Royal History Geeks

Gone but never forgotten. It's been one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Royal commentator, James Taylor and history writer, Gareth Streeter reflect on the late Queen's passing, her reign and her legacy. As well as discussing news of Elizabeth's death and the public reaction, the discussion explores crucial moments from the Queen's reign. This episode was originally broadcast on Septe...

A special bonus episode in the "Coronation catastrophes" podcast. Royal commentator, James Taylor and history writer, Gareth Streeter, discuss the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This episode was originally broadcast on June 20 2023

In 1838, Britain was in the midst of a new dawn.  Following the years of George III’s mental illness and the debauchery of his sons, a new, young Queen had come to the throne the previous year. While other coronation ceremonies may have been beset with problems ahead of the event but were alright on the night, Victoria’s coronation didn’t live up to that adage. There was much confusion about the f...

The marriage between George IV and Caroline of Brunswick was doomed from the start.  Their mutual dislike - which festered from their first meeting - was about the only thing they could agree on. Estranged within two years, George eventually managed to exile his hated wife to the continent.  But when he eventually ascended the throne, Caroline returned to claim her place as Queen. Initially, Carol...

When Henry VIII ascended the throne in 1509 he was weeks shy of his 18th birthday.  Most would have assumed that the young King would be crowned alone. However, shortly after taking the throne, Henry announced that he was to marry the resident Spanish Princess, Katherine of Aragon.  The Infanta was the widow of Henry's brother Arthur and had once been betrothed to the new King himself. The marriag...

After his ultimate and unlikely victory at Bosworth in August 1485, many expected Henry VII to quickly marry the Princess Elizabeth of York.  This would have restored the "true" Royal line to the throne.  It was Henry's promise to marry Elizabeth that had caused many of his men to support him.   But, much to the likely horror of the nobility, Henry announced that he was to be crowned alone.  The c...

In Gareth's new book "Do Let's Have Another Drink" the late Queen Mother steps forth as a figure of fun, a staunch defender of tradition and a woman you did not want to make an enemy of. RHG caught up with Gareth to learn more about his new book and the life of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. If you enjoy what Gareth has to say, consider buying "Do Let’s Have Another Drink...

Gareth Russell is emerging as one of the strongest narrative historians of a generation.  He has penned books on Catherine Howard, the history of English Kings and the sinking of the Titanic. In this interview, Royal History Geeks asked Gareth about his research on Catherine Howard, his thoughts on the Crown season four and his obsession with Anne Boleyn. This episode was originally broadcast on M...

Royal History Geeks caught up with Dr Owen Emmerson, residents historian and castle supervisor at Hever Castle. The magnificent Hever Castle was the home of Anne Boleyn.  We spoke to Owen about the huge role it has played in history and its importance in the lives of legendary figures. We also talked about Hever's vast collection of portraiture and explored the elusive question of what Anne Boleyn...

Lady Margaret Beaufort was the mother of Henry VII.  She played a vital role in establishing the Tudor dynasty on the throne of England.  In recent years, she has been much maligned in popular fiction. I am joined by two authors and experts to discuss the real Margaret Beaufort.  How accurate are the depictions we see in fiction?  What were her real qualities?  What is her legacy? This episode was...

It was an immense privilege to sit down (over zoom) with historian and novelist, Alison Weir. Alison is responsible for some of the best researched 'narrative history' on the Tudor and Plantagenet periods.  She has written novels as well as history books.  At the time of the interview, she had just released her 5th book in the 'Six Tudor Queens' fictional series: Katherine Howard, the Tainted Quee...