Palace Weekly - Celtic fans target Prince William with offensive chants. John Mulaney rips Harry and Meghan. More trouble for Prince Andrew

0:00 Welcome to Palace Weekly, our new weekly roundtable where we take a look back at the big events of the week. A normal episode of Palace Intrigue with Mark Francis went out at three oh five am Eastern check the feed and Deep Crowns Weekly episode for subscribers only was published at twelve o five am Eastern. Calucas Shock Media. Welcome back everyone. It's time for another Royal family deep dive. Oh boy, let. Me tell you the headlines have been juicy. Always something going on with this family.

0:41 We've been coming through a podcast called Palace Intrigue, which is like a royal watcher's dream. Oh I love that podcast. That's all the other buzz that's been popping up, and it's a wild mix. I got baby news, some maybe a little bit of a scandal, just a bit, yeah, and even a surprise celebrity connection that well you'll have to here to believe it. We're talking Megan markle Adam Levine, the hottie prinzlu no Way, and Billie Eilish. Wow. What a combo. Right, Okay, I'm hooked, tell me everything. Where do we even begin. Well, let's jump right in with something that's been making waves Prince William and the Celtic fans. Oh that's right, I saw something about that. What happened? Okay, so big football fan, right, huge Aston Villa supporter m Well at a recent match. Oh, some Celtic fans decided.

1:28 To, uh get a little rowdy. Let's just say they weren't exactly cheering for William. And I can't believe I'm saying this. Lizzie's in a box and a banner glorifying Michael Fagan, you know, the guy who actually broke into the Queen's bedroom. Oh my gosh, I remember that. Wasn't that like years ago, decades? But the timing of this with William's birthday just days before, Wow, that is bold. It feels almost deliberate, doesn't it Like they were trying to provoke a reaction. I mean it certainly got people talking. Yeah, and the reactions were pretty divided. You had Aston Villa fans trying to drown out chants by singing God Save the King. Oh wow, a patriotic stand.

2:10 Then you have commentators like Richard Fitzwilliams coming out swinging and calling it pathetic, ignorance, strong words, and even Kelvin mackenzie, you know from the sun. He went on X and called them nasty bullies. Okay, so definitely stirred up some strong feelings. But is an anti monarchy sentiment kind of a given with some fans? You're right, it's not exactly a new phenomenon. They've actually been fine before for similar behavior. So is this just like typical football rival where you're taken too far? Or is there something more to it, like a deeper social divide or something. That's a good question, and I think it's something we're going to see popping up again and again as we dive into these stories. But let's shift gears for a secon lighter topic. John mulaney, Oh, I love him and his little jab at Harry and Meghan.

2:57 Oh what did he say? So? Picture this a big, fancy Netflix event, lots of execs, the whole shebang. Mullenie's doing his thing, you know, cracking jokes, right, and he throws this line out. Netflix hasn't given more money to someone without a specific plan since Harry and Meghan. Ooh, Burt, the place went silent. You're kidding, I'm not kidding. People were calling it a brutal savaging, and an insider even said the overall vibe was like Netflix doesn't care about the sussexes anymore. Wow, that's pretty damning coming from inside the industry itself. Right, and this is after that initial multimillion dollar deal. Makes you wonder what's next for them, doesn't it? It really does. Okay, back to a little less lighthearted stuff.

3:39 Prince Andrew, Yeah, let's not forget about it. So remember when he stepped back from public life after that whole Epstein scamm Oh. Yeah, that's huge. The lawsuit, the settlement, it felt like it went on forever. Did something else happen? Well? Recently some emails were revealed. Uh oh, what kind of email? They suggest he might have stayed in contact with Epstein even longer than he initially. One email even says and I quote keeping close touch and will place some more. Soon four exclamation points. That doesn't sound good. Not great optics, especially since he's always denied any wrongdoing. Right, and these emails just add fuel to that whole fire. I could see. Why do we know where these emails came from?

4:20 Apparently they came up during a legal case against Just Staley. Just Staley, the former head of Barclays, right, I remember that name. He had connections to Epstein too, didn't he. Yeah, so it's like this whole web of connections and scandals. It's really complicated, it is. But it definitely puts Andrew back in the hot seat, doesn't it. For sure? It makes you wonder if the royal family can ever truly escape the shadow of that whole Epstein scandal. That's a good question and one we might not have the answer to. But hey, let's move on to something a little bit more positive, shall we. I'm all for that. Kate Middleton, I've been noticing a real shift in her focus lately. Oh what do you mean? She seems to be steering the spotlight away from her fashion and more towards her actual campaign work.

5:04 Interesting. She's always been known for her style, though, I mean, the Kate effect is a real thing, totally. Everything she wears sells out instantly, it does. But apparently, according to Pala sources, she's prioritizing the really important issues. Now. Good for her. Yeah, you show she's not just about the clothes and the glamour, right, And. Some people are saying this shift might be connected to that illness she had last year. Oh yeah, I'd forgotten about that. Was it serious? I don't think they ever released details, but the fashion journalist Alexander Shulman suggested it might have been a turning point for Kate, like a reassessment of her priorities. I can see that makes you think about what's truly important, you know. And speaking of doing good, let's talk about Megan Markle and her work with wildfire relief.

5:46 I hadn't heard about that. What she been doing? Okay, so there's this amazing fourteen year old named Avery Colvert. Wow fourteen, she. Organized these huge relief efforts for the California wildfires. That's incredible. And Megan got involved, not just with donations, but she actually donated clothes from her own closet, designer stuff. Oh wow. She really put her money where her mouth is, so to speak. And she even helped style some of the young girls at this freefair Avery organized. It's so sweet. It was pretty heartwarming. Of course, not everyone was thrilled. Some people accused her of using it as a photo op. Oh come on, can't she do anything without being criticized? I know, But both Avery and her co organizer Chate defended Meghan said she genuinely wanted to help and even requested to do it all quietly.

6:33 Good for them for speaking up. It just goes to show you can't believe everything you read. Right, And you know, it's interesting. Megan actually addressed this whole thing in an Instagram video. Oh wow, her first post in ages right. Yep, and she was really emotional talking about her experience helping the wildfire victims. She's always been passionate about giving back. And she told the story about connecting with a girl who had lost her favorite T shirt in the fire. Ah, that's heartbreaking. And guess what what she actually reached out to Madam Levine and Bahadi Prince Lou wait what to get the girl some replacement? Billie Eilish Merch. No way, that's amazing. I never would thought those two couples would be connected like that. Me neither. It's kind of a random, but heartwarming little story.

7:15 You know, I love it. It's nice to hear something positive about Megan for a change. I agree. Okay, before we get to our last few royal updates, let's talk about this rumor that's been floating around. Oh, which one? There are so many? The one about Kate possibly meeting with Harry in the US. Oh yeah, I saw something about that. Is she really considering flying over here? Apparently? So. The word on the street is she wants to act as a peacemaker. That makes sense. She always seems so level headed, right, and. The source said she's hoping to mend the rift between the brothers. I mean, after all that's happened, I don't know if it'll be that easy. Yeah. A lot depends on Harry, right, if he's even open to a meeting. True, it does seem like things have been pretty tense between them, especially after that Oprah interview.

7:57 No kidding, but if Kate can pull this off, it'd be huge. It would a real step towards healing the family divide. Fingers crossed, Okay. Rounding out this segment with a Harry and Meghan update. Remember how he was originally planning to attend the Invictus Games solo. Oh yeah, what happened? Did something change? Plans have changed? Megan's going with him now? Together together their pr firm three Gate Strategies, has been pushing hard for this united front, especially after all the recent drama. Smart Move. The Invictus Games are Harry's baby right totally. He founded it back in twenty fourteen. I remember that he's so passionate about it. It's a really inspiring event for wounded, injured, and sick service members. And they're both going to be at the opening and closing ceremonies.

8:41 That's great. I bet it'll be a powerful moment for them to share. Definitely, And it's being emphasized as a Sussex initiative, something they want to pass on to their kids. I love that it shows they're still committed to their values despite everything that's happened exactly. And they're also planning a fundraiser for wildfire victims to coen side with the Games. Oh nice, using their platform for good. I like it. Okay, last bit of news before we take a quick break, hit me with it. Royal baby. No way, who had a baby, Princess Beatrice. Ah, that's wonderful. I didn't even know she was expecting. She and Adordo welcomed their daughter back in January. January, so they kept it pretty quiet they did. Her name is Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli mazi Ooh.

9:25 I love that the Elizabeth is for the Queen obviously, of course. And the Rose that's for Queen Elizabeth's sister, Margaret Rose. Oh that's a sweet touch. It's a beautiful name, it is. And you know, amidst all the scandals and drama, it's kind of nice to have some happy news. I agree, a little ray of sunshine. Okay, let's wrap up this part of our royal round up by addressing the elephant in the room. That Vanity Fair article. Oh, that's right about Harry and Meghan, the. One claiming their marriage is on the rocks. No one and only that article really caused a stir. Vanity Fair is a pretty big deal, so it's not like some random tabloid. Gossip exactly, and they didn't hold back. The author basically said their marriage is falling apart.

10:07 And that Meghan's unhappy in California and wants to go back to acting. Yep. All of that, plus some pretty explosive claims about William and Kate being relieved that Harry and Meghan moved away. Wow, no wonder. Meghan felt degraded and betrayed, according to. Sources, right, and Harry was apparently shell shocked. I bet it must be so frustrating to have your personal life dissected like that in the public. Eye, especially when you're trying to build a new life. And protect your family exactly. And it's not like this is coming out of nowhere. There've been rumors about trouble in their marriage for months. It's like they can't catch a break. But sources close to Meghan are denying everything, calling the allegations totally blown out of proportion.

10:48 Well, of course they are. But the damage is done, isn't it. Those force rumors aren't going away anytime soon. Yeah, and it just adds another layer of tension to their relationship with the rest of the family, especially William apparently. Oh yeah, what was that about William feeling vindicated by all the negative press. That's what the article claimed that he was always wary of Meghan and now feels like, I don't know, like he was right to be cautious or something. Ooh, that's a messy sibling rivalry on a royal scale. It's hard to imagine what it must be like to go through something like that with the whole world. Watching, I know, right, And it's not just William. Apparently there's a feeling among some of the older royals that Harry and Meghan are just too much.

11:30 Too outspoken, too modern, all. Of the above. It's like they don't quite fit the mold, and that makes some people uncomfortable. I can see that the monarchy is all about tradition and Harry and Meghan are definitely shaking things up. But isn't that a good thing? I mean, the world is changing and they seem to be trying to bring the monarchy into the twenty first century. I agree, but not everyone sees it that way. It's definitely created some conflict and tension. Well, we've covered a lot of ground in this first part of our royal deep dive, and it's clear that the House of Windsor is facing some serious challenges. But before we jump into the rest, let's take a quick break and gather our thoughts. We'll be right back with more royal intrigue. So don't go anywhere.

12:14 Okay, So we left off talking about that Vanity Fair article and all the drama it's causing. Yeah, lots to unpack there. Sources close to Meghan are saying she's fully committed to Harry. Those rumors are ridiculous, right, trying to do damage control. But do you buy it. Is there any truth to those divorce rumors or is it just tabloid fodder. Honestly, it's impossible to know for sure what's happening behind closed doors. But let's be real, Harry and Megan have been under immense pressure from day one. No kidding. That Oprah interview a few years back, they didn't. Hold back exactly. They really exposed the darker side of royal. Life and those allegations about Archie's skin color. Oof. Yeah, that was a bombshell. It sparked a much need conversation about racism, not just in the royal family but everywhere.

12:58 Absolutely. It really forced people to confront some uncomfortable truths. But going back to those divorce rumors, it can't be easy to navigate all this negativity. Well, relationships are tough enough as it is, all right, add in the constant media scrutiny, the family drama, the pressure of building a new life in a new country, it's a recipe for stress. And that alleged rift with the royal family that can't help. Either, definitely, not, especially with the cultural differences between the UK and the US. Right, different ways of handling conflict, different expectations exactly. And let's not forget that claim about William feeling vindicated. Oh yeah, the Vanny Fair article said he was wary of Megan from.

13:39 The start, like he had a bad feeling about it all. Pretty much, and now he feels like those concerns were justified. Wow, that's got to sting sibling rivalry, but on a whole other level. Seriously, imagine dealing with that kind of family drama with the whole world watching. I can't even imagine. And it sounds like it's not just William. There's this sense that some of the older royals find Harry and Meghan, I don't know, a. Bit too much, weant spoken too modern. Yeah, like they don't quite fit the mold, the. Square peg in the round hole exactly. Yeah, which is interesting because you could argue that's exactly what the monarchy needs right now, some fresh perspective, right. To stay relevant, to connect with younger generations. Totally. But change can be scary, especially for an institution like the monarchy steeped in tradition.

14:25 So where does this leave us. Well, we've got a royal family grappling with internal conflict, a couple trying to find their way amidst relentless criticism and a public that's both captivated and critical of it all. It's a lot, it is, But I think one of the key takeaways here is that the monarchy isn't this monolithic entity. You know. It's made up of individuals, each with their own ambitions and insecurities. Right, real people with real. Emotions, just like us exactly, and that's what makes these stories so compelling. I think they remind us that no matter how much wealth or power you have, you're still. Human, and you're still susceptible to the same kinds of challenges and heartbreaks. Absolutely, it's about recognizing the nuances, the complexities, the gray areas.

15:10 It's about challenging our own assumptions and biases as we try to make sense of it all. Well said, you know, earlier we touched on the idea of the monarchy being at. A crossroads, a turning point. We're seeing these internal conflicts play out so publicly, and there's this growing disconnect between the royals and certain segments of society. For sure, there's a growing sets that the monarchy needs to adapt, to modernize, to better reflect the values of the twenty first century. Otherwise, they risk becoming irrelevant. Right, They're facing some big challenges colonialism and its legacy, financial transparency, the relentless scrutiny of their personal. Lives, and the younger generations they're not as enamored with the monarchy as previous generations.

15:51 They're more critical, more demanding of accountability. So how does the monarchy stay irrelevant? How do they bridge that gap? I think it requires a to a pronged approach, more transparency, more proactive efforts on diversity and inclusion, and a genuine willingness to engage with the public on a deeper level. You know, it's interesting to compare how Kate and Meghan are perceived. Oh yeah, completely different narratives. Kate's managed to transition from a fashion icon to a respected advocate for social causes. She's playing the game well, you could say. Whereas Meghan, she's still facing so much scrutiny even when she's doing good work. It's like she can't catch a break. It speaks to the different paths they've chosen within the royal family.

16:32 Right, Definitely, Kate as the future queen, She's had years to be molded into the role. To fit the mold, she's followed the rules for the most part. Megan, on the other hand, she came in as an outsider, challenging the status quo, and. That didn't sit well with everyone. Her race, her American upbringing, her outspoken nature, it all contributed to the backlash. It's sad really. It shows that even the monarchy, with all its talk of modernization SIEL, has a long way to go when it comes to embracing diversity and inclusion. It's like they want the image of modernity without the actual substance exactly. And Megan's struggles have really highlighted the need for the monarchy to evolve if it wants to survive.

17:14 Okay, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind. Shoot, this enduring fascination with the royal family. It's a global phenomena. Despite all the scandals, all the drama, people are still obsessed. It's like a real life soap opera, right. But why what is it about the royals that keeps us so captivated? I think it's a combination of things like what Well. For one, they represent a connection to history, to tradition, to a sense of continuity that's increasingly rare in today's. World, I can see that. I mean, they've been around for over a thousand years exactly. That kind of longevity holds a certain allure, you know. It speaks to a sense of stability, of order, of something that endures through time.

17:54 And then there's the spectacle of it all, the pomp and circumstance, the fairytale weddings, the crown jewels. It's a fantasy world, isn't it a glimpse into a life of privilege and power. But it's also the human element, right, These are real people with real problems, real emotions. Absolutely, their stories resonate with us because they tap into those universal themes of love, loss, betrayal, ambition, the things we all experience. And let's be honest, a little bit of gossip never heard anyone. A touch of scandal always spices things up. And in the age of social media, it's like we're all part of the conversation watching these stories unfold in real time. Right, everyone have an opinion, everyone's a critic.

18:35 It's not just entertainment anymore. It's this weird mix of fascination and judgment. And I think there's a deeper level of engagement too. A desire to understand what these stories say about us, about our society, about our values. That's a good point. It's like the Royal family is a mirror reflecting our own aspirations and anxieties exactly. For all their flaws and contradictions, they provide a unique lens through which to examine ourselves and the world around us. We'll have more in a moment. Okay, let's switch gears for a minute and talk about something I found really intriguing. Public image in the age of social media. Oh, that's a big one, especially for the Royals, who live their lives in the public eye.

19:18 It's like they're constantly trying to control the narrative, but it's slipping away from them. Absolutely. The rise of social media has changed everything. The public has more access to information than ever before, and they're not afraid to use it. And it's not just about access to information, it's about the way we consume it, the way we form opinions. The twenty four to seven news cycle, the echo chambers of social media. It's created this environment where it's hard to separate fact from fiction, truth from speculation. And it's putting immen's pressure on public figures especially the Royals, to be perfect, to be. Flawless, right, and that's an impossible standard to live up to. It's creating this tension between the desire for authenticity and the need to maintain a certain image.

20:00 And it's forcing them to adapt, to find new ways of connecting with the public, of controlling their narrative. Some are embracing social media, using it to share their personal stories to advocate for causes they believe in. Others are more reluctant, more cautious, trying to hold onto the old ways of doing things. It's a balancing act, isn't it. Yeah, trying to stay true to yourself while also managing your public persona, especially in. An age where every move you make can go viral, every misstep can be amplified and dissected. It's a whole new world for the Royals, and it'll be fascinating to see how they navigate it in the years to come. Okay, we've got time for one more story before we wrap things up, and this one involves Harry and Megan's upcoming trip to the Invictus Games.

20:43 Oh yeah, that's a big one. It feels like it's taken on even more significance in light of all the recent drama. Right, there's so much speculation about the message they're trying to send with this appearance. Well, let's remember that the Invictus Games are a deeply personal project for Harry. He founded them back in twenty five fourteen, and it's a cause that's very close to his heart. And Meghan has been a vocal supporter as well. Absolutely, they've both spoken about the importance of supporting wounded, injured, and six service. Members, and their joint appearance at this year's Games is being seen as a way to reassert their commitment to those values. To show the world that there's still a united front despite all the rumors and negativity. And let's not forget the financial aspect. Their fundraiser for wildfire victims is happening in conjunction with the games.

21:30 Smart move. It allows them to leverage the media attention surrounding the Games to raise awareness and funds for a cause they care. About, and to demonstrate that they're still committed to making a difference exactly. It's a chance for them to shift the narrative to reclaim their power. It'll be interesting to see how the media covers this trip, though. Will they focus on the positive aspects, the inspiring stories of the athletes, the charitable work that Harry and Megan are doing, or. Will they get bogged down in the scandals and the rumor. It's a test, isn't it For the media and for Harry and Megan? Can they rise above the noise, stay true to themselves and use their platform for good. Only time will tell, But I think it's important to remember that despite all the challenges, all the complexities, there's still hope, there's still the possibility of making a difference.

22:16 And that's a message we can all take to heart. You know, It's funny every story we've talked about today, it all comes back to public image. It's like this constant battle between who they are and who the world thinks they are. And social media just amplifies everything. Oh absolutely, yeah, it's like they're under a microscope twenty four to seven. And the Royals they've always been about image, right, this whole idea of perfection, of being above it all. Right, it's like this gilded cage they build for themselves. You're expected to be role models. But they're human, just like. Us, with flaws and vulnerabilities. Just like us exactly, and they're constantly being judged. For everything, their clothes, their relationships, their parenting choices. It's an impossible standard, no kidding.

22:58 I think that's why we're seeing this tension, especially with the younger royals. They're pushing back against those expectations. Trying to be more authentic, more relatable. But that clashes with the whole idea of monarchy, you. Know, tradition versus modernity exactly. Okay, what about that potential meeting between Kate and Harry. Think it'll actually happen? I don't know. There's been so much hurt years of it. But Kate, she's always been close to Harry, and. She's got this level headedness about her. Right, maybe she can be the peacemaker. But it takes two to tango, right. Harry has to be open to it. True, and he's not exactly known for holding back. He speaks his mind, that's for sure. So if they do meet, can they actually find common ground.

23:39 Without sacrificing their own values. It's a tough. One, it is, But at least the conversation is happening. That's a start, right. It shows that even the monarchy can change, can evolve. Yeah, okay, as we wrap up this royal roller coaster, what a ride. What's the one thing you want our listeners to take away? I think it's this the Royal family. They're like a micro of society itself, all. The good, the bad, the complicated. Exactly their stories. They reflect our own values. Our conflicts are fascinations. It's not just about the gossip and the drama. It's about understanding ourselves, our capacity for love, for betrayal, for growth, and for change. Well said, it's been quite a deep dive. Thanks for joining us on this journey into the world of the Royals.

24:21 Always a pleasure. Until next time, stay curious and remember there's always more to the story than meets the eye.