Secrets of the Royals

The Staggeringly Sad Stories of Prince Philip’s Female Relatives

For more Royal Secrets sign up to our newsletter: In this episode of Secrets of The Royals, we lift the lid on the truly unbelievable lives of some of the amazing women in Prince Philip’s family tree. We discuss the death of his ‘favourite’ sister, Princess Cecilie, in a 1937 plane crash, his mother Princess Alice’s mental health ordeals, including her time in an asylum and her lifesaving secret mission role during WWII, plus the gruesome fate of his great aunts who were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. We also talk about the influential role of his grandmother Princess Victoria on his life and upbringing. Episode Highlights: 02:12 The Heartbreaking Fate of Princess Cecilie 05:49 The Life and Struggles of Princess Alice 09:25 The Short Life of another Princess Alice, Philip's Great Grandmother 11:20 The Gruesome Fate of the Romanovs 14:38 Princess Victoria: Philip’s Influential Grandmother Thanks to Soho Hotel for partnering with Secrets of The Royals. In the heart of London's Soho, this gorgeous hotel is a favourite destination of Kerry’s. Book at firmdalehotels. com. Credits Episode written by Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole Music: Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba | Composer: Georg Friderich Händel (1695 – 1759) | Arranged and performed by Richard Irwin. | Performance ℗ 2021 Richard Irwin Music®. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464 Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft [http://lucylucraft.co.uk] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe [https://theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Lost Prince: The Heartbreaking Story of Poor Prince John

For more Royal Secrets sign up to our newsletter: In this episode of Secrets of The Royals, we examine the short life of Prince John, the youngest son of King George V and Queen Mary, who passed away at 13 due to an epileptic seizure. We delve into Prince John's early years, his health issues, and the misconceptions about his relationship with the royal family. We also compare the contrasting reactions from his family members, including a particularly callous letter from his eldest brother, the future Edward VIII. Ultimately, we aim to shed light on the true nature of Prince John's life and the compassion shown by his family despite the narratives suggesting otherwise. Episode Highlights 02:31 Early Life and Health Struggles 04:29 Life at Sandringham 07:45 The Final Days and Death of Prince John 08:36 Public and Family Reactions 10:47 Prince Edward's Cold-Hearted Response 13:21 Heartfelt Family Grief Credits Episode written by Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole Music. Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba | Composer: Georg Friderich Händel (1695 – 1759) | Arranged and performed by Richard Irwin. | Performance ℗ 2021 Richard Irwin Music®. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464 Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft [http://lucylucraft.co.uk] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe [https://theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Complex Legacy of Lord Mountbatten: Influence, Intrigue, and Tragedy

For more Royal Secrets sign up to our newsletter: In this episode of Secrets of The Royals we discuss the killing of Lord Mountbatten, an event that shook the royal family and the world. We explore his background, his influential role within the royal circles, and his complicated personal life marked by bravery and scandal. And we cover his shocking assassination by the IRA, the subsequent impact on the royal family, and serious abuse allegations that followed years later. Episode Highlights: 01:37 Lord Mountbatten's Early Life and Family 02:50 Mountbatten's Influence on the Royal Family 06:14 Mountbatten's Military Career and Personal Life 09:32 The Tragic Day of the Assassination 12:03 Allegations and Controversies 13:22 Aftermath and Legacy Credits Episode written by Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole Music. Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba | Composer: Georg Friderich Händel (1695 – 1759) | Arranged and performed by Richard Irwin. | Performance ℗ 2021 Richard Irwin Music®. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464 Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft [http://lucylucraft.co.uk] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe [https://theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Adventurous Life and Awful Fate of the Other Prince William

For more Royal Secrets sign up to our newsletter: In this episode of Secrets of The Royals, we explore the life of Prince William of Gloucester, a largely forgotten but fascinating member of the royal family. We discuss his adventurous spirit, from his love of flying to his career overseas in the civil service, and his tragic death in an air show competition at the age of 30. We also discuss on his passionate romance with model Zsuzsi Starkloff, a twice-divorced mum of one, and the hereditary illness he shared with his royal ancestors. We reflect on his lasting legacy and the impact of the loss of this royal heir on his grief-stricken family. Episode Highlights: 02:41 Prince William’s Early Life and Family Background 06:24 Education and Adventures 12:31 Love and Heartbreak in Tokyo 15:48 Tragic Death and Aftermath 19:55 Legacy and Speculations Thanks to Soho Hotel for partnering with Secrets of The Royals. In the heart of London’s Soho, this gorgeous hotel is a favourite destination of Kerry’s. Book at firmdalehotels. com. Credits Episode written by Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole Music. Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba | Composer: Georg Friderich Händel (1695 – 1759) | Arranged and performed by Richard Irwin. | Performance ℗ 2021 Richard Irwin Music® [https://richardirwinmusic.com/]. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464 Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft [http://lucylucraft.co.uk] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe [https://theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

The Enduring Legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales

For more Royal Secrets sign up to our newsletter: In the final episode of this series of Secrets of The Royals, we talk about one of the most significant tragedies in modern royal history: the death of Diana. We recount the events leading up to her fatal car crash in Paris, the immediate aftermath, and the overwhelming grief that swept the nation - and the world. Plus, Maria shares what is was like to be in London at the royal’s funeral in 1997 - and how the late Queen reacted to the criticism of her family’s response. We also examine Diana’s lasting impact on the royal family, her humanitarian efforts, and her strong connection with people worldwide. We review the changes her sudden death brought to the monarchy and her enduring legacy as a beloved figure and feminist icon. A big thank you to everyone who listened to the series and to those who’ve supported our Substack. It would mean the world to us if you could leave us a 5* rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Episode Highlights: 02:14 The Night of the Tragedy 07:27 The Aftermath and Public Reaction 08:57 The Royal Family's Response 13:39 Diana's Funeral 21:55 Diana's Legacy Credits: Episode written by Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole Music. Arrival Of The Queen of Sheba | Composer: Georg Friderich Händel (1695 – 1759) | Arranged and performed by Richard Irwin. | Performance ℗ 2021 Richard Irwin Music®. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464 Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft [http://lucylucraft.co.uk] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe [https://theroyallist.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]