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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

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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

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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

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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®. All Rights Reserved. ISRC UKTU21900464

Podcast Production: Lucy Lucraft

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In this episode of Secrets of The Royals we delve into the astonishing life and mysterious death of Prince George, a beloved brother of King George VI. We discuss the forgotten royal’s easy charm, scandal-filled life and fatal WWII plane crash at the age of 39.

The episode covers Prince George’s upbringing, turbulent love life, and his eventual glamorous marriage to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. We also touch on various conspiracy theories surrounding his death, plus the profound shock and loss felt by his family and the nation.

Episode Highlights:

02:17 Prince George’s Early Life and Family

06:54 Scandals and Rumours

10:00 Marriage and Family Life

11:49 World War II and Final Days

14:55 Conspiracy Theories and Aftermath

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

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

Secrets of the Royals is a podcast about the tragedies that befell the royal family hosted by journalists and royal experts, Kerry Parnell and Maria Coole.

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