Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

 I’m delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter’s Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough’s portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood. Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton’s biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little survives from the daughters’ own voices. We discuss Molly’s documented illness and Emily’s discovery of a possible porphyria link to the Prince of Wales, as well as Gainsborough’s finances, his wife’s hidden savings, and the sisters’ relationship, which Emily likens to Downton Abbey’s sister dynamics. Emily also previews her next novel, Mrs Dickens, exploring Catherine Dickens’s erasure after Dickens left her for Ellen Turner and the fate of their children.00:46 Why the Daughters03:20 Bath After Covid05:57 Money and Marriage08:18 Research and Sources09:27 Molly Illness Mystery12:21 Sisters and Downton16:05 Blue Boy and Imagination17:25 Gainsborough at Highclere22:23 Next Book Mrs Dickens24:35 Dickens Family Fallout27:53 Catherine After SeparationYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month. 

In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend’s suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region’s food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town’s mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon’s sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante’s Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante’s poetry and its lifelong influence.00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia’ (restoring a house in Italy)00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’: writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more)04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar)05:17 Falling for Tuscany’s Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo’ the operator11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor’s welcome13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished?14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project14:27 What’s Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes)16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere’s Colorful Guests17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015)23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization24:21 Highclere’s Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita NovaYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his military service and his newfound fame with captivating stories of bravery, love, and resilience.00:49 Colin's MBE Award Journey05:49 Life at the Royal Hospital09:32 Britain's Got Talent Experience15:44 Reflecting on Joan's Legacy16:12 Early Marriage and Military Life17:22 Family and Cultural Heritage18:51 Royal Artillery and Highclere Event22:24 Musical Journey and Britain's Got Talent25:09 Post-Army Career and Civilian Life29:05 Meeting Jo and New BeginningsYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone!00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections00:26 Challenges of 202501:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans06:20 Business and Farming Challenges08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition12:57 New Additions and Future Projects16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year WishesYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations.We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world.Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom.Key moments:01:20 – Introduction to Ancient Egypt02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt07:46 – Lessons for Today13:10 – Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJoin us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories.00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey01:38 The Time Slide Series03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings09:34 First Publishing Success16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges23:44 Personal Spiritual ExperiencesYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works.00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights10:23 Research and Writing Process15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles32:05 The Value of Books and Reading32:54 Highclere Castle Garden PartyYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

 I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors.01:01 Life in North Devon01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket13:47 Self-Publishing Journey14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing15:21 The Editor's Red Pen16:19 Recording the Audiobook17:41 The Book Club Journey22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories25:59 Living with Horses27:38 The Charm of Stately HomesYou can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Owen O'Kane, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares his journey of transforming anxiety into an ally. He discusses practical strategies from his book, emphasizing that anxiety should be understood, not eradicated. Owen reflects on his upbringing in Northern Ireland and insights from palliative care, illustrating how connecting with animals can enhance therapy. He highlights the importance of self-regulation and the surprisingly low probability of worries materializing. Join Owen for an enlightening discussion on embracing anxiety for personal strength.

In a delightful conversation, Miranda Hart, British actress and comedian known for her sitcom 'Miranda' and roles in 'Call the Midwife' and 'Emma', shares her insights on joy and humor in life. She discusses the challenges of acting, the pressures of live performance, and the personal struggles she's faced with chronic illness. Miranda opens up about the inspiration for her book, exploring 'treasures of darkness' found through adversity. Expect laughter, heartfelt stories, and thoughtful reflections on British comedy.