial requests and This Month in History features the beginning of the Tour de France. Tulsa Spirit Tours: https://www.tulsaspirittour.com/ Check out the website: http://historygoesbump.com   Show notes can be found here: https://historygoesbump.blogspot.com/2025/06/hgb-ep-594-haunted-tulsa.html    Become an Executive Producer: http://patreon.com/historygoesbump Music used in this episode:  Main Theme: Lurking in the Dark by Muse Music with Groove Studios (Moment in Oddity) "Vanishing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (This Month in History) "In Your Arms" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Outro Music: Happy Fun Punk by Muse Music with Groove Studios Other music used in this episode: Creepy Western Theme - produced and created by History Goes Bump

With NINE children, it can probably be assumed that Queen Victoria was no stranger to the sheets, but what do we actually know about her love (and sex) life?To examine Victoria's diaries, her passionate relationship and her society's attitude to sex, Kate is joined for this special episode by Royal Historian Kate Williams and journalist Robert Hardman. Kate and Robert are cohosts of 'Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things', a podcast from the Daily Mail.Listen to find out why bicycle porn was all the rage!This episode was edited by Tomos Delargy. The producers were Sophie Gee and Benedick Devlin. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Please vote for us for Listeners' Choice at the British Podcast Awards! Follow this link, and don't forget to confirm the email. Thank you!Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

Part 2: The exploration of the lives of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine 'Kate' Eddowes, who were murdered by Jack the Ripper in 1888, begins in earnest. The Ripper mythos labels them as 'unfortunates,' which tramples on their true stories. These women were beloved daughters, sisters, students, wives, mothers, and business owners, all struggling to navigate the harsh realities of life in the East End of London during Queen Victoria's reign. They were not just victims, as history often depicts. What twists of fate led Elizabeth and Kate to end up dead on the streets of Whitechapel? Don't miss this compelling episode, the second part of the trilogy. A BADGE?  USE JILL'S CODE  murdershelf  AND GET 10% OFF!  https://www.crimecon.com/CC25  SEE YOU IN DENVER MURDER BOOKIES!      BUY- THE FIVE BY HALLIE RUBENHOLD ON AMAZON!   BUY- NAMING JACK THE RIPPER BY RUSSELL EDWARDS ON AMAZON   BUY- JACK THE RIPPER AND THE CASE FOR SCOTLAND YARD'S PRIME SUSPECT BY ROBERT HOUSE Sources, photographs, recipes and drink information can be found on Jill's blog at www.murdershelfbookclub.com –June 2025. Contact:  jill@murdershelfbookclub.com, or X,  Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube.  Join Jill on PATREON for $4 and help pick our next book! CRIMECON IS COMING! Support Jill and the podcast!  Get your Murder Shelf Book Club merch!  

It doesn't matter if Trump‘s so called “Big Beautiful Bill” will cost your state and constituents considerably, if you're a Republican and you don't vote the way Trump wants you to, you're in big trouble. White House officials increased pressure on Republicans to support the measure, saying that failure to do so by Independence Day “would be the ultimate betrayal.”  That's an official policy statement. We will talk about it with iHeart television and radio political analyst Gary Dietrich.Logistical expert Jonathan Rosenthal will join us. Did you know some of the most well-known people throughout history had some serious drug issues? It's all detailed in a new book called, Human History on Drugs: An Utterly Scandalous but Entirely Truthful Look at History Under the Influence.  We'll hear from author Sam Kelly.The Mark Thompson Show 6/30/25Patreon subscribers are the backbone of the show! If you'd like to help, here's our Patreon Link:https://www.patreon.com/themarkthompsonshowMaybe you're more into PayPal.  https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVBS3R7KJXV24And you'll find everything on our website: https://themarkthompsonshow.com

Actor Danny Dyer became a household name when he joined the cast of EastEnders as Mick Carter, landlord of the Queen Victoria pub. He recently stole the show from some stiff competition playing Freddie Jones in the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Rivals which won him a Royal Television Society Award for Best Supporting Actor.Danny was born in Custom House, East London in 1977. He loved drama at school and, with his teacher's encouragement, he signed up for after-school classes in north London which were run by a charity called Wac Arts. When he was 14 he was cast in the television drama Prime Suspect 3 alongside Helen Mirren and David Thewlis. He went on to star in a series of films including Human Traffic and Football Factory. In 2000 he played the waiter in Harold Pinter's new play Celebration and went on to appear in two other productions by the playwright - No Man's Land and The Homecoming.In 2013 he took over the Queen Vic and his performances earned him three National Television Awards. He appeared on the BBC genealogy programme Who Do you think you Are? in 2016 and discovered he was descended from King Edward III and related to Thomas Cromwell. Danny lives in Essex with his wife Jo. They have three children and three grandchildren.DISC ONE: Slave to Love - Bryan Ferry DISC TWO: Rebel Yell - Billy Idol DISC THREE: Move Closer - Phyllis Nelson DISC FOUR: Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd DISC FIVE: Playing with Knives - Bizarre Inc DISC SIX: Columbia - Oasis DISC SEVEN: Nebraska - Lucy Rose DISC EIGHT: Wicked Game - Chris Isaak BOOK CHOICE: Ray Mears Essential Bushcraft: A Handbook of Survival LUXURY ITEM: A Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Playing with Knives - Bizarre Inc Presenter Lauren Laverne Producer Paula McGinley

Nannie Kelly Wright ran an iron furnace at a time when most women weren't even allowed near one. Born in Kentucky, raised on the Ohio River, and later married into the iron industry, Nannie became one of the few women in American history to manage a furnace operation herself — traveling weekly, overseeing workers, and building a fortune.Once rumored to be the richest woman in the world after Queen Victoria, she was also presented at the Court of St. James, backed Teddy Roosevelt's trust-busting policies, and made headlines with a divorce scandal where her husband asked for alimony.Join us as we tell the story of Nannie Kelly Wright, Appalachia's Iron Lady.

Tonight, we'll read recipes from A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Classes, written by Charles Elme Francatelli and published in 1852. Born in London of Italian descent, Francatelli was a French-trained cook who worked for Queen Victoria. While best known for his lavish cookbook The Modern Cook, filled with elaborate dishes for aristocratic tables, Francatelli also had a keen interest in practical nourishment for everyday people. A Plain Cookery Book was his attempt to provide affordable, nutritious recipes for the working poor—a surprisingly progressive endeavor for someone with royal credentials. The book contains instructions for everything from humble gruels to hearty stews, with occasional flourishes of culinary elegance. Francatelli emphasized the importance of thrift and economy in the kitchen, recommending ways to stretch small amounts of meat or repurpose leftovers. Though the language may feel formal by today's standards, many of the recipes offer a glimpse into the ingenuity of 19th-century home cooks working with limited means. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you truly make people feel cared for? Dan welcomes Dr. Carmen Vlasceanu, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the hotel, aviation, catering, and cruise industries. They discuss the essence of hospitality, Dr. Carmen's career journey from Romania to Carnival Cruises, and her current roles, including Founder and CEO of Global Hospitality and Maritime Leaders. They touch on Dr. Carmen's book “Dare to C.A.R.E”, her contributions to improving customer experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her charity work through Angel's Wings Charity. The episode highlights her insights on personal and professional growth in the hospitality industry and her vision for future success.Takeaways:Emulate the spirit of hospitality by ensuring clients and guests feel cared for and valued during their experiences, no matter the industry or context.Looking beyond one's own country for hospitality practices can broaden horizons and provide valuable insights into delivering and receiving hospitality.Encourage yourself and others to pursue career paths aligned with personal dreams and passions, and be open to changing directions if new opportunities or interests arise.Attend events and workshops to connect with peers and leaders in the hospitality industry, gaining diverse perspectives and learning from their experiences.Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being to better serve others. If you are fulfilled in your personal life, it will reflect positively in your professional interactions.Explore educational platforms providing leadership and personal development courses to enhance your skills and career trajectory in hospitality.Quote of the Show:“ I wanted to get to the point where I would anticipate their needs successfully and not just meet their expectations, but exceed them.” - Carmen VlasceanuLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-vlasceanu-phd-mba-fih-21400425/ Website: https://ghleaders.com/ Book Link: https://amzn.to/4mj73Cp Shout Outs:0:42 - Institute of Hospitality https://www.instituteofhospitality.org/ 0:56 - Angels-Wings Charity https://angels-wings.org/ 5:38 - Carnival Cruise Line https://www.carnival.com/ 42:21 - Royal Victoria Patriotic Building https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Victoria_Patriotic_Building 42:55 - Queen Victoria https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria 

Victoria, Ella, Irene and Alix of Hesse were four young European princesses and granddaughters of Queen Victoria, whose marriages would change the face of early 20th-century Europe. Speaking to Elinor Evans, Frances Welch introduces the four sisters. She explores their relationships with one another, and reveals how their stories stretch from the court of their respected 'Grandmama Queen', to revolutionary Russia. (Ad) Frances Welch is the author of The Lives and Deaths of the Princesses of Hesse: The Curious Destinies of Queen Victoria's Granddaughters (Hachette, 2024). Buy it now from Amazon:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lives-Deaths-Princesses-Hesse-granddaughters/dp/1780725213#:~:text=Drawing%20on%20hundreds%20of%20previously,Revolution%2C%20and%20through%20both%20World. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who was Commissioner Lin and how did he crack down on foreign opium in China? Why was Charles Elliot so hopeless that he landed Queen Victoria with a bill owing millions to drug dealers? What was the Canton factory system and what was it like to live there?  Anita and William meander through the at-times shocking story of how Victorian drug dealers willingly handed over millions of pounds worth of their product to Commissioner Lin, the emperor's right-hand man. Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members' chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.  Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk  Blue Sky: @empirepoduk  X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Becki Hills Producer: Anouska Lewis Senior Producer: Callum Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices