December 12, 2025 • 9 mins
Family tensions rise as Andrew and Sarah Ferguson prepare to attend the christening of granddaughter Athena — their first major royal gathering since Andrew lost his titles. Beatrice is said to be “worried” about her father’s fragile mental state, even as relations remain strained. William pays tribute to conservation legend Iain Douglas-Hamilton, then celebrates twenty years with Centrepoint. Kate reportedly takes full control of her royal wardrobe for the first time. Harry faces warnings over the soaring financial risks of his £38 million privacy case. Meanwhile, Rob Shuter claims Harry is quietly building a “rival royal court” in Britain. And in a major operational shift, the Royal Mews is set to leave Buckingham Palace for Windsor as the monarchy’s center of gravity continues to move out of London.
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Hear our new show "Crown and Controversy: Prince Andrew" here.
Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.
👑 Follow our hit series Crown and Controversy! Season 1 and 2 are fully available now for everyone. Season 3 has new episodes every Sunday on the regular feed. GET THE FULL SEASON 3 BEFORE REGULAR LISTENERS as a subscriber! Hit that "UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING" Banner on the top of the Apple player. AND listen to Crown and Controversy "NORWAY'S ROYAL REBELS" here and get the full season as a premium subscriber now.
👑 The Palace Intrigue Social Hub is Live! Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram or click the links to start your royal journey!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Calorogus Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Pallace Intrigue. I'm
your host, Mark Francis. We'll have some interesting family dynamics today.
Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson are due to
attend the christening of their granddaughter Athena at the Chapel
(00:24):
Royal in Saint James Palace. It will be the first
major royal gathering since Andrew relinquished his titles and honors.
A source told The Daily Mail Beatrice has of course
invited her father, but things are not warm between them. However,
She's worried about him. He's going through a low ebb
with his mental health and she recognizes that he dotes
on his grandchildren and it would be cruel to deprive
(00:46):
him of the chance to attend the christening. Athena is
the second daughter of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edward Ampellimozzi,
and as the child's grandfather, Andrew is likely to have
a prominent role on the day. Princess you Genie and
her husband Jack brooks Bank are expected to join the
family for what will be a private christening ceremony, while
the King is understood to have been invited, he is
(01:08):
not expected to attend despite having no official engagements listed
for the day. Princess Anne will also be absent as
she is duet the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst in Kemberley, Berkshire. Prince William has paid tribute
to doctor Ian Douglas Hamilton, the renowned conservationist and founder
(01:29):
of Save the Elephants, following his death at the age
of eighty three. In a message shared on Kensington Royal
Instagram account, William wrote, I am so sad to hear
of the passing of Iron Douglas Hamilton, a man who
dedicated his life to conservation and whose life's work leaves
a lasting impact on our appreciation for and understanding of elephants.
(01:50):
The memories of spending time in Africa with him will
remain with me forever. My thoughts go out to Iron's family,
especially his wife Oria and children Sabah and Doo Doo w.
Douglas Hamilton, a longtime ambassador for TUSK, was regarded as
one of the world's leading elephant researchers. His pioneering work
in East Africa helped expose the scale of poaching and
(02:12):
the threat it posed to elephant populations, shaping global conservation
efforts for decades. I hope I pronounced his name correctly.
Prince William celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday as he
marked twenty years as patron of Centre Point. The Prince
of Wales visited the Homelessness Charities and new offices in London,
(02:34):
continuing the work once championed by his mother, Diana, Princess
of Wales. William was presented with a giant purple cake
by baker Juliet Sea before meeting staff and young people
who have been involved with the organization over the years.
He also contributed to a new Wall of Hope mural
co designed by artist Lonrey olgoke Mbe. Homelessness has long
(02:55):
been the central focus for the Prince, and in twenty
twenty three he launched his Homewards initiative, aiming to demonstrate
that ending homelessness is achievable, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.
Kate is said to be taking full charge of her
wardrobe for royal engagements for the first time, with people
reporting that Catherine's growing confidence has led her to step
(03:17):
out independently on the Fashion Front Following her recent return
to public life. Kate has long collaborated with Natasha Archer,
her former assistant and stylist, on outfit choices for major appearances,
but after Archer left her role earlier this year to
establish her own fashion consultancy, the princess reportedly chose not
to appoint a new stylist. A source told the magazine
(03:41):
Kate has always been very involved in choosing her outfits
for royal engagements, but now she is so confident she
knows exactly what suits her and what doesn't. Prince Harry
and six other public figures pursuing a thirty million pound
privacy claim against the publisher of The Daily Mail have
been formally warned about their financial risks of continuing their
(04:01):
joint legal action. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Judge
David Cook and Mister Justice Nicklin stressed that the claimants,
including Prince Harry, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, Sir Elton John
and Sadie Frost, must have the clearest possible understanding of
the potential cost consequences as legal fees continue to rise.
(04:24):
They cautioned that the group could face a multimillion pound
bill if they lose the case, and that the financial
burden could increase significantly if only some of the claimants succeed.
The court heard that all seven are collectively insured for
fourteen point one million pounds to cover Associated Newspapers costs
should they all lose, but each has only two point
(04:44):
three five million pounds of individual insurance. If the group splits,
with some withdrawing or losing their individual claims, those remaining
could be left liable for a far larger share of
the publisher's legal fees. The judges said it is imperative
that the parties, and in particular the individual claimants have
the clearest possible understanding as to the consequences of the
(05:05):
way in which this litigation is being conducted. If that
means the individual claimants need to reassess their at cover,
that can only be in their own best interests. Legal
costs in the case have already been labeled manifestly excessive
and disproportionate, with earlier estimates approaching thirty eight point eight
(05:26):
million pounds. The claimant's accused Associated Newspapers of unlawful information gathering,
including alleged phone hacking, intercepting, voicemails, bugging calls, and blagging
confidential details. Associated vigorously denies the allegations, calling them lurid
and simply preposterous. A nine week trial is scheduled to
begin in mid January, with a further preliminary hearing set
(05:49):
for December eighteenth. Rob Shooters Shooter Scoop is reporting that
Prince Harry is quietly laying the foundations for what sources
describe as a fully functioning royal court in Britain, one
that could ultimately rival the structure around Prince William. According
to the publication and insider claims, he's been playing the
long game. Harry wants legitimacy. He wants to operate in
(06:11):
the UK on his own terms, meetings, charitable work, high
level engagements without being treated like a guest in his
own country. Another source said the move is about far
more than security arrangements. This isn't just about security. It's
about creating a separate royal ecosystem. He's building a court
and he's doing it carefully. One source put it bluntly,
(06:32):
William has his court. Harry wants his. This isn't about
a return to the family. It's about competing with them.
A further insider suggested that recent legal efforts around security
may be only the beginning. The security decision is just
the first domino. Once it's in place, Harry can quietly
expand his influence without anyone really noticing until it's too late. Well,
(06:54):
Palacing just a moment. The royal family appears to be
shifting its center of gravity away from London, with Windsor
increasingly emerging as the monarchy's operational base. The Sunday Times
reports that the Royal Mews, the department charged with all
royal transportation from state cars to the historic carriage collection
(07:17):
and stables of working horses, will relocate from Buckingham Palace
to Windsor Castle in the new year. The Mews has
been based at Buckingham Palace since the late eighteenth century,
but the move reflects the reality of modern royal life.
Buckingham Palace has not served as the primary royal residence
since the late Queen Elizabeth settled at Windsor during the
pandemic in twenty twenty. The London landmark remains in the
(07:39):
midst of a significant renovation, and King Charles and Queen Camilla,
when in the capital continue to live at Clarence House.
Sources close to the monarch say the couple are very
comfortable there, with one adding I know he's no fan
of the Big House, as he calls the Palace. He
doesn't see it as a viable future home or a
house that's fit for purpose in the modern world. Another
source noted that it is certainly true that Camilla doesn't
(08:01):
want to live at Buckingham Palace and that Prince William
agrees that the palace is not suitable for modern family life.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a similar choice.
William and Catherine moved into their long term home, Forest
Lodge in Windsor only weeks ago and planned to keep
it as their family base even once William eventually ascends
the throne. Against that backdrop, shifting the Royal Mews out
(08:25):
of central London and into Windsor is seen as a
practical step. The department oversees around thirty horses, the state
coaches and the Royal motor Fleet, and its staff, including coachmen,
grooms and chauffeurs, live in accommodation adjacent to the stables
and carriage houses. The Mews plays a central role in
royal ceremony, providing the carriages used for state visits, trooping
(08:46):
the colour, royal weddings and major pageantry. Windsor Castle itself
has also taken on an expanded ceremonial role, while Buckingham
Palace remains under refurbishment. Recent months of seeing the castle
host state visits, receptions and banquets reinforcing its growing prominence
in the Royal calendar, and they have it would like
to email us addresses The Palace Intrigue at a gmail
(09:09):
dot com. Please follow us on Spotify, Apple or the
Apple for your choice, and leaves a nice review from
enjoining the show Mink Francis my thanks to John McDermott,
this Palace Intrigue and good times
Calorogus Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Pallace Intrigue. I'm
your host, Mark Francis. We'll have some interesting family dynamics today.
Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson are due to
attend the christening of their granddaughter Athena at the Chapel
(00:24):
Royal in Saint James Palace. It will be the first
major royal gathering since Andrew relinquished his titles and honors.
A source told The Daily Mail Beatrice has of course
invited her father, but things are not warm between them. However,
She's worried about him. He's going through a low ebb
with his mental health and she recognizes that he dotes
on his grandchildren and it would be cruel to deprive
(00:46):
him of the chance to attend the christening. Athena is
the second daughter of Princess Beatrice and her husband Edward Ampellimozzi,
and as the child's grandfather, Andrew is likely to have
a prominent role on the day. Princess you Genie and
her husband Jack brooks Bank are expected to join the
family for what will be a private christening ceremony, while
the King is understood to have been invited, he is
(01:08):
not expected to attend despite having no official engagements listed
for the day. Princess Anne will also be absent as
she is duet the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst in Kemberley, Berkshire. Prince William has paid tribute
to doctor Ian Douglas Hamilton, the renowned conservationist and founder
(01:29):
of Save the Elephants, following his death at the age
of eighty three. In a message shared on Kensington Royal
Instagram account, William wrote, I am so sad to hear
of the passing of Iron Douglas Hamilton, a man who
dedicated his life to conservation and whose life's work leaves
a lasting impact on our appreciation for and understanding of elephants.
(01:50):
The memories of spending time in Africa with him will
remain with me forever. My thoughts go out to Iron's family,
especially his wife Oria and children Sabah and Doo Doo w.
Douglas Hamilton, a longtime ambassador for TUSK, was regarded as
one of the world's leading elephant researchers. His pioneering work
in East Africa helped expose the scale of poaching and
(02:12):
the threat it posed to elephant populations, shaping global conservation
efforts for decades. I hope I pronounced his name correctly.
Prince William celebrated a significant milestone on Tuesday as he
marked twenty years as patron of Centre Point. The Prince
of Wales visited the Homelessness Charities and new offices in London,
(02:34):
continuing the work once championed by his mother, Diana, Princess
of Wales. William was presented with a giant purple cake
by baker Juliet Sea before meeting staff and young people
who have been involved with the organization over the years.
He also contributed to a new Wall of Hope mural
co designed by artist Lonrey olgoke Mbe. Homelessness has long
(02:55):
been the central focus for the Prince, and in twenty
twenty three he launched his Homewards initiative, aiming to demonstrate
that ending homelessness is achievable, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.
Kate is said to be taking full charge of her
wardrobe for royal engagements for the first time, with people
reporting that Catherine's growing confidence has led her to step
(03:17):
out independently on the Fashion Front Following her recent return
to public life. Kate has long collaborated with Natasha Archer,
her former assistant and stylist, on outfit choices for major appearances,
but after Archer left her role earlier this year to
establish her own fashion consultancy, the princess reportedly chose not
to appoint a new stylist. A source told the magazine
(03:41):
Kate has always been very involved in choosing her outfits
for royal engagements, but now she is so confident she
knows exactly what suits her and what doesn't. Prince Harry
and six other public figures pursuing a thirty million pound
privacy claim against the publisher of The Daily Mail have
been formally warned about their financial risks of continuing their
(04:01):
joint legal action. In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Judge
David Cook and Mister Justice Nicklin stressed that the claimants,
including Prince Harry, Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, Sir Elton John
and Sadie Frost, must have the clearest possible understanding of
the potential cost consequences as legal fees continue to rise.
(04:24):
They cautioned that the group could face a multimillion pound
bill if they lose the case, and that the financial
burden could increase significantly if only some of the claimants succeed.
The court heard that all seven are collectively insured for
fourteen point one million pounds to cover Associated Newspapers costs
should they all lose, but each has only two point
(04:44):
three five million pounds of individual insurance. If the group splits,
with some withdrawing or losing their individual claims, those remaining
could be left liable for a far larger share of
the publisher's legal fees. The judges said it is imperative
that the parties, and in particular the individual claimants have
the clearest possible understanding as to the consequences of the
(05:05):
way in which this litigation is being conducted. If that
means the individual claimants need to reassess their at cover,
that can only be in their own best interests. Legal
costs in the case have already been labeled manifestly excessive
and disproportionate, with earlier estimates approaching thirty eight point eight
(05:26):
million pounds. The claimant's accused Associated Newspapers of unlawful information gathering,
including alleged phone hacking, intercepting, voicemails, bugging calls, and blagging
confidential details. Associated vigorously denies the allegations, calling them lurid
and simply preposterous. A nine week trial is scheduled to
begin in mid January, with a further preliminary hearing set
(05:49):
for December eighteenth. Rob Shooters Shooter Scoop is reporting that
Prince Harry is quietly laying the foundations for what sources
describe as a fully functioning royal court in Britain, one
that could ultimately rival the structure around Prince William. According
to the publication and insider claims, he's been playing the
long game. Harry wants legitimacy. He wants to operate in
(06:11):
the UK on his own terms, meetings, charitable work, high
level engagements without being treated like a guest in his
own country. Another source said the move is about far
more than security arrangements. This isn't just about security. It's
about creating a separate royal ecosystem. He's building a court
and he's doing it carefully. One source put it bluntly,
(06:32):
William has his court. Harry wants his. This isn't about
a return to the family. It's about competing with them.
A further insider suggested that recent legal efforts around security
may be only the beginning. The security decision is just
the first domino. Once it's in place, Harry can quietly
expand his influence without anyone really noticing until it's too late. Well,
(06:54):
Palacing just a moment. The royal family appears to be
shifting its center of gravity away from London, with Windsor
increasingly emerging as the monarchy's operational base. The Sunday Times
reports that the Royal Mews, the department charged with all
royal transportation from state cars to the historic carriage collection
(07:17):
and stables of working horses, will relocate from Buckingham Palace
to Windsor Castle in the new year. The Mews has
been based at Buckingham Palace since the late eighteenth century,
but the move reflects the reality of modern royal life.
Buckingham Palace has not served as the primary royal residence
since the late Queen Elizabeth settled at Windsor during the
pandemic in twenty twenty. The London landmark remains in the
(07:39):
midst of a significant renovation, and King Charles and Queen Camilla,
when in the capital continue to live at Clarence House.
Sources close to the monarch say the couple are very
comfortable there, with one adding I know he's no fan
of the Big House, as he calls the Palace. He
doesn't see it as a viable future home or a
house that's fit for purpose in the modern world. Another
source noted that it is certainly true that Camilla doesn't
(08:01):
want to live at Buckingham Palace and that Prince William
agrees that the palace is not suitable for modern family life.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have made a similar choice.
William and Catherine moved into their long term home, Forest
Lodge in Windsor only weeks ago and planned to keep
it as their family base even once William eventually ascends
the throne. Against that backdrop, shifting the Royal Mews out
(08:25):
of central London and into Windsor is seen as a
practical step. The department oversees around thirty horses, the state
coaches and the Royal motor Fleet, and its staff, including coachmen,
grooms and chauffeurs, live in accommodation adjacent to the stables
and carriage houses. The Mews plays a central role in
royal ceremony, providing the carriages used for state visits, trooping
(08:46):
the colour, royal weddings and major pageantry. Windsor Castle itself
has also taken on an expanded ceremonial role, while Buckingham
Palace remains under refurbishment. Recent months of seeing the castle
host state visits, receptions and banquets reinforcing its growing prominence
in the Royal calendar, and they have it would like
to email us addresses The Palace Intrigue at a gmail
(09:09):
dot com. Please follow us on Spotify, Apple or the
Apple for your choice, and leaves a nice review from
enjoining the show Mink Francis my thanks to John McDermott,
this Palace Intrigue and good times
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