Episodes

The monarchy that King Charles the Third serves today is very different from the monarchy that lost America in 1776. This episode traces how the lessons of the American Revolution shaped the Crown’s relationship with Canada, Australia, New Zealand and eventually the modern Commonwealth. It is the story of how the monarchy adapted after one of the greatest defeats in its history. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes...

Not every American joined the Revolution. Hundreds of thousands remained loyal to King George the Third. From William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin, to royal governors, merchants and ordinary citizens, this episode examines the Americans who chose the Crown over independence and what their stories reveal about the monarchy’s view of the Revolution. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quotes, and some artistic li...

The Declaration of Independence was approved in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Weeks later, the news finally crossed the Atlantic. How did King George the Third react? What did London’s newspapers report? And when did the Palace realize the colonies were no longer seeking compromise but independence? Palace Intrigue follows the Declaration’s journey from Philadelphia to the British court. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-reco...

The Declaration of Independence portrayed King George the Third as a tyrant. But was he? This episode looks at the real king behind the revolutionary rhetoric, the constitutional limits on royal power, and how George the Third became one of the most controversial figures in American history. Part of Palace Intrigue’s America 250 series exploring the Revolution through a royal lens. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record quo...

As America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Palace Intrigue begins a special series examining the American Revolution through the eyes of the British Royal Family. In this episode, we explore why King George the Third believed the colonies could still be saved, what he misunderstood about the growing independence movement, and how one of the greatest setbacks in royal history unfolded. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace door...

The series builds to a defining moment as King Charles III delivers a masterclass in diplomacy during his pivotal United States visit. From a historic address to Congress to moments of quiet connection in New York, this episode explores how decades of preparation, scrutiny, and patience culminated in a performance that reshaped perceptions of the King. As global tensions simmered and expectations remained high, Charles stepped into the role fully, not as the successor to Queen Elizabeth the Seco...

After years of scandal over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, Charles makes the brutal decision to strip his younger brother Andrew of all remaining titles. Andrew is no longer a prince—he's now just Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. He's evicted from Royal Lodge. The decision comes with Prince William's support, but it's devastating nonetheless. Charles is removing his own brother from the royal family. It's the final, terrible duty of his kingship: protecting the institution, even if it means des...

The Queen dies at Balmoral at age 96. Charles, at 73, finally becomes King after the longest wait in British history. The transition is smooth, but Charles knows he has limited time. His coronation in May 2023 is deliberately scaled back—a "slimmed-down monarchy" for modern times. But the family is fractured: Harry attends alone, Andrew is absent, William is distant. Charles has the crown he waited his entire life for, but the family is broken. While no one truly knows what happens behind close...

Harry and Meghan announce they're stepping back from royal duties. Charles tries to negotiate, but Harry is resolute. The Oprah interview airs in March 2021, with Harry revealing that Charles stopped taking his calls and cut him off financially. Charles feels betrayed—he thought he was protecting the institution. Harry feels abandoned—he thought his father would protect him and Meghan. The rift mirrors Charles's own relationship with his parents. History repeating itself. While no one truly kno...

Charles begins the slow, painful process of rehabilitating Camilla's image. The woman blamed for destroying Diana must somehow become acceptable to the British public. Carefully staged public appearances. Charity work emphasizing her genuine interests. Years of patient PR. Finally, in 2005, Charles and Camilla marry in a modest civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall. The Queen and Philip don't attend the ceremony itself. It's not a celebration—it's damage control. Charles has his love, but at what ...

Diana dies in a Paris tunnel, fleeing paparazzi with her new boyfriend Dodi Fayed. Charles flies to Paris to bring her body home. He must tell William and Harry their mother is dead. The nation's grief is overwhelming, the anger at the royal family palpable. Charles walks behind Diana's coffin with his traumatized sons. His guilt about the failed marriage will haunt him forever. The ghost of Diana will shape everything that follows. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doo...

After years of public warfare, Charles and Diana's divorce is finalized. Diana is stripped of her "Her Royal Highness" title—a humiliation that wounds her deeply. She receives a £17 million settlement but loses her formal place in the royal family. Charles feels relief mixed with guilt. Diana is free but also vulnerable, no longer protected by the institution. The worst is yet to come. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the-record...

The fairy tale curdles into public warfare. The Morton book reveals Diana's bulimia and suicide attempts. Camillagate tapes expose Charles's intimate conversations with his mistress. Squidgygate reveals Diana's own affair. Both sides brief the press relentlessly. The Queen watches helplessly as her heir's marriage becomes a global spectacle. The institution is powerless to contain the damage. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this series uses news sources, on-the...

July 29, 1981. Charles, 32, marries Lady Diana Spencer, 19, at St. Paul's Cathedral in a ceremony watched by 750 million people worldwide. It's the fairy tale of the century. But as Diana walks down the aisle, Charles's heart belongs to another woman. "Whatever 'in love' means," he tells reporters. The marriage is doomed before it begins. Camilla watches from the congregation, knowing she'll always be part of this triangle. While no one truly knows what happens behind closed palace doors, this ...

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has made a striking return to royal duty while using oxygen support in public for the first time, underscoring the seriousness of her health challenges. We also look at the full Crown Prince family appearing together amid mounting scrutiny, and Nora Haukland’s new interview about her relationship with Marius Borg Høiby as the case moves closer to a verdict Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation...

Norway’s Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling that could matter a great deal in the Marius Borg Høiby case, particularly on the sexual assault charges involving women prosecutors say were asleep or otherwise unable to resist. The decision does not affect the question of guilt or innocence, but it could influence sentencing if Høiby is convicted on any of those counts. We break down what the ruling means, why both the defense and prosecution believe it helps their side, and how the legal...

Sunday prison visit: Haakon, Mette-Marit, and Sverre Magnus photographed arriving at Oslo Prison to see Marius. Appeals court rules Marius remains in detention until June verdict, rejects release request. Court cites "strong probability" of reoffending, points to Valentine's Day restraining order breach while in custody (flowers and letter to Frogner woman through third party). Defense argued media attention reduced risk, court rejected: coverage "has not prevented accused from being suspected o...

Marius Borg Høiby will remain in custody after losing his appeal, while a major Supreme Court ruling on so-called sleep rape cases has opened a new legal front ahead of the expected June verdict. There is also growing backlash over how the Norwegian media covered the trial. Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken care to reflect the reporting accurat...

Crown Princess Mette-Marit returned to public duties during the Belgian state visit, but the fallout from her Epstein interview continues. New criticism of the Palace’s media strategy, questions about how the NRK interview was handled, and a wave of opinion pieces suggest the story is far from settled. Portions of this program were assembled with the assistance of AI, including help with translation, summarisation, and news gathering from publicly available sources. While we have taken care to ...

An appeals court has ruled that Marius Borg Høiby will remain in pre-trial detention, rejecting his request for release ahead of a verdict expected in early June. The court cited a “strong probability” of reoffending, pointing in part to a restraining order breach during the trial, when Høiby arranged to send flowers and a letter to the Frogner woman.His defense argued that intense media scrutiny had already limited his circumstances, but the court dismissed that claim, concluding detention rema...

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit were seen arriving at Oslo Prison alongside Prince Sverre Magnus, just days after the trial of Marius Borg Høiby concluded. While prison visits are routine, the timing and visibility of this one have drawn significant attention, reading as a clear show of support as the family awaits a verdict expected in early June. We break down where the case stands now, including the charges, the prosecution’s sentencing request, and the growing debate over...

Trial paused Tuesday (judge ill), resumed Wednesday. Prosecution closing arguments: Henriksbø says Marius "not monster... but must be held accountable." Four "sleep rape" allegations detailed. Skaugum woman videos: "appears to be sleeping, absence of sound." Lofoten woman's pulse watch data: woke from deep sleep twice, "just after defendant filmed her genital area." Nachspiel woman: sleeping tablets, "sensed flashes of light." Oslo hotel: "woke from hard blow to genital area." Pattern: "parties,...

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit has spoken publicly for the first time about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was “manipulated and deceived” and taking responsibility for not investigating him more thoroughly. In a highly personal interview with NRK, conducted alongside Crown Prince Haakon, she acknowledged spending time at Epstein’s Palm Beach property, described a moment that left her feeling unsafe, and admitted, “I should have warned more people.” But while the intervi...

The trial of Marius Borg Høiby has officially concluded after more than six weeks in court, with the case now in the hands of judges and a verdict expected in early June. On the final day, the defense pushed for acquittal on the most serious charges, including four alleged rapes and abuse in a close relationship, arguing there is not enough evidence to meet the legal standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. We break down the defense’s key arguments, from challenges to digital evidence and ...