Royal Central

Courtiers and who really runs the Royal Family

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 18:01:46 +0100

It's been described as an important, influential relationship in royal circles but one half is always hidden from view.

In his new book, Valentine Low, Royal Correspondent with The Times, delves into the work of the courtiers and discovers what really keeps the royal machine working.

As 'Courtiers' is published, Royal Central's Sydney Zatz spoke to Valentine Low about this all important royal relationship and the future of the monarchy. And she heard his thoughts on how traditional King Charles will be and how Prince William could be shaping up as a royal 'revolutionary'.

Find out more in our special edition podcast, the first of a new series of interviews around the Coronation and the new reign of King Charles III.

The Platinum Jubilee Special

Sun, 29 May 2022 11:12:01 +0200

The Royal Central team bring you the latest details on the Platinum Jubilee - what's happening, who will be there and how this spectacular celebration will mark 70 years of The Queen's reign.

Join Lydia Starbuck, Brittani Barger, Jessica Storoschuk, Jess Ilse and Kristin Contino for a party, seventy years in the making.

The Royal Central Podcast: a missing princess, politics and royal titles

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 19:07:05 +0200

The Royal Central Podcast returns with a new series focused on the biggest royal talking points.

In this new episode, some controversial comments by the House of Windsor are under the spotlight as is the decision of one Prime Minister to discuss same sex marriage for royalty. Plus there's an in depth look on when Princess Charlene might return to Monaco.

Join Brittani Barger, Jess Ilse and Lydia Starbuck for this new Royal Central podcast.

Diana Revealed: spotlight on the statue and story of Diana, Princess of Wales

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 16:39:56 +0200

On what would have been her 60th birthday, Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, unveiled a statue of their mother which they hope will serve as a legacy to her remarkable life.

In this special podcast, the Royal Central team are joined by author, Deb Stratas, to discuss the statue, its role in remembering Diana and the special links to the princess all around it.

Deb Stratas is the author of a series of books charting the life and story of Diana, Princess of Wales. She joins Brittani Barger, Lydia Starbuck and Jess Ilse for this Royal Central special podcast.

The Royal Central Podcast: Diana, her sons and what now for the House of Windsor?

Sat, 22 May 2021 18:36:06 +0200

The Royal Central team looks back at a week which has seen Diana, Princess of Wales dominate royal headlines again. They discuss how her Panorama interview should now be viewed and look at the ever diverging paths being taken by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

And as the Royal Family begins to take on a wider range of face to face engagements as pandemic restrictions start to ease, they ask what next for the House of Windsor?

Join Brittani Barger, Lydia Starbuck and Jess Ilse for your latest dose of royal news and analysis.

The Life and Legacy of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 19:01:09 +0200

The Duke of Edinburgh's death, at the age of 99, has led to tributes from people around the world.

For over seven decades, he was at the heart of the House of Windsor and helped shape it through the 20th and 21st centuries.

Join Lydia Starbuck, Brittani Barger, Kristin Contino and Jess Ilse as they discuss the life and legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh.

5 big questions from Oprah's interview with Harry and Meghan

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 18:03:00 +0100

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's in depth interview with Oprah Winfrey has dominated debate in the past days. The Royal Central team look at five big questions left in the aftermath of the biggest controversy the Royal Family has faced in years.

Join Kristin Contino, Jess Ilse, Lydia Starbuck and Brittani Barger for an in depth examination of the fall out of the interview that shook the House of Windsor.

What's happening with the House of Windsor?

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 18:03:32 +0100

This special podcast from Royal Central delves behind the big stories involving the Royal Family right now. Is The Queen's last public appearance verging on political? What do we know about Prince Philip's hospital stay? And what will Harry and Meghan share with Oprah?

Join Brittani Barger, Jess Ilse and Lydia Starbuck for this look at a week when the Windsors dominated.

The History of Royal Wedding Dresses

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 12:40:30 +0100

Fashion, glamour and elegance are all associated with royal wedding dresses but how about politics and economics?

In this special Royal Central podcast, the team discuss how royal wedding dresses have become symbols of power as well as romance and debate the stories behind some of the most famous creations in history.

Join Jessica Storoschuk, Kristin Contino, Jess Ilse, Brittani Barger and Lydia Starbuck for this in depth delve into the history of royal wedding dresses.

The Royal Review of 2020

Thu, 24 Dec 2020 18:44:12 +0100

As 2020 comes to an end, join Royal Central for this first of our look backs at the royal year just gone. From babies and weddings to the challenges of the pandemic, we discuss why this has been one of the most challenging and memorable royal years for some time.

Let's thank the Duchess of Sussex for speaking out about miscarriage

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 15:08:32 +0100

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken movingly of losing her second baby to miscarriage. Meghan's words have given hope to many in the same situation and Royal Central's Lydia Starbuck discusses why this is so important.

Was Britain's sexiest king actually a good monarch?

Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:24:22 +0100

Royal Central has a brand new series of podcasts all about the kings and queens who have ruled Britain. We start with a look at a short lived royal dynasty whose founder was better known for his love life than his politics.

The Tale of the Unexpected Princess

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 17:28:00 +0200

Europe has a brand new princess, created in extraordinary circumstances. She is an artist who has lived most of her life away from the spotlight but whose acrimonious battle with a king now fallen from grace has ended with a brand new set of royals for the continent.

Find out more with Lydia Starbuck, Brittani Barger and Moniek Bloks in the Tale of the Unexpected Princess.

What can you expect to see from the royals this autumn?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:56:55 +0200

After a challenging year and a very hard summer for some royals, the ruling houses of Europe are gearing up for a new season.

In this new term report, Moniek Bloks, Brittani Barger and Lydia Starbuck assess what's waiting in store for some of your favourite royals, ask whether 2020 has changed the face of some monarchies forever and look back on a summer that some would rather forget.

The fall of a once favoured king

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 19:59:54 +0200

King Juan Carlos of Spain has gone into exile, revealing his decision in a letter sent to his son, King Felipe VI. The former monarch's finances have caused huge controversy but his choice to go has led to more questions than answers.

Lydia Starbuck, Brittani Barger and Moniek Bloks discuss what now for Spain's monarchy and also consider the happy news that reached Denmark's royals this week. Plus there's a look ahead to a very special birthday indeed....

Royal Wedding Special: Beatrice of York

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 11:34:35 +0200

Princess Beatrice surprised everyone with her low key wedding. In this special podcast, the Royal Central team discuss why this royal marriage took place before anyone knew and look at all the details of Beatrice's big day.

Join Lydia Starbuck, Brittani Barger and Moniek Bloks for a royal wedding special.

Photo: Benjamin Wheeler

A very special day for Europe's groundbreaking princess

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 21:03:12 +0200

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden celebrates her tenth wedding anniversary with Prince Daniel on June 19th 2020.

The Royal Central team look at the big day, the secrets and the splendour and debate what this royal marriage means for Sweden's future.

Join Lydia Starbuck, Moniek Bloks and Brittani Barger for a very special Royal Central podcast.

When Politicians witnessed royal births

Fri, 22 May 2020 10:00:00 +0200

It's a famous if rather uncomfortable royal tradition, but when did politicians stop witnessing royal women giving birth?

In this podcast, Lydia Starbuck looks at the reasons behind the political audience and focuses on a woman whose arch comments on the issue might well have ended up bringing it to an end.

When will we see the Queen again?

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:29:46 +0200

The Royal Central podcast answers your questions - and plenty of you want to know when we might see the Queen again?

Elizabeth II has been staying at Windsor Castle since mid March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold. May and June are usually among the busiest months in her diary but many favourite events are now in question as life continues to change for so many of us.

News Editor, Lydia Starbuck, looks at when we might see the Queen again in this latest podcast from Royal Central.

Royal Central Podcast: the happiest royal daddy of all

Sat, 16 May 2020 10:50:13 +0200

Welcome to a special Royal Central podcast where the team get ever so slightly giddy over the arrival of a royal baby.

The birth of Charles of Luxembourg not only guarantees the country's direct line of succession, it means the beginning of family life for the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess after eight years of marriage. Guillaume and Stephanie clearly couldn't be happier with their son who is now second in line to the throne and who will one day become Grand Duke.

Moniek Bloks, Lydia Starbuck and Brittani Barger discuss the happy events surrounding the arrival of this royal baby and look at how his birth has changed the landscape of Europe's ruling houses forever.

And you can find out lots more about Charles on Royal Central.

Photo Cour Grand Ducale/ Sophie Margue

Europe welcomes a future ruler

Mon, 11 May 2020 10:40:03 +0200

Happy news as a brand new royal baby arrives, safe and sound! Luxembourg's heir to the throne and his wife have welcomed a son. Guilluame and Stephanie are proud parents of a beautiful boy who will one day rule the Grand Duchy.

Lydia Starbuck brings you the latest on this historic royal event - there's lots more on Royal Central.

May's Monarch: it's a Royal Baby Special

Sat, 02 May 2020 09:00:00 +0200

May will bring one of the biggest royal stories of the year as Luxembourg meets its future ruler for the first time. The heir to the throne and his wife welcome their first child and, girl or boy, this little baby will one day become monarch.

Join Moniek Bloks, Lydia Starbuck and Brittani Barger for this special preview of a very special royal event.

Was the White Queen an imposter?

Fri, 01 May 2020 10:00:00 +0200

She's one of England's most famous royal women but was the marriage between Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV, contracted on May 1st 1464, actually legal?

Lydia Starbuck discusses why their wedding was called into question and asks whether the White Queen was ever really a queen at all.

Royal Weddings: why are they so important?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:30:00 +0200

The Royal Central team begins a new series all about royal weddings. They are showpiece events for every ruling house in Europe and they often provide the moments we remember most - but what makes them so special?

Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck discuss the impact of royal weddings in this special podcast. From dresses to flowers, tiaras to kisses, they debate why these events make such a mark.

It's the first of a series over the summer - grab your hats, you are invited to Royal Central's special on royal weddings.

Royal Wedding Rewind: the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 09:00:00 +0200

William and Kate got married on April 29th 2011. In this royal wedding special, Lydia Starbuck looks back at the most special moments of the day.

Europe's Most Flamboyant Monarch Turns 80

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 17:02:37 +0200

The Queen of Denmark is 80 on April 16th 2020 and to mark this milestone birthday, the Royal Central team discusses the life and reign of the monarch they call Daisy.

From her difficult path to the throne to her almost five decades of rule and taking in her family life, this is a celebration of a truly successful queen.

Join Moniek Bloks, Lydia Starbuck and Brittani Barger for this special birthday podcast.

Celebrating Belgium's King Philippe at 60

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:40:05 +0200

Welcome to a special podcast from Royal Central, marking the 60th birthday of King Philippe of the Belgians.

At the time of his birth on April 15th 1960, there was little expectation that Philippe would ever take his country's throne. But as Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Brittani Barger discuss, the prospect of a crown cast a shadow over his childhood. Despite setbacks, he became a successful heir and is now a popular king.

Join the team as they look at Philippe's life, reign and loves in this special podcast celebrating a major milestone for an unexpected king.

Photo: Bas Bogaerts

A New Royal Reality

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:28:31 +0200

In this special edition of the Royal Central podcast, the team look at the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on royalty - on a personal and institutional level.

Join Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck for more royal chat and some great ideas for making staying indoors even more royal.

Diana, Princess of Wales - a fresh perspective

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:40:54 +0100

Where can we find the real Princess Diana? In this special edition of the Royal Central podcast, author Deb Stratas shares her fresh perspective on one of the most famous royals of modern times.

Diana, Princess of Wales continues to fascinate, over 20 years on from her death. In her new book, Deb traces Diana's story through the homes she lived in over her 36 years. From the Norfolk estate where she spent her earliest days to the royal splendour of Kensington Palace, Deb has walked in the princess' footsteps to discover the real Diana.

Deb talks to Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck about Diana and her continuing legacy. And she passes on her top tips if you want to find out more about a princess whose legacy endures.

Photo credit: By John MacIntyre - Paisley Scotland, CC BY 2.0, Wiki Commons

Wedding bells, romance and a right royal row

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 13:15:34 +0100

The Royal Central team has royal wedding fever. As Princess Beatrice announces when and where she will marry Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, the podcast discovers some very special links between the wedding and the bride's royal history.

Moniek Bloks, Lydia Starbuck and Brittani Barger also consider whether one of Europe's smallest monarchies might be in for a big change.

Photo: Princess Eugenie

A King's Illegitimate Daughter

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 14:48:43 +0100

Join Moniek Bloks, Brittani Barger and Lydia Starbuck for the story of the king who finally acknowledged a daughter who fought for recognition.

Photo credit: Martin Falbisoner [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

What Europe's Royals did while we all looked the other way

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:05:23 +0100

An all but forgotten princess and a queen who does diamonds like no other are both under the spotlight in the latest Royal Central podcast. Join Moniek Bloks, Brittani Barger and Lydia Starbuck as they peek behind the palace doors in the latest podcast.

The departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from the Royal Family has dominated royal news for several weeks so to keep you up to date with what else has been going on, Royal Central delves into the depths of what the continent's ruling houses got up to while we weren't looking.

Photo: ITV screen grab, fair use.

Harry and Meghan: end of a royal dream?

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:58:14 +0100

Royal news has been dominated by the decision of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from their roles as senior royals. They made their announcement on Wednesday afternoon only for Buckingham Palace to reveal, soon afterwards, that the statement had been a surprise.

Harry and Meghan want to continue with some royal duties while working towards financial independence. But is that possible and what does it mean for the future of the Royal Family?

Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck discuss the plans that Harry and Meghan have laid out very publicly and ask whether that can still fit with the royal dream?

Photo credit: Stephen Lock/ I-Images

The Moments that made a Royal Decade

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 12:10:08 +0100

As the decade comes to an end, the team at Royal Central share their favourite moments. Weddings, new monarchs, jubilees and ground breaking princesses all feature in this special podcast.

Join Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks, Lydia Starbuck, Kristin Contino, Jess Ilse, Oskar Aanmoen, Sydney Zatz and Laura Faurot as they reflect on the moments that made a royal decade.

Photo credit: By Robbie Dale - Flickr: All smiles, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wiki Commons

A Royal Christmas and some rather unusual photos

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 11:12:11 +0100

As Christmas approaches, the Royal Central team look at what to expect from the festive season. Brittani Barger gives the lowdown on when to expect the big speeches of the season while Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck join her in debating what might be included in these major messages.

And to get the Christmas spirit flowing, the team takes a look at some of the most ususual royal festive photos in a long time. Check out Royal Central to see what you make of the Christmas photos everyone is talking about.

Photo credit: Royal Family Instagram.

A Royal Baby Special: Birth of a Ruler in Waiting

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 14:00:00 +0100

This week, Royal Central's team celebrate the happy news that Luxembourg is to welcome a future ruler. As the heir to the throne, Guillaume, and his wife, Stephanie, confirm the imminent arrival of their first child, we look at what it means for the royal family and their country.

Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck also discuss why everyone's fallen in love with Princess Anne all over again and share some of their own stories about the hardest working royal in town.

You can find all the latest royal news at Royal Central.

Photo credit: Grand Cour-Ducale/ Marion Dessard

Royal December: sparkle and scandal?

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 13:00:53 +0100

As December gets underway, the Royal Central team discuss some of the big stories set to hit the headlines before Christmas.

Moniek Bloks explains why King Albert II of Belgium will be in the news, Lydia Starbuck talks about an historic royal wedding anniversary and Brittani Barger analyses why Sweden could have the sparkliest monarchy of them all in the run up to the festive season.

We've also got tips on how to write to your favourite royals at Christmas - with more at Royal Central.

Photo credit: Royal Family Instagram

Prince Andrew: Downfall of a Duke

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 12:35:07 +0100

A special podcast from Royal Central as the Duke of York confirms he is stepping back from public life with the backing of the Queen.

Prince Andrew announced he would give up public engagements for the ''forseeable future'' just days after an interview with BBC Newsnight in which he discussed his relationship with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

All the latest news and analysis of the Prince Andrew story is happening right now on Royal Central.

Photo credit: Northern Ireland Office via Flickr CC

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Royal Christmas

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 21:51:45 +0100

Royal Central gets in the festive spirit with a look ahead to what we can expect from the royals this Christmas. Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck also discuss the latest remarks from a controversial royal couple and the panel ask whether hit series 'The Crown' is beneficial to the House of Windsor.

There's more on all the topics and everything royal related on Royal Central.

Photo credit: Royal Family Instagram

Princess Grace: 90 Years On

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:23:17 +0100

Grace Kelly was born in November 1929. On the 90th anniversary of her birth, Royal Central looks at her life and legacy. Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck discuss why Princess Grace made such an impact and how she changed her royal family forever.

Read more about the 90th anniversary of the birth of Princess Grace of Monaco on Royal Central.

Making Modern Monarchy Work

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 13:00:00 +0100

On this week's Royal Central podcast, the team looks at why the past month has been such a success for the Japanese monarchy.

Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck discuss how modern royal families adapt to stay popular.

More news and features are now on Royal Central.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Pakistan

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 12:17:00 +0200

In this week's podcast, Royal Central has all the details of the royal tour of Pakistan carried out by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Our Chief Reporter, Kristin Contino, adds her analysis and explains why the outfit choices of the Duchess of Cambridge were so important on this visit.

And the team discuss why women get such a raw deal in royal history.

The Princess Who Kept a Secret at a Royal Wedding

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 14:22:00 +0200

Heard the one about the princess who kept a secret from millions as a prince said 'I do'? Join Brittani Barger, Moniek Bloks and Lydia Starbuck for a discussion about the latest royal stories including a very keep calm and carry on moment from Princess Madeleine of Sweden.

As always, there's lots more on the website, Royal Central.

Photo by Erika Gerdemark/ Royal Court of Sweden.

Royal Central Podcast

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:05:01 +0200

Royal news from around the world including this week's talking point - why do royal women end up under more scrutiny than royal men?