The Standard

Why some critics have given one or two star reviews of Season Six Part One. How The Crown is ‘attempting the impossible’. Did it do Diana’s story justice? Why the Netflix show's better than some critics think. The Standard’s Melanie McDonagh shares her review of Season 6 Part One, and explains why she’s not looking forward to Part Two. In this episode:Elizabeth Debicki’s ‘moving’ portrayal of Princess DianaHow the actors captured the 'internal selves' of their charactersThe historical accuracies compared with dramatised elementsWhy Season Six Part Two isn’t on Melanie’s to-watch listFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Standard’s senior feature writer and editor, Katie Strick, reveals what she’s learnt whilst hosting the capital’s newest dating and relationships podcast - London Love Stories with Katie Strick.Katie meets real couples from around the capital, who share their uplifting real stories of romance - along with the dating lessons and relationship wisdom they’ve learnt along the way. How dating app culture has impacted our city, the secrets to making it work, the importance of timing, the role choice plays in everything, and why ultimately in life you make your own luck. Listen to episode 1 of London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: Locked Eyes On The District LineListen to episode 2 of London Love Stories with Katie Strick here: You Had Me At 999 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rwanda policy deemed unlawful after 18 months of legal battles. The ‘powerful’ evidence that Rwanda isn’t safe. What will the government do now? Our Courts Correspondent Tristan Kirk explains what the Supreme Court’s ruling means for the Rwanda Policy, and how Conservative MPs and the government might respond. In this episode:Why judges deemed the policy unlawfulHow the policy went through the legal processWhy MPs would be wrong to suggest leaving the EU convention of human rightsHow will the government react to this ruling?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our monarch celebrates his milestone birthday with the launch of a food-poverty campaign. King Charles’s choice to continue his royal work on his birthday. Why he’s in a rush to ‘make up for lost time’. The Standard’s Robert Dex describes how the King celebrated his birthday, and columnist Melanie McDonagh discusses how King Charles has featured on the Evening Standard front pages over the years. In this episode:The King’s ‘fascinating’ work examinedHis relationship with Prince HarryWill Charles pass the environmental campaign baton to Prince William? Charles’s ‘awkward’ look on becoming a young PrinceToday’s front page cover explainedFollow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suella Braverman sacked as Home Secretary in Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle. A surprise return for David Cameron. Is his appointment democratically legitimate? Our Political Editor Nicholas Cecil explains the controversy around Mr Cameron’s return, and what Suella Braverman might do next. In this episode:Did Suella orchestrate her sacking to begin leadership bid?How David Cameron’s return stole the headlinesWhy MPs might be frustrated with the former PM’s returnIs this a sign of the Conservatives going more centrist?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where to go and why some spots are better...you might be surprised by what makes some places greener.Our sustainable travel expert Juliet Kinsman and Jon Weeks discuss what makes some countries and regions a better choice if you’re striving to be an eco-friendly adventurer and Juliet explains why the key to more economically and environmentally sustainable trips can be venturing off-season.In part two, Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, explains how they determine which destinations are doing the right thing, the importance of 'speaking up' and how they're targeting mainstream travel firms to make sustainable changes.Find out what else we're exploring as part of our Sustainable Travel campaign here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets of London on Saturday to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.The demonstration coincides with Armistice Day, when a number of large events are already due to take place. Including a two-minute silence at the Cenotaph in Westminster for fallen servicemen and women. Nicholas Cecil, our Political Editor, discusses the division of opinions from different sides of the political spectrum, as well as the backlash over the Home Secretary’s public criticism of the police.In part two, John Dunne, the Standard’s crime reporter, analyses the scale of the task the Met faces when it comes to policing London this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Lewis reveals its venus flytrap mascot. Dancing dolls, a raccoon and singing oven gloves. Bublé, Reynolds and Astley: this year’s celeb-filled features. How brands are ripping off the same story line. Are people getting sick of annual xmas ads? Our Culture Writer Vicky Jessop reviews this year’s Christmas TV ads, and considers how they’ve evolved over the years. In this episode:Clothing brand Barbour’s Shaun the Sheep collabHow this year’s ads are ‘celebrities galore’John Lewis’s venus flytrap character reviewedHas this year been a stand-out year for Xmas ads? Check out our new weekly podcast series featuring London love stories with Katie Strick here.Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London’s 54 super luxury restaurants are up from 37 last year. The £900 14 oz Tajima beef waygu steak. Restaurant clientele explained: Lambo owners, awkward couples and celebs. Business Editor Jonathan Prynn and Going Out Editor David Ellis discuss the recent rise in hyper-luxurious restaurants, and how food culture is changing. In this episode:More & more high-end restaurants opening ‘every year’Showboating, crowds, and quiet couples Why celebs avoid some high-end establishmentsOmakase: the rise in high-end Japanese sushiThe world’s wealthiest people ‘like to spend time in London’Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles III delivers first King’s Speech. Smoking, criminal sentencing and tackling consumer rip-offs. Rishi Sunak’s last-minute edit. King Charles’s body language observed. Our Politics team, Nicholas Cecil, Rachael Burford and Jitendra Joshi explain the highlights. In this episode:How will the King’s Speech be received by the public?The government's proposed leaseholds shake-upCriminal charges changingWhat happened to Suella Braverman’s proposed tent ban?Follow us on X or on Threads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.