Catching Up with the Royals

Catching Up with the Royals

Catching Up With the Royals is a weekly podcast about the British royal family, taking you beyond the pomp and pageantry to uncover what’s really happening behind the headlines of the House of Windsor.


Each week, reformed republican Reverend Richard Coles and royal expert Emily Andrews share their take on the latest royal news - from the moments everyone is talking about, to the stories quietly unfolding behind palace walls. Drawing on Emily’s years of experience travelling the world with the British monarchy, alongside Richard’s fascination with royal relationships and history, the podcast offers informed insight and behind-the-scenes perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.


But it’s not just about the news. Catching Up With the Royals also dives deep into the defining moments of royal history - from legendary royal scandals that shocked the world to lesser-known royal traditions and protocols. Richard and Emily explore how the past of the British royal family continues to shape the monarchy today.


You can listen to Catching Up With the Royals, the podcast for anyone interested in the British monarchy, wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch the show on YouTube and stream it on 5.


Have a question for Richard and Emily to discuss on the show? Email us at royals@spirit-studios.com


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Episode's summary

There’s no shortage of royal events on the horizon, and Richard and Emily are here to cover them all, and more, in this week’s episode of Catching Up with the Royals. With Trooping the Colour 2026 fast approaching, we go behind the pomp and pageantry of the nearly 280-year-old royal tradition that celebrates the monarch’s official birthday. Richard and Emily explore the fascinating history and enduring legacy of one of the most iconic events in the royal calendar, while asking whether ceremonies like this still have a place in modern Britain. Speaking of shaking things up, we tackle a controversial viewer question: what would happen if Britain abolished the monarchy? Richard and Emily discuss the political, cultural, and economic ripple effects that could be felt across the UK (and around the world) if the royal family became private citizens, and debate whether Britain would be better off as a republic. With Royal Ascot and Wimbledon just around the corner, we also examine the royal family's long-standing…

Episodes

22-

What Happens If Britain Abolishes the Monarchy?

There’s no shortage of royal events on the horizon, and Richard and Emily are here to cover them all, and more, in this week’s episode of Catching Up with the Royals. With Trooping the Colour 2026 fast approaching, we go behind the pomp and pageantry of the nearly 280-year-old royal tradition that celebrates the monarch’s official birthday. Richard and Emily explore the fascinating history and enduring legacy of one of the most iconic events in the royal calendar, while asking whether ceremonies like this still have a place in modern Britain. Speaking of shaking things up, we tackle a controversial viewer question: what would happen if Britain abolished the monarchy? Richard and Emily discuss the political, cultural, and economic ripple effects that could be felt across the UK (and around the world) if the royal family became private citizens, and debate whether Britain would be better off as a republic. With Royal Ascot and Wimbledon just around the corner, we also examine the royal family's long-standing…

10 Jun 2026
21-

The Royals' Inner Circle: Friends, Betrayals and Trusted Nannies

From Princess Anne and Peter Phillips to royal friendships, nannies and Buckingham Palace secrets - Richard and Emily cover it all in this week's episode of Catching Up with the Royals. With Peter Phillips' wedding fast approaching we take a closer look at Princess Anne's famously close relationship with her children and explore the bond she shares with her son ahead of the latest royal wedding. We also delve into the royal family's inner circle, discussing the royals' closest friends, trusted confidants and the betrayals that have rocked the monarchy over the years. Plus, Richard and Emily ask which famous faces and mutual friends have quietly chosen sides in the ongoing Prince William and Prince Harry feud. The conversation then turns to the royal nannies who have helped raise generations of royals. From the qualifications required to work with the Royal Family to the prestigious training schools that supply royal childcare staff, Richard and Emily uncover the fascinating stories behind the people who…

03 Jun 2026
20-

The Royal Family’s New Battle: The AI Era & Harry's Rival Court

This week on Catching Up with the Royals Richard and Emily dive into royal scandals, family feuds, AI fake photos and what really happens at a royal palace garden party. It’s been more than 30 years since King Charles III (then Prince Charles) and Princess Diana announced their separation to the world - but what about the infamous “third person” in their marriage, Queen Camilla? While Charles and Camilla’s relationship is now firmly accepted within the royal family, Richard and Emily explore the hidden history of royal mistresses, extramarital relationships, and the women who have influenced the British monarchy behind palace walls for generations. Plus, we tackle one of the biggest royal questions of the moment: could Prince Harry’s upcoming return to the UK for the Invictus Games mark the beginning of a part-time return to royal life for both Harry and Meghan Markle? And if so, could the Duke and Duchess of Sussex become direct rivals to Prince William and Princess Catherine as the future of the monarchy…

27 May 2026
19-

Kate and William’s Big Decision Over Prince George

This week on Catching Up with the Royals Richard and Emily take a deep dive into King Charles III’s reign, the major decision facing Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, the secrets behind royal fashion wardrobes and the fascinating world of royal security and protection. It has been more than three years since King Charles III became monarch, but how successful has his time on the throne been so far? Richard and Emily begin the episode by giving the King a royal report card, assessing his achievements, challenges and whether his first years on the throne have been a true crowning glory. With the summer holidays fast approaching the Prince and Princess of Wales have a big decision to make - where to send their eldest, Prince George, to school. After the couple have been spotted touring many different secondary schools, Richard and Emily weigh in on where they think the future heir to the throne will be enrolling this coming September, plus we look into how educating royals has changed over time.…

20 May 2026
18-

The Man Tasked With Ending Prince William’s Feud with Prince Harry

This week on Catching Up with the Royals, we’re diving into the biggest Royal family news - from royal rifts and rumours to priceless relics hidden within The Royal Collection. We begin with breaking Buckingham Palace news as a new figure enters King Charles’ inner circle. His latest private secretary, Theo Rycroft, is reportedly tasked with one major mission: helping repair the strained relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry. But could one man really ease the tensions between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, or is Royal reconciliation still out of reach? Next, we turn to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as rumours circulate that she may be considering writing her own memoir following in Prince Harry’s footsteps. Should Meghan tell her side of the story, or stick to the Royal Family’s traditional “never complain, never explain” approach? We also explore the influential Hollywood circle around Meghan that includes Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Mellody Hobson and Nicole Avant, and how they…

13 May 2026