Robert Hardman

Lionel Shriver, novelist and Spectator columnist, talks about his new immigration novel and clashes with the British press. Robert Hardman, royal commentator and Daily Mail columnist, dissects Parliament’s cautious response to royal scandals. Michael Simmons, economics editor, probes Labour’s ties to the City and bank influence. They also chat about BBC’s Industry, Brits’ Australia fascination, and the curious politics of moustaches.

Join royal historian Kate Williams and journalist Robert Hardman as they delve into Queen Victoria's surprisingly passionate love life. Explore how her tumultuous relationship with Prince Albert shaped her motherhood experiences, revealing the struggles of pain and societal expectations. Discover the Victorian sexual paradoxes, where prudishness clashed with private desires, and learn how bicycles symbolized women's liberation. They also discuss sexual pleasure and marital norms, shedding light on the queen’s candid insights found in her diaries.

Robert Hardman, journalist and royal author known for biographies of the British royal family, discusses whether King Charles should proceed with a US state visit. He covers the history of controversial state visits and why Donald Trump is drawn to royal pageantry. Timing around the US 250th anniversary and how the monarch navigates sensitive topics are also explored.

Robert Hardman, a trusted biographer of King Charles III, discusses the monarch's evolving religious beliefs amidst health challenges. The King finds solace in a deepened Christian faith, embracing his title ‘Defender of the Faith’ while exploring Orthodox traditions. In contrast, Prince William's secular views pose questions about his future role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The conversation weaves through themes of spirituality, personal struggles, and the balance of tradition with modern beliefs in the royal family.

BBC royal correspondent and royal biographer discuss King Charles III's turbulent first year, focusing on his health, family struggles, role as a monarch in the 21st century, and the future of the British monarchy. They explore challenges, controversies, and the evolution of the royal institution amidst changing perceptions and generational shifts.