November 8, 2025 • 8 mins
Meghan faces heat for flashing a royal cypher as she teases her As Ever holiday line, while Harry’s unvetted podcast cameo with Hasan Minhaj raises fresh optics questions. Plus: Does Andrew’s fate set a precedent that should worry Harry, is Mike Tindall courting a family ruck with a breakaway league, and why life at Sandringham may be a long, lonely grind for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
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 is fully available now for everyone. Season 2 has new episodes every Sunday on the regular feed. GET THE FULL SEASON 2 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!
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 is fully available now for everyone. Season 2 has new episodes every Sunday on the regular feed. GET THE FULL SEASON 2 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 Palace Intry Game.
I'm your host, Mark Francis. Meghan Michaels once again facing
criticism over her use of royal imagery, this time in
connection with her new as ever holiday collection. Ahead of
the launch, the Duchess shared a short video showing herself
(00:24):
at work on her laptop with one of her sixty
four dollar candles in a blue notebook bearing her gold
royal cipher, the letter M topped with a crown clearly
visible on her desk. The symbol was first unveiled in
twenty eighteen, shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry. Online
reaction was swift. Some social media users accused Meghan of
cashing in on her royal past to promote her lifestyle brand.
(00:47):
One user wrote another example of Megan putting her royal
cipher on pretty much anything, while another added pretty difficult
to sell a candle for that price if it's not royal.
The new collection leans heavily on royal nostalgia. The signature
candle number five one nine is said to evoke the
freshness of a day in the English countryside, where clearly
(01:07):
Megan has spent a lot of time and remembers fondly.
The Duchess's website describes it as inspired by her cherished
memories of her wedding day. As one online observer put it,
without the crown, it's just a candle. Prince Harry's latest
podcast appearance has taken an unexpected turn. What began as
a lighthearted conversation about family life and social media has
(01:29):
now sparked fresh controversy. The Duke made a surprise appearance
on Hassan Minaj Doesn't Know Where. The American comedian opened
the episode with a question about supposed feud between Taylor
Swift and Charlie XCX. Harry looked visibly confused, laughing awkwardly
as he admitted he had no idea what Minage was
talking about. While the exchange was meant to be playful,
(01:49):
insideers say the episode has caused some concern behind the scenes.
According to columnist Rob Shooter, Harry's team didn't vet Minage
before agreeing to the appearance. He walked into this blind.
A Hollywood publicist told Shooter his team didn't vet the
host at all. Minage, once celebrated for his sharp political comedy,
has faced criticism in recent years over exaggerated anecdotes and
(02:12):
reports of workplace tension. While he has defended his story
telling his creative license, his reputation remains polarising, and some
Royal watchers believe the booking was an avoidable misstep. Harry
also gamely attempted an American accent, joking about ordering breadsticks
with ranch at Applebee's and declaring that the most American
thing he does is surf, though he admitted he has
(02:33):
chicken legs and prefers to keep them covered. At one point,
Minaj's joked that he deserved to be knighted. Harry laughed
and replied it happily obliged if there happened to be
a sword handy. One former network booker told Shooter, it
looks like Harry is endorsing someone known for exaggeration. That's
terrible optics for a prince who already over shares. Ganaj
(02:53):
asked Harry if we would become an American citizen. Harry
was somewhat clear there are no plans to be at
this point. In the express, Rebecca Russell asks, we also
now have a precedent, so the question is should Prince
Harry be worried. Let me be the first to say that,
of course, what Harry has done over the last five
years is in no way comparable to what Andrew was
(03:14):
accused of doing, despite his repeated denials of the claims.
But the missiles Harry has launched at his family using
every medium possible, will undoubtedly have a firm place in
the scandalous pages of future history books. We have been
funneled stories of the King's improving relations with his darling
boy after their fleeting tea at Clarence House earlier this year,
which might stop the monarch from going nucleon. So we
(03:36):
will just have to wait and see. The fact of
the matter is that the royal rules set down by
King George the Fifth in nineteen seventeen looked from the
outside to be a near unfathomable arcane, not which would
tax the brains of even the best lawyers. But the
King has proved it can be done if required. Yes,
he's a man intent on inclusion, on harmony, on friendship
(03:57):
and faith, but he can be tough when needed, particular
with his Queen Steadfast Prince William and Matriarch in the
making Kate by his side. Rugby star Mike Tindall may
soon find himself in a royal scrum, and not the
kind is used to. Reports suggest the former England Center
and I'm a Celebrity a lum could be in for
an ear bashing from his formidable mother in law, Princess Anne,
(04:21):
after it emerged he's backing a controversial new rugby venture
that might ruffle feathers across the royal family. Tindall is
said to be involved in plans for R three sixty,
a global breakaway league featuring twelve franchises, eight men's teams
and four women's in what could become a serious rival
to the traditional rugby unions. The concept has already raised
(04:42):
eyebrows among sporting officials, but the family angle makes it
even trickier. Prince William serves as patron of the Welsh
Rugby Union, the Princess of Wales holds the same role
for the Rugby Football Union, and Princess Anne is patron
of Scottish rugby. According to The Daily Mail, national unions
are already threatening to ban players who joined the proposed
league from representing their countries. The paper notes that Tyndall,
(05:04):
who earned seventy five caps for England may be taking
on family big beasts who represents the status quo, and,
as one insider put it, in a ruck between the two,
only a fool would bet against Anne More Palace in
just a moment. For Andrew mount Batton Windsor, his upcoming
life at Sandringham is being described by those close to
(05:26):
the royal household in one word bleak. The Kings of
Norfolk State may bustle with activity during the family's traditional
Christmas gathering, but for most of the year it is
a quiet, wind swept expanse of farmland and forest. A
former courtier summed it up plainly. It's going to be
a lonely life for him. It's a working farm, so
there are always people around, but they are staff and
(05:47):
he's not someone who has a track record of being
friendly with servants. I wouldn't want to live there the
whole time. It's remote, there is the wind whipping up
from the wash, it's cold, and he will be pretty
much stuck there. It does have a certain beauty, but
life will be bleak for him. Having lived for decades
in the thirty room Royal Lodge with full time staff,
Andrew is now expected to move into what is being
(06:09):
described as a modest cottage on Standringham at state at
sixty five. He may have to learn some unfamiliar domestic skills.
Maybe he will have a housekeeper, said one former member
of royal staff. But he's going to have to learn
to fend for himself. He will certainly have plenty of
time to learn domestic skills, as well as plenty of
time for contemplation. The Telegraph reminds us that unlike his nephew,
(06:31):
the Prince of Wales, who once lived in a relatively
normal student life, Andrew has been fully institutionalized since birth.
Even during his years in the Royal Navy he had
cooks and subordinates to manage his daily needs. Former aides
say he has never cooked a meal, washed clothes, or
even gone shopping for groceries. Sources suggest the King will
allow some limited staff support, perhaps a cleaner and a cook,
(06:53):
but Andrew will live as a private citizen, without the
privileges or public role that once defined him. From the
home counties and far from his daughter's homes in London.
He is expected to live largely in isolation, with only
his dogs for company. Royal observers note the King will
need to decide whether Andrew will be permitted to join
the family for Christmas services, or whether visitors will have
(07:15):
to call on him privately, as was once the case
with Sarah Ferguson. There are small consolations. Sandraingham's twenty thousand
acre estate will offer him time to ride horses, as
he often did at Windsor, and to indulge his passion
for golf at nearby clubs in Heacham, kings Lynn and Middleton.
The Royal stud whether late Queen Bred her race horses
is also based on the estate, but total privacy will
(07:37):
be hard to come by. Sandraingham is criss crossed with
public roads and popular walking routes regularly monitored by photographers,
and just seven miles away since the Pizza Express and
kings Lynn, a detail not lost on the public given
Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview reference to dining at one of
the chain's restaurants in Woking. On the knight, Virginia Jeffrey
alleged she met him. Whether or not he ever ventures there,
(08:00):
things seems certain. After a lifetime of privilege, Andrew mount
Batten Windsor is facing a far quieter and lonely existence
than he has ever known. And there you have it.
If you'd like to email us addresses the Palace Intrigue
at gmail dot com. And also a reminder, if you
are into listening to the whole biography of Andrew's life,
(08:20):
we have a new show out called Crown and Controversy
Prince Andrew telling his life from childhood to his fall
from grace. It's available now wherever you get your podcasts.
There are links in the show notes, or just search
for Crowd and Controversy Prince Andrew. I'm Mark Francis my
thanks to John McDermott. This is Palace Intrigue in good times.
Calorogus Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Palace Intry Game.
I'm your host, Mark Francis. Meghan Michaels once again facing
criticism over her use of royal imagery, this time in
connection with her new as ever holiday collection. Ahead of
the launch, the Duchess shared a short video showing herself
(00:24):
at work on her laptop with one of her sixty
four dollar candles in a blue notebook bearing her gold
royal cipher, the letter M topped with a crown clearly
visible on her desk. The symbol was first unveiled in
twenty eighteen, shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry. Online
reaction was swift. Some social media users accused Meghan of
cashing in on her royal past to promote her lifestyle brand.
(00:47):
One user wrote another example of Megan putting her royal
cipher on pretty much anything, while another added pretty difficult
to sell a candle for that price if it's not royal.
The new collection leans heavily on royal nostalgia. The signature
candle number five one nine is said to evoke the
freshness of a day in the English countryside, where clearly
(01:07):
Megan has spent a lot of time and remembers fondly.
The Duchess's website describes it as inspired by her cherished
memories of her wedding day. As one online observer put it,
without the crown, it's just a candle. Prince Harry's latest
podcast appearance has taken an unexpected turn. What began as
a lighthearted conversation about family life and social media has
(01:29):
now sparked fresh controversy. The Duke made a surprise appearance
on Hassan Minaj Doesn't Know Where. The American comedian opened
the episode with a question about supposed feud between Taylor
Swift and Charlie XCX. Harry looked visibly confused, laughing awkwardly
as he admitted he had no idea what Minage was
talking about. While the exchange was meant to be playful,
(01:49):
insideers say the episode has caused some concern behind the scenes.
According to columnist Rob Shooter, Harry's team didn't vet Minage
before agreeing to the appearance. He walked into this blind.
A Hollywood publicist told Shooter his team didn't vet the
host at all. Minage, once celebrated for his sharp political comedy,
has faced criticism in recent years over exaggerated anecdotes and
(02:12):
reports of workplace tension. While he has defended his story
telling his creative license, his reputation remains polarising, and some
Royal watchers believe the booking was an avoidable misstep. Harry
also gamely attempted an American accent, joking about ordering breadsticks
with ranch at Applebee's and declaring that the most American
thing he does is surf, though he admitted he has
(02:33):
chicken legs and prefers to keep them covered. At one point,
Minaj's joked that he deserved to be knighted. Harry laughed
and replied it happily obliged if there happened to be
a sword handy. One former network booker told Shooter, it
looks like Harry is endorsing someone known for exaggeration. That's
terrible optics for a prince who already over shares. Ganaj
(02:53):
asked Harry if we would become an American citizen. Harry
was somewhat clear there are no plans to be at
this point. In the express, Rebecca Russell asks, we also
now have a precedent, so the question is should Prince
Harry be worried. Let me be the first to say that,
of course, what Harry has done over the last five
years is in no way comparable to what Andrew was
(03:14):
accused of doing, despite his repeated denials of the claims.
But the missiles Harry has launched at his family using
every medium possible, will undoubtedly have a firm place in
the scandalous pages of future history books. We have been
funneled stories of the King's improving relations with his darling
boy after their fleeting tea at Clarence House earlier this year,
which might stop the monarch from going nucleon. So we
(03:36):
will just have to wait and see. The fact of
the matter is that the royal rules set down by
King George the Fifth in nineteen seventeen looked from the
outside to be a near unfathomable arcane, not which would
tax the brains of even the best lawyers. But the
King has proved it can be done if required. Yes,
he's a man intent on inclusion, on harmony, on friendship
(03:57):
and faith, but he can be tough when needed, particular
with his Queen Steadfast Prince William and Matriarch in the
making Kate by his side. Rugby star Mike Tindall may
soon find himself in a royal scrum, and not the
kind is used to. Reports suggest the former England Center
and I'm a Celebrity a lum could be in for
an ear bashing from his formidable mother in law, Princess Anne,
(04:21):
after it emerged he's backing a controversial new rugby venture
that might ruffle feathers across the royal family. Tindall is
said to be involved in plans for R three sixty,
a global breakaway league featuring twelve franchises, eight men's teams
and four women's in what could become a serious rival
to the traditional rugby unions. The concept has already raised
(04:42):
eyebrows among sporting officials, but the family angle makes it
even trickier. Prince William serves as patron of the Welsh
Rugby Union, the Princess of Wales holds the same role
for the Rugby Football Union, and Princess Anne is patron
of Scottish rugby. According to The Daily Mail, national unions
are already threatening to ban players who joined the proposed
league from representing their countries. The paper notes that Tyndall,
(05:04):
who earned seventy five caps for England may be taking
on family big beasts who represents the status quo, and,
as one insider put it, in a ruck between the two,
only a fool would bet against Anne More Palace in
just a moment. For Andrew mount Batton Windsor, his upcoming
life at Sandringham is being described by those close to
(05:26):
the royal household in one word bleak. The Kings of
Norfolk State may bustle with activity during the family's traditional
Christmas gathering, but for most of the year it is
a quiet, wind swept expanse of farmland and forest. A
former courtier summed it up plainly. It's going to be
a lonely life for him. It's a working farm, so
there are always people around, but they are staff and
(05:47):
he's not someone who has a track record of being
friendly with servants. I wouldn't want to live there the
whole time. It's remote, there is the wind whipping up
from the wash, it's cold, and he will be pretty
much stuck there. It does have a certain beauty, but
life will be bleak for him. Having lived for decades
in the thirty room Royal Lodge with full time staff,
Andrew is now expected to move into what is being
(06:09):
described as a modest cottage on Standringham at state at
sixty five. He may have to learn some unfamiliar domestic skills.
Maybe he will have a housekeeper, said one former member
of royal staff. But he's going to have to learn
to fend for himself. He will certainly have plenty of
time to learn domestic skills, as well as plenty of
time for contemplation. The Telegraph reminds us that unlike his nephew,
(06:31):
the Prince of Wales, who once lived in a relatively
normal student life, Andrew has been fully institutionalized since birth.
Even during his years in the Royal Navy he had
cooks and subordinates to manage his daily needs. Former aides
say he has never cooked a meal, washed clothes, or
even gone shopping for groceries. Sources suggest the King will
allow some limited staff support, perhaps a cleaner and a cook,
(06:53):
but Andrew will live as a private citizen, without the
privileges or public role that once defined him. From the
home counties and far from his daughter's homes in London.
He is expected to live largely in isolation, with only
his dogs for company. Royal observers note the King will
need to decide whether Andrew will be permitted to join
the family for Christmas services, or whether visitors will have
(07:15):
to call on him privately, as was once the case
with Sarah Ferguson. There are small consolations. Sandraingham's twenty thousand
acre estate will offer him time to ride horses, as
he often did at Windsor, and to indulge his passion
for golf at nearby clubs in Heacham, kings Lynn and Middleton.
The Royal stud whether late Queen Bred her race horses
is also based on the estate, but total privacy will
(07:37):
be hard to come by. Sandraingham is criss crossed with
public roads and popular walking routes regularly monitored by photographers,
and just seven miles away since the Pizza Express and
kings Lynn, a detail not lost on the public given
Andrew's infamous Newsnight interview reference to dining at one of
the chain's restaurants in Woking. On the knight, Virginia Jeffrey
alleged she met him. Whether or not he ever ventures there,
(08:00):
things seems certain. After a lifetime of privilege, Andrew mount
Batten Windsor is facing a far quieter and lonely existence
than he has ever known. And there you have it.
If you'd like to email us addresses the Palace Intrigue
at gmail dot com. And also a reminder, if you
are into listening to the whole biography of Andrew's life,
(08:20):
we have a new show out called Crown and Controversy
Prince Andrew telling his life from childhood to his fall
from grace. It's available now wherever you get your podcasts.
There are links in the show notes, or just search
for Crowd and Controversy Prince Andrew. I'm Mark Francis my
thanks to John McDermott. This is Palace Intrigue in good times.
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