The Royals

Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, but their new life remains remarkably undefined. How long will they stay, what will they do here — and can two of the world’s most recognisable royals truly live as private citizens?

Back together after the summer break, Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey discuss Meghan’s possible acting comeback, the narrative changing on Harry’s security, and palace fears of a rival royal court. They also look at the public response, the appetite for reconciliation with Prince William and what success might look like for the Sussexes in Britain.

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Harry and Meghan are back in Britain. What do you want to know? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Watch us on YouTube.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan's return could be short-lived
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Diana, Camilla, Catherine and Meghan each made the life-changing choice to marry into the House of Windsor. On the surface, it looks like a fairy tale. But what is the true cost of becoming a royal wife? And why have some adapted to life behind palace walls more easily than others?

Kate Mansey and Roya Nikkhah are joined by Simon Vigar, royal correspondent for 5 News and author of the new book, The Four Wives of Windsor, to examine the sacrifices, scrutiny and rivalries that come with marrying a prince.

Why did Diana’s star power become a threat? How did Camilla transform her public image? And why did Meghan’s time in the institution unravel so quickly? They also discuss the importance of love, laughter, and why playing the long game in the royal family matters most.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.

What do you think: which royal wife adapted best to life inside the House of Windsor? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Simon’s book, The Four Wives of Windsor: Rivalries, Influence and the True Power Behind the Crown, is available now. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace, Shabnam Grewal

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Read more: How Queen Camilla became the boldest royal of the bunch
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Harry and Meghan are reportedly moving back to Britain with Archie and Lilibet, more than six years after leaving royal life for California. But why now — and how will their return work in practice?

Roya Nikkhah is joined by Rosamund Urwin, chief news correspondent of The Sunday Times, to discuss the Sussexes’ shock decision, the King’s reaction and what it could mean for Prince William.

They also examine Harry’s security concerns, the couple’s life in America and whether their return risks creating an alternative royal court — blurring the “half-in, half-out” boundaries established at Sandringham six years ago .

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.

What do you want to know about Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Watch us on YouTube.

Read more: How Prince Harry's return complicates the royal balance of power
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prince Harry is expected to return to Britain in September, amid signs of a thaw in his relationship with King Charles. But where does that leave Prince William? And can the King rebuild ties with his younger son while keeping his heir on side?

Roya Nikkhah is joined by journalist Catherine Mayer, author of Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles, and The Times columnist Hilary Rose to ask whether the Highgrove reunion marked a genuine turning point. Why does William remain unable to forgive Harry? Has his silence protected his dignity, or allowed his brother’s account to dominate? And could Harry’s growing presence in Britain force the royal family to confront their estrangement?

They also discuss the role of Camilla and Catherine in managing the family conflict, the significance of Harry potentially staying at Buckingham Palace, and why next year’s Invictus Games could present Charles and William with a difficult choice.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.

What do you think: can Charles rebuild his relationship with Harry while keeping William on side? Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Catherine’s book, Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles is available now. You can buy a copy from The Times Bookshop, with a special discount for Times+ members.

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Watch us on YouTube.

Read more: Harry and Meghan’s photos show a perfect summer. Why aren’t they happy?
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Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s most senior aide, is preparing to step down after 20 years at Charles and Camilla’s side. But who will replace him as King Charles’s new right-hand man?

Kate Mansey is joined by Queen Elizabeth II’s former communications secretary Simon Lewis and royal biographer Robert Hardman to enter the hidden world of royal courtiers. What do the palace’s so-called “men in grey suits” actually do? How much influence do they wield over the royal family? And what happens when their advice is ignored?

Simon reveals what life was really like inside Buckingham Palace, from driving the Queen at Balmoral to advising the sovereign behind closed doors. They also discuss Prince Harry’s clashes with Sir Clive, how Andrew circumvented palace officials, and the qualities the King will need in his next principal private secretary.

Get in touch: theroyals@thetimes.co.uk

Image: Getty

Producer: Robert Wallace

Video Producer: Eve Chadbourn

Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia

Watch us on YouTube.

Read more: Wanted: skilled diplomat who knows how to make the King laugh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.