Talking Royals

ITV News

The podcast about the British royal family from ITV News. Every week, our Royal Editor Chris Ship and Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson join Charlene White to look back at the big stories they've been out covering over the last seven days, sharing their insight and bringing you interviews with a range of guests.

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282 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes282

Newest first

April 20 · 15 min
King Charles' special tribute to his late mother
On what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday, Talking Royals brings you this special episode as King Charles releases a tribute to his late mother. In a video statement, the King said that "much about the times we now live in I suspect may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail." Chris and Lizzie join Charlene to discuss Charles' touching tribute to his "darling Mama" - and his fairly pointed remark about the things he thinks may have "troubled" her today.
April 17 · 21 min
Is the criticism of Harry and Meghan's Australia tour unfair?
Was Harry and Meghan's trip to Australia really "a cash-grabbing, money-making exercise"? This week, the Talking Politics team discuss whether the Sussexes tour Down Under felt uncomfortable, due to the combination of charitable and commercial opportunities. Harry and Meghan kicked off the visit by dropping into a hospital in Melbourne, where they met sick children, their families and medical staff. Meghan then served up a meal in the kitchen of a women's shelter, while Prince Harry honoured fallen veterans. In a surprise move, the Duchess also appeared on Australian Masterchef as a guest judge. But, the couple have come under scrutiny in the local media for using Australia as "an ATM". Notably, the Duchess of Sussex appeared at a female-only wellness retreat in Sydney, where tickets started at A$2,699 (£1,430) per person. So if other non-working royals like Zara and Mike Tindall can exploit commercial opportunities, shouldn't the Sussexes be able to use the same model? And why does Meghan get criticised for wearing expensive clothes, while Kate is praised for the doing the same?
April 10 · 31 min
How did the late Queen really feel about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor?
The Talking Royals team are back! This week, Charlene, Chris and Lizzie discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's absence from the recent Easter Service. Plus, in this week's episode we're joined by esteemed royal biographer Hugo Vickers, who has written a book to mark the 100th anniversary of the late Queen’s birth. He recalls Queen Elizabeth’s distress and concern about the future of her son, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, after he was linked to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. And...Are criticisms of the Sussexes fair? Charlene and Hugo debate whether it’s fair to say that Prince Harry and Meghan neglected their duty when they left the royal family. At the time, the couple said they intended to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen." In a statement, the Duchess of Sussex said she was "saddened" by reports that she was rude to staff at Kensington Palace and described it as "attack on her character." And Hugo reveals why the Queen refused to take calls from her grandson, Prince Harry, without anyone else present in the room. And, as hundreds of items from the late Queen’s wardrobe go on display in Buckingham Palace, Lizzie explains why Elizabeth’s stunning wedding dress might never be seen in public again. And which royal couple will be having a Summer wedding in June?
March 27 · 26 min
Could Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie lose their titles after Andrew's arrest?
Have Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie been quietly sidelined by the King? Could they be stripped of their royal titles? And where is Fergie? Join our royal experts for their weekly conversation covering all the significant royal topics of the week. Chris, Lizzie and Lucrezia discuss how the two sisters' reputation has been affected by the arrest of their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Beatrice was last seen publicly with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, at Sandringham for the Christmas Day service, alongside her sister Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank. Chris reveals the mood in the palace since Princess Beatrice and Eugenie's names were included in the latest release of the Epstein files. Plus, are the royal sisters still talking to their mother, Sarah Ferguson? And where could she be hiding? The former Duchess of York has not been seen in months, despite constant press speculation about her whereabouts. Being named in the Epstein files does not automatically imply wrongdoing or criminal activity. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson have previously denied all wrongdoing. Don't forget, if you want to have a look at all the fantastic archive footage we use, head to the Talking Royals Youtube channel to watch.
March 20 · 29 min
Behind the scenes at the stunning state visit: All the royal details you missed
What were the hidden details you might have missed from the royals' Nigerian state banquet? The Talking Royals team delve into what really happens when the King plays host at Windsor Castle. From Princess Kate's stunning banquet gown, to the King holding hands with the Nigerian President, plus everything that the guests ate and drank. And what did TikTok icon 'Bus Aunty' say to the monarch, when she met him at a special royal reception? Bemi Orojuogun joins us in the studio to tell us what it meant to her to meet the King. Plus: What did Harry and Meghan have to say about the royal author who criticised the Invictus games? Find out what was in the Sussexes' jaw-dropping response.
March 13 · 37 min
Previously-unseen photo of Andrew, Epstein and Mandelson uncovered
An extraordinary never-before-seen photo uncovered by ITV News shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Jeffrey Epstein and Lord Mandelson together for the first time. The photo is thought to have been taken sometime between 1999 and 2000, before Epstein was imprisoned in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. It was released as part of the Epstein files. The image shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson dressed in bathrobes sat around a table with Epstein, drinking from mugs with the US flag on. It comes after a week in which the royal family gathered for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. As the King and Queen arrived dozens of protesters chanted at them, “What did you know?” In this week’s episode, Chris, Lizzie, Charlene and Russell Myers discuss this new photo, plus what it could mean for the royal family. We’ve got all the new details about Harry and Meghan’s trip to Australia next month, and their recent split with Netflix. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a special royal film quiz.
March 7 · 37 min
Royal photographer reveals how he captured his most iconic Royal Family images
Royal photographer Chris Jackson joins Charlene, Chris and Lizzie to discuss his long career taking many of the most iconic photographs in modern Royal history. He talks through the pressure of getting the perfect photos of the King, late Queen, and others - and capturing the Royal Family's highest and lowest moments. Also - with the US-Israel entering war with Iran this week, what does it mean for the King's scheduled state visit to the U.S. next year? And how do the team assess the King's ability to deal with Donald Trump's character? The team also react to the Prince and Princess of Wales' St David's Day message - the first time we've heard Kate speaking Welsh. And they take a look at Kate's latest spot of dancing to celebrate Indian culture at a dance company in Leicester.
February 27 · 30 min
Did the royal family make a mistake letting Harry and Meghan walk away?
In this week’s episode of Talking Royals, Charlene, Chris and Lizzie discuss whether Meghan and Harry should have ever been allowed to leave the royal family. And is the Palace now missing that Meghan Markle magic? Charlene, Chris and Lizzie recorded this episode right after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surprise trip to Jordan made global headlines — including reports that they were “snubbed” by the Jordanian royal family. The British royal family have a famously close relationship with the Jordanian royals, with the Crown Prince and Prince William maintaining a genuine friendship. So in this episode we unpack how Harry and Meghan's humanitarian‑focused visit was received, and whether the timing caused any tension back home. Meanwhile, as the Royal Family continues grappling with the crisis involving Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor, our experts explore how the ongoing scandal is impacting royal work, public perception, and discussions around the line of succession. And at the BAFTAs on Sunday night, there was an unexpected hot-mic moment from Prince William. When asked if he’d watched the new Hamnet movie, he was overhead admitting “I’m not in a calm state”. So was the comment a subtle reference to the Andrew situation, or were the newspaper headlines overwritten? Plus, is Kensington Palace’s commitment to social media content the most significant change to royal reporting in the past decade?
February 20 · 21 min
How was this iconic image of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaving a police station captured?
It’s the photo that will define a moment in history for the royal family. A press photographer captured the split second that the former Prince Andrew was driven away from a Norfolk police station after being arrested. So how was the iconic photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor captured? Our royal experts, Chris and Lizzie, tell Charlene everything they have learned about that moment, the historic arrest and release of a former Prince. This week, Andrew became the first member of the royal family to be arrested in more than 350 years. So is this a constitutional crisis for King Charles? Or can he weather the storm?
February 19 · 18 min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrest: How it all unfolded
Historic scenes in Sandringham, as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Our royal experts talk through what we know, and what this means for the royal family. Plain-clothed police officers were seen arriving at the royal property, before Thames Valley Police confirmed the news of an arrest. Shortly afterwards, King Charles III released an unprecedented statement expressing his 'deepest concern' over the news of his brother’s arrest. The monarch added that “nobody is above the law”. It comes just weeks after more than 3 million files relating to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Department of Justice. So what next for the royal family? What exactly is going on behind palace doors? And should the royal family have acted earlier?
February 13 · 31 min
Did the Palace response to the Andrew-Epstein allegations go far enough?
What happened when Prince William decided to speak out on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein? And did the statement go far enough? Listen as Chris and Lizzie describe how it all unfolded, while they were in Saudi Arabia with Prince William. They talk us through how they found out that Kensington Palace, and Buckingham Palace, decided to end the royal wall of silence, addressing the allegations against the former-Prince Andrew. So what did Buckingham Palace’s statement on Andrew say? How does Prince William really feel about his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? And what are the police now looking into? A reminder, that ITV News have put the latest allegations to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor who did not respond, and when he was previously approached for a response he strenuously denied all wrongdoing.
February 6 · 39 min
Is this the biggest royal scandal in living memory?
As the latest Epstein files uncover more claims about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince moves out of his royal mansion in the dead of the night. But who told him it was time to go? Our royal experts delve into the latest drop, and question whether the late Queen Elizabeth II could have done more to intervene after allegations against her son? Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor strenuously denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
February 2 · 19 min
Andrew and Fergie face intense scrutiny after latest Epstein files
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing intense scrutiny after the latest release of three million Jeffrey Epstein files. Charlene, Chris and Lizzie have recorded this special episode on what the latest #Epstein revelations mean for the former Prince, and how it will impact the wider #royal family. Previously unseen photos appear to show Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman. The undated images have no caption but appear to show the former duke touching the woman’s stomach. Various emails also reveal the extent of the friendship between the former royal couple and Jeffrey Epstein. Screenshots and scans appear to show Andrew exchanged emails with Jeffrey Epstein about a “beautiful” Russian woman and invited him to Buckingham Palace in 2010. This raises questions about Andrew’s earlier claims he had cut contact with the convicted paedophile after Epstein’s conviction.
January 30 · 29 min
Did Donald Trump get a ticking off from the King?
Did the King intervene after Donald Trump’s comments on NATO troops in Afghanistan? After an unexpected u-turn from Donald Trump on the British Army’s role in the war, many people questioned whether the King had personally spoken to the White House. Charlene, Chris and Lizzie explain what really happened between King Charles and the US President. Plus, we’ve got all the backstage details from the first ever film premiere held at a royal residence. The King has collaborated with Amazon Prime to produce a very personal documentary called Finding Harmony: A King’s Vision.
January 23 · 28 min
Behind the scenes at Harry’s High Court showdown
Charlene, Chris, Lizzie, and Royal Commentator Afua Hagan unpack Harry's emotionally charged week fighting the Daily Mail's publisher in court. After Prince Harry gave evidence against the publisher of the Daily Mail, Charlene White is joined by Royal Editor Chris Ship, Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson, and Royal Commentator Afua Hagan to unpack what we've learnt and what might come next. Chris was in court as Prince Harry became almost overwhelmed with emotion, fighting back tears as he described how the press had made his wife's life "an absolute misery". Harry is one of seven claimants bringing this group action against the Daily Mail's Publisher Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL), including Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, the mother of the murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence. They all claim ANL had written articles based on information, which was gathered unlawfully, like phone hacking, phone tapping and blagging. Associated Newspapers Limited denies the claims of wrongdoing and says the articles were based on 'legitimate sources' and 'carefully curated contacts'. The team explain why Prince Harry has chosen to fight the case now, why it's different from his previous legal battles with the press, and what happens if he wins. Also this week on Talking Royals: Where is Meghan? The Duchess of Sussex was not in the UK with Harry - indeed, the Prince has always said he would not bring his family back to Britain without his full personal security being reinstated. Now the pair are off to Sundance Film Festival, where they executive produced a documentary about Girl Scouts selling cookies. Plus, what's going on with Princess Eugenie and her father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? Reports suggest Eugenie has cut off all contact with him following a series of allegations relating to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein - allegations he strongly denies. Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales were up in Scotland where they tried their hands at curling - and Kate managed to style out a precarious moment where she lost her balance on the ice! And, hot on the heels of a popular online trend: What was the Royal Family doing in 2016? We take a look back at the best photos of the year - from Harry and Meghan's third date in Botswana to the Queen's 90th birthday to Prince George's meeting with President Obama.
January 16 · 33 min
The secrets of the Royals' most iconic fashion looks
Charles may be King of England, but who is the King or Queen of royal fashion? How do Royals choose what they wear day-to-day? What is the most iconic Royal fashion moment ever? And just how influential was Princess Diana as a style icon? On Talking Royals this week, Charlene White is joined by Royal Editor Chris Ship, Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson, and Omi from fashion label Vin + Omi. The fashion brand has created pioneering fabrics and clothing from waste from the King’s royal estate. He tells us how the King loved their work so much that he would send boxes of his weeds to them during lockdown! The panel shares their favourite royal fashion moments - from Charles in pink to Kate's stunning coronation dress, and of course Diana's 'athleisure' look. Meanwhile, as workers prepare Marsh Farm, the rumoured next home for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, when will he move out of Windsor and into Sandringham? On Thursday, the Prince of Wales traded in his suit for a flat cap and made his way to Herefordshire to raise awareness of rural mental health as patron of We Are Farming Minds. Plus, did you catch the Duchess of Edinburgh’s personal essay in the Daily Telegraph? Sophie is royal patron of Plan International and wrote to mark and raise awareness of 1000 days of war in Sudan.
January 9 · 29 min
Will 2026 see Meghan and family return to Britain with Prince Harry?
What does 2026 have in store for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Where will Prince George go to secondary school? And what do you do when a senior Royal catches you speeding round Buckingham Palace? On Talking Royals this week, Charlene White is joined by Royal Editor Chris Ship, Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson, and presenter and WellChild ambassador Laura Hamilton. The panel discusses Prince Harry’s forthcoming return to the UK for his court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Plus, the continuing debate over whether he will regain his publicly funded security, and if he does, will it pave the way for more visits from Meghan and the children - and a new relationship for them with their grandfather, the King? Laura also shares her experience sharing a stage with Prince Harry and a memorable run-in with Prince Philip. Looking ahead, the team explores what could be in store for the Royal Family in 2026, including where Prince George may attend secondary school. Elsewhere, the Prince and Princess of Wales have carried out their first public engagement of the year, visiting Charing Cross Hospital. To mark her 44th birthday, the Princess of Wales also released the final instalment of her Mother Nature series, featuring her walking through a wintry landscape. Plus, in a Talking Royals exclusive, we reveal rare, never-before-seen footage from Charles and Diana’s wedding in 1981.
Dec 19, 2025 · 39 min
Talking Royals Quiz of the Year 2025
What tune did King Charles play on a carrot? What did Kate and Melania get up to during President Trump's state visit? Which UK radio station did Meghan Markle say she missed? Welcome to the second edition of the Talking Royals Christmas Quiz. Over five rounds of questions about the past year in the world of the Royal Family, Charlene White puts four experts - and you at home - to the test. You can play along with friends and family - and keep score to see how you fare against Chris' and Lizzie's teams.
Dec 12, 2025 · 37 min
King Charles reveals 'good news' on cancer treatment: Everything we know now
On Talking Royals this week, Charlene White is joined by our Royal Editor Chris Ship, Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson, and social media Royal Commentator Amanda Matta. They discuss the King’s rare and deeply personal message as part of this year's Stand Up To Cancer campaign - as he continues to recover from his own cancer diagnosis. In his biggest update yet, he revealed his treatment will continue - but it will be reduced in 2026. He said: "Today I am able to share with you the good news that thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to ‘doctors’ orders’, my own schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year," Charles said in his video message. "This milestone is both a personal blessing and a testimony to the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care in recent years." Also on this week's Talking Royals: Prince Harry’s security arrangements will be reassessed in a move that could pave the way for him to bring his family to the UK on future visits. Could Charles soon be seeing more of his grandchildren? A letter from Meghan to her estranged father Thomas Markle as he heals from a recent leg amputation. We look at rare footage of a baby Prince William taking his first steps in front of cameras, alongside Diana and Charles. And we go inside the Queen's visit to the set of one of her favourite shows - Rivals - based on the novel by her late, great friend, Dame Jilly Cooper.
Dec 5, 2025 · 28 min
Royals host lavish state banquet: What's it like cooking for the King?
On Talking Royals this week, Charlene White is joined by our Royal Editor Chris Ship, Royal Expert Lizzie Robinson and special guest, chef Francesco Mazzei. One of the leading Italian chefs in the country, Francesco cooked for the King and Queen, as well as a host of stars in Highgrove in February - in a feast to celebrate UK-Italian relations. He explains how he was blown away by the King’s knowledge of food and ingredients - and his interest in how they were all sourced. Plus, the first look at Kate's fifth ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey. This year's theme was love, and it was on show as Kate was joined by her whole family. And - there can't be a state banquet without a royal cocktail, which means the team have once again recreated the King's mixologists' latest German-themed tipple.