Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things – Details, episodes & analysis

Charles II's sexual appetite was infamously compared to a racehorse, and he revelled in reversing the social strictures that Oliver Cromwell had strictly enforced during the Interregnum. Unsurprisingly, Charles II had mistresses. And lots of them. But Charles II’s mistresses were so much more than footnotes in a new era of frivolity, parties and hedonism –  many of these women wielded significant power in their own right, and played pivotal roles in court politics and international relations. Their close relationship to Charles II during an intense period of social and political change means that they played a key role in shaping the course of English history.  Join Robert Hardman and Kate Williams as they explore the stories of three of these fascinating women – Barbara Castlemaine, Nell Gywnne, and Lucy Walter – and ask what their stories reveal about the wider history of the period. Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things is the Daily Mail's unmissable podcast that promises listeners a weekly dose of royal history and intrigue by unpacking a different royal scandal each week.  Hosted by Daily Mail columnist and royal biographer Robert Hardman and historian Professor Kate Williams, each episode delves into the juiciest parts of royal history from eras past, and present... but mainly past.  New episodes out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.  Presenters: Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams Producer: Rich Jarman  Production Manager: Victoria Cecchini  Executive Producer: Bella Soames  Thanks to Dr. Fern Riddell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do you get when you mix a $20 million diamond necklace; a sycophantic cardinal; a con-artist; and Marie Antoinette? Only one of French history’s biggest royal scandals – a scandal that, arguably, led to the abolition of nearly a thousand years of French monarchy and the demise of France's final two monarchs on the guillotine. Join Kate Williams and Robert Hardman for a rollicking ride through a royal scandal that really does have it all: sex, lies – and Marie Antoinette: one of the most iconic – and most misunderstood – female figures of the 18th Century.  Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things is the Daily Mail's unmissable podcast that promises listeners a weekly dose of royal history and intrigue by unpacking a different royal scandal each week.  Hosted by Daily Mail columnist and royal biographer Robert Hardman and historian Professor Kate Williams, each episode delves into the juiciest parts of royal history from eras past, and present... but mainly past.  New episodes out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.  Presenters: Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams Producer: Rich Jarman  Production Manager: Victoria Cecchini  Executive Producer: Bella Soames  Thanks to Dr. Fern Riddell  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Aberfan" season 3, episode 3 of The Crown. This episode of The Crown depicts a reluctant Elizabeth 2nd questioning the appropriateness of her visiting Aberfan in the days following a disaster in the Welsh town, despite the insistence of those around her. Our thanks to Claire Heeley, Melissa Clark and Kelly Woods who all wrote in to suggest the episode this week. If you'd like us to analyse a favourite episode of The Crown, write to us at: FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk. Find out in this episode of The Crown Fact Or Fiction: Was the Queen as emotionless as she is depicted in this episode? Was the Queen as reluctant to visit Aberfan as depicted in The Crown? Did The Crown accurately depict Prince Phillip’s attendance at Aberfan? Did the Queen only attend Aberfan after the government briefed the press against her?  Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Ipatiev House" season 5, episode 6 of The Crown. This episode of The Crown delves into the history of the British royal family and portrays a strained marriage between the Queen and Prince Phillip while Britain forges a new relationship with Boris Yeltsin's Russia. Our thanks to Hannah from Hertfordshire who wrote in and suggested the episode this week. If you'd like us to analyse a favourite episode of The Crown, write to us at: FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk. Find out in this episode of The Crown Fact Or Fiction: Did The Crown get the Romanov family's fate right? Did Boris Yeltsin order Russian scientists to find the bones of the Romanov's after meeting the Queen and Prince Phillip? Was Coach driving one of Prince Phillip's passions? Did Prince Phillip's friend Penny Knatchbull attend Christmas mass with the Queen to quell rumours and speculation? Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Dear Mrs Kennedy" season 2, episode 8 of The Crown. This episode of The Crown portrays a rivalry taking place between the Queen and Jackie Kennedy, the first lady of the United States. Meanwhile, the Queen is trying to keep the commonwealth together, before the episode culminates in the news and aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination. Our thanks to Emily Edery who wrote in and suggested the episode this week. If you'd like us to analyse a favourite episode of The Crown, write to us at: FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk. Was Jackie Kennedy unimpressed both by Buckingham Palace and the Queen? Do the Royals take note of protocol not being followed? Was there a rivalry between the Queen and Jackie Kennedy? Did the Queen dance the Foxtrot with Ghana’s president?  And… ...Did the Queen favour cream or jam first on a scone?  Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Bubbikins" season 3, episode 4 of The Crown. The episode focusses on the BBC filming the Royal Family while Prince Phillip's mother, Princess Alice, moves into Buckingham Palace in the late 1960s. Our thanks to Paul Schlotthauer who suggested this episode. If you'd like us to analyse a favourite episode, get in touch at FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk. Find out in this episode of The Crown: Fact or Fiction: Did Prince Phillip tell American TV that the Royal family were going to go "into the red"? Did the Royals agree to a documentary to prove their worth to the nation as the Crown portrays, or was the aim something different? Was the BBC’s film a hit or a flop? What happened to the proceeds from the BBC’s film? Did the Queen send a private secretary to rescue Princess Alice?  Did a Guardian journalist opportunistically secure an interview with Princess Alice after being stood up by Princess Anne?  Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Gelignite" season 1, episode 6 of The Crown. Thanks to The episode focusses on Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, our thanks to Nicole, one of our Canadian listeners who suggested this episode. If you'd like us to analyse a favourite episode, get in touch at FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk. Find out in this episode of The Crown: Fact or Fiction: Did a journalist from The People uncover the relationship, and how did the newspaper report the story initially? How did Prime Minister Winston Churchill react to the relationship and how did his wife influence him on this matter? What's the significance of the phone number 4832? What was the fallout for the Queen? ...And what is an Equerry?! Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "48:1" season 4, episode 8 of The Crown. Find out: Did the Queen ask that Margaret Thatcher agree to trade sanctions on South Africa? Did the Queen really ask that her opinion of Margaret Thatcher be leaked to the press? What do we really know about the Queen's relationship with Margaret Thatcher? Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re getting in touch with.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Robert Hardman and Natasha Livingstone for an analysis of "Paterfamilias" Season 2 Episode 9 of The Crown.  In this episode find out the truth of the circumstances that led to Prince Phillip's sister taking a tragic flight in 1937.  How did the Queen and Prince Phillip decide which school to send their children to?  Did The Crown get it right when depicting the "Gordonstoun Challenge?" Plus much more.  Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast! Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re giving your opinion on.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Robert Hardman's latest book, Charles III, can be ordered here: https://books.mailshop.co.uk/charles-iii-9781035027415 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the last of our imagined episodes of The Crown - our next episodes will be a return to analysing real episodes of The Crown!  This episode focuses on the "second sons" - Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.  Find out What happened when Prince Harry married Meghan and Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank. What happened after Oprah interviewed Meghan and Harry What happened after Andrew was interviewed by Emily Maitliss.  And how would The Crown have tackled them? Tell us which episodes of The Crown are your favourites and we might give them the Fact or Fiction treatment on the next episode of the podcast. Email us at  FactOrFiction@mailonline.co.uk or send us a message or voicenote on Whatsapp: 07796657512 (start your message with "The Crown" so we know which show you’re giving your opinion on.) Make sure you're following The Crown: Fact Or Fiction so you don't miss an episode.  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-fact-or-fiction/id1714259572 Robert Hardman's latest book, Charles III, can be ordered here: https://books.mailshop.co.uk/charles-iii-9781035027415 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices