OM DENNE EPISODE
From exploding kings to civil wars, Britain’s royals were never respectable.
Comedy legend, author and podcast host Charlie Higson joins History Rage to dismantle the myth that today’s monarchy is uniquely scandalous. From William the Conqueror’s warring sons to murderous Plantagenets, abusive Hanoverians and Edward VII’s infamous Parisian “sex chair”, Charlie argues the Royal Family has always been gloriously dysfunctional.
Drawing from his brilliant new book Willy, Willy, Harry, Stee, Charlie takes Paul Bavill on a whirlwind tour through a thousand years of royal chaos, revealing why modern headlines about Harry, Meghan and Prince Andrew are tame compared to the behaviour of their ancestors.
Expect exploding corpses, imprisoned wives, civil wars, royal affairs, fathers and sons at war, and the astonishing truth behind Britain’s longest-running soap opera.
In this episode:
- Why William the Conqueror’s family immediately descended into violence
- The endless cycle of Plantagenet betrayal and civil war
- Why Edward II may have been too normal to be king
- The shocking dysfunction of the Georgian monarchy
- The real story behind George IV and Queen Caroline
- Edward VII’s scandalous private life and surprising political successes
- Why the monarchy survives despite centuries of scandal
Charlie also explains why Britain remains fascinated by royalty — and why countries that abolished monarchies still recreate them through celebrity dynasties and political families.
Charlie Higson will be appearing at the Chalke History Festival on Sunday 28th June. Tickets available here:
https://www.chalkefestival.com/
Buy Charlie’s book here:
https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9780008741051
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If you enjoy sharp historical debate, outrageous true stories and irreverent takes on Britain’s past, subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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