In #10 through #6, William and Kate quietly ditch Buckingham Palace, the Sussexes spark Hollywood chaos at Kris Jenner’s birthday party, Meghan ignites a title-protocol firestorm, Kate’s hair transformation becomes a national talking point, and the biggest question of the year looms: will William strip the Sussex titles?
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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):
Caloroga Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Palace Intrigue. I
am your host, Mark Francis, and welcome to part two
of our look back at the top twenty five stories
of twenty twenty five. In part two our year end
look at the top twenty five stories, we move into
the top ten the stories that carried national attention, sparked
(00:27):
global debate, and revealed deeper divisions within the royal family,
from constitutional questions to personal challenges. This has been a
defining year for the Royal family, and here are the
top royal stories of the year. At number ten, William
and Kate reject Buckingham Palace and High Grove. While not
as salacious as some of our earliest stories, one of
(00:50):
the most revealing decisions of twenty twenty five came from
the Prince and Princess of Wales, who quietly signaled that
neither Buckingham Palace nor Highgrove would serve as the foundation
of their family's future life. While presented without fanfare, the
choice became a defining moment in understanding how William and
Catherine see their roles within a modern monarchy, one that
(01:10):
values stability and a sense of grounded domesticity over the
symbolism of historic royal estates. The decision represented more than
a preference for one home over another. Buckingham Palace has
long stood as the ceremonial heart of the monarchy, and
High Grove, closely associated with King Charles, has been viewed
(01:31):
as an estate destined to pass from one generation to
the next. By stepping back from both, the Waleses made
clear that they are chanting their own path, centered on
a quieter, more contemporary model of family life. Their choice
of residents reflected a desire to provide their children with
continuity rather than spectacle, and to preserve their sense of
(01:52):
privacy during a period of significant public attention. Observers also
noted the strategic implication as Prince of Wales's William is
preparing for a future role that will demand men's visibility,
yet he appears committed to separating the ceremonial demands of
the monarchy from the daily rhythms of his family. This
(02:12):
approach stands in contrast to earlier generations, who often lived
inside the institutions they represented. Instead, William and Catherine appeared
determined to balance tradition with more grounded expectations of the
twenty first century, in a year marked by transition, uncertainty,
and shifting public expectations. Their decision not only offered a
(02:35):
glimpse into the personal priorities of the Whales family, but
also hinted at the shape of the monarchy to come.
It suggested a future in which royal life is defined
less by palatial surroundings and more by a measured, deliberate
approach to duty, one in which the family's private center
of gravity sits apart from the ceremonial spaces that define
(02:55):
the crown. Coming in at number nine the US, the
Sussex Kardashian fallout at Chris Jenna's seventieth birthday. What began
is a glamorous night out at one of the year's
most high profile Hollywood events quickly became one of the
most talked about royal adjacent stories of twenty twenty five
when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended Chris Jenner's
(03:17):
seventieth birthday celebration, a gathering as some of the most
influential figures in entertainment. Their presence alone was notable, but
it was the aftermath that drew global attention. Reports soon
emerged that Harry and Meghan's representatives had asked event staff
to ensure that photographs of the couple taken at the
party were removed from Instagram. Given the significance of the
(03:41):
occasion and the high level of media interests surrounding it,
the request struck many inside Hollywood as unusual. While the
Sussex's team insisted the matter related to privacy, sources close
to the Kardashian family dismissed the explanation, and multiple outlets
reported conflicting accounts of what had been agreed. The situation
(04:02):
quickly escalated into a wider conversation about the couple's positioning
within the entertainment world. Their appearance at such a high
level event suggested a renewed effort to strengthen their Hollywood
presence following the end of earlier media deals. Yet the
fallout from the photograph incident was interpreted by some as
a misstep, raising questions about whether their expectations of privacy
(04:25):
were compatible with the realities of celebrity culture. The episode
became a symbol of a broader pattern the Sussexes navigating
the complicated space between royal identity and the Hollywood visibility
in Britain. Critics pointed to the request as another example
of the couple invoking elements of royal protocol in settings
(04:45):
that operated under entirely different norms. In the United States,
entertainment insiders quietly questioned whether the Sussex's approach would help
or hinder their efforts to build influence within an industry
that thrives on openness and shared moments. By the end
of the year, the Christiana incident stood as one of
the most memorable illustrations of how delicate the Sussex's position
(05:08):
has become. It was a snapshot of two worlds colliding
and of the challenges that come with trying to occupy both,
coming in at number eight. Meghan's title protocol mini scandal,
a brief interaction at a private New York townhouse, became
one of the most debated royal stories of the year
(05:28):
when it emerged that a staffer formerly announced Meghan Markle
as Megan, Duchess of Sussex before she entered a room
for an interview, despite the only person inside being the journalist.
The moment lasted only seconds, yet its implications reverberated far
beyond the walls of the residence. The story drew immediate
attention because it touched the core of a long running
(05:51):
debate how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their
use of royal titles while pursuing independent careers outside the institution.
Suporters argued that the introduction was simply a matter of courtesy,
reflecting Megan's legal title. Critics countered that it represented an
unnecessary invocation of royal stature in a setting that did
not require it, particularly given the couple's desire to establish
(06:14):
their own brand and identity in the United States. The
incident arrived at a time when questions about titles were
already central to the public conversation. Discussions about whether the
Prince of Wales might one day reconsider the Sussex titles
added further weight to the moment, as did the Duchess's
renewed visibility through her commercial projects. Every detail, from the
(06:36):
setting of the interview to the choreography of the introduction
became fuel for debate over what it means to step
back from royal life while continuing to hold royal style
in an environment where small gestures can carry a significant
symbolic meaning the title protocol incident became a flashpoint. It
highlighted the fine line the Sussex's walk each time they
(06:57):
appear in public, and how closely the world continues to
scrutinize the choices they make. More of the top twenty
five stories in just a Moment, coming in at number
seven on the top twenty five royal stories of twenty
(07:18):
twenty five, It's Kate's hair Transformation. Princess Catherine's change in
hairstyle and color became one of the most widely discussed
lighter stories of twenty twenty five, taking on unexpected resonance
as the princess re emerged following a period of health
related absence. Though subtle in isolation, the shift carried emotional
significance for a public eager to read signs of stability
(07:40):
and recovery in the princess's appearance. The new look, characterized
by warmer tone and the softer, more relaxed style, was
unveiled during a series of early engagements that marked Catherine's
gradual returned to public life. The timing added to the interest.
Observers interpreted the transformation as a deliberate rest, a quiet
(08:01):
signal of renewed confidence after a challenging chapter. The simultaneous
departure of the princess's longtime stylist only deep into speculation,
prompting discussions about whether the change reflected personal preference, a
refreshed professional approach, or the natural evolution that follows any
major milestone. Coverage extended far beyond fashion commentary. Social media
(08:24):
platforms buzzed with analysis, comparisons to earlier styles, and reflections
on how Catherine's appearance has shifted over the years. For many,
the story became symbolic. It was not merely a new color,
but a marker of transition, resilience, and the princess's steady
return to her central role within the royal family. In
a year dominated by serious developments within the monarchy, Catherine's
(08:46):
hair transformation offered a rare moment of brightness, a reminder
of how invested the public remains in her journey and
how even the smallest details can become touch points in
a larger national narrative. And coming in at number six,
will William strip the Sussex titles. Few questions in twenty
(09:07):
twenty five generated more sustained discussion than whether the Prince
of Wales might one day seek to remove the titles
held by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Although no
such action was taken, the possibility remained a constant theme
throughout the year, driven by shifting family dynamics, public sentiment,
and the evolving role the Sussexes play both inside and
(09:29):
outside the United Kingdom. The debate gained renewed momentum as
the couple pursued a series of high profile commercial projects
while continuing to use their royal styles. Supporters argue that
the titles reflected their heritage and legal status. Critics question
whether the titles were being leveraged too heavily in settings
far removed from the duties traditionally associated with the monarchy.
(09:53):
Each new appearance, interview, or promotional effort reignited the discussion,
underscoring how closely the matter is tied to broader questions
about the future of the institution. For William, the issue
is both constitutional and personal. Any move to adjust or
remove titles would require careful consideration not only of precedent,
but of the long term impact on the crown. At
(10:16):
the same time, the Prince must balance the expectations of
a public increasingly interested in accountability with the realities of
family navigating complex internal relationships. By year's end, the titles
remained unchanged, yet the conversation surrounding them proved to be
one of the most enduring themes of twenty twenty five,
a reflection of the unique space the Sussexes occupy and
(10:38):
of the decisions that await the next generation of royal leadership.
And that brings us to the end of part two
of our year end countdown. We've now reached the threshold
of the biggest royal stories of twenty twenty five. The
moments that dominated headlines, shifted public perception and shape the
future of the monarchy. Tomorrow we enter the top five stories,
(11:01):
where the stakes rise, the drama intensifies, and the year's
most defining events finally take center stage. And there you
have it. I would like to email us our addresses
The Palace Intrigue at gmail dot com. Please follow us
on Spotify, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, all the social media spots,
and leave us a nice review. If you're enjoying the
show and Mark Francis been thanks to John McDermott, This
(11:22):
is Palace Intriguing. Good Times
Caloroga Shark Media. Hello and welcome to Palace Intrigue. I
am your host, Mark Francis, and welcome to part two
of our look back at the top twenty five stories
of twenty twenty five. In part two our year end
look at the top twenty five stories, we move into
the top ten the stories that carried national attention, sparked
(00:27):
global debate, and revealed deeper divisions within the royal family,
from constitutional questions to personal challenges. This has been a
defining year for the Royal family, and here are the
top royal stories of the year. At number ten, William
and Kate reject Buckingham Palace and High Grove. While not
as salacious as some of our earliest stories, one of
(00:50):
the most revealing decisions of twenty twenty five came from
the Prince and Princess of Wales, who quietly signaled that
neither Buckingham Palace nor Highgrove would serve as the foundation
of their family's future life. While presented without fanfare, the
choice became a defining moment in understanding how William and
Catherine see their roles within a modern monarchy, one that
(01:10):
values stability and a sense of grounded domesticity over the
symbolism of historic royal estates. The decision represented more than
a preference for one home over another. Buckingham Palace has
long stood as the ceremonial heart of the monarchy, and
High Grove, closely associated with King Charles, has been viewed
(01:31):
as an estate destined to pass from one generation to
the next. By stepping back from both, the Waleses made
clear that they are chanting their own path, centered on
a quieter, more contemporary model of family life. Their choice
of residents reflected a desire to provide their children with
continuity rather than spectacle, and to preserve their sense of
(01:52):
privacy during a period of significant public attention. Observers also
noted the strategic implication as Prince of Wales's William is
preparing for a future role that will demand men's visibility,
yet he appears committed to separating the ceremonial demands of
the monarchy from the daily rhythms of his family. This
(02:12):
approach stands in contrast to earlier generations, who often lived
inside the institutions they represented. Instead, William and Catherine appeared
determined to balance tradition with more grounded expectations of the
twenty first century, in a year marked by transition, uncertainty,
and shifting public expectations. Their decision not only offered a
(02:35):
glimpse into the personal priorities of the Whales family, but
also hinted at the shape of the monarchy to come.
It suggested a future in which royal life is defined
less by palatial surroundings and more by a measured, deliberate
approach to duty, one in which the family's private center
of gravity sits apart from the ceremonial spaces that define
(02:55):
the crown. Coming in at number nine the US, the
Sussex Kardashian fallout at Chris Jenna's seventieth birthday. What began
is a glamorous night out at one of the year's
most high profile Hollywood events quickly became one of the
most talked about royal adjacent stories of twenty twenty five
when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended Chris Jenner's
(03:17):
seventieth birthday celebration, a gathering as some of the most
influential figures in entertainment. Their presence alone was notable, but
it was the aftermath that drew global attention. Reports soon
emerged that Harry and Meghan's representatives had asked event staff
to ensure that photographs of the couple taken at the
party were removed from Instagram. Given the significance of the
(03:41):
occasion and the high level of media interests surrounding it,
the request struck many inside Hollywood as unusual. While the
Sussex's team insisted the matter related to privacy, sources close
to the Kardashian family dismissed the explanation, and multiple outlets
reported conflicting accounts of what had been agreed. The situation
(04:02):
quickly escalated into a wider conversation about the couple's positioning
within the entertainment world. Their appearance at such a high
level event suggested a renewed effort to strengthen their Hollywood
presence following the end of earlier media deals. Yet the
fallout from the photograph incident was interpreted by some as
a misstep, raising questions about whether their expectations of privacy
(04:25):
were compatible with the realities of celebrity culture. The episode
became a symbol of a broader pattern the Sussexes navigating
the complicated space between royal identity and the Hollywood visibility
in Britain. Critics pointed to the request as another example
of the couple invoking elements of royal protocol in settings
(04:45):
that operated under entirely different norms. In the United States,
entertainment insiders quietly questioned whether the Sussex's approach would help
or hinder their efforts to build influence within an industry
that thrives on openness and shared moments. By the end
of the year, the Christiana incident stood as one of
the most memorable illustrations of how delicate the Sussex's position
(05:08):
has become. It was a snapshot of two worlds colliding
and of the challenges that come with trying to occupy both,
coming in at number eight. Meghan's title protocol mini scandal,
a brief interaction at a private New York townhouse, became
one of the most debated royal stories of the year
(05:28):
when it emerged that a staffer formerly announced Meghan Markle
as Megan, Duchess of Sussex before she entered a room
for an interview, despite the only person inside being the journalist.
The moment lasted only seconds, yet its implications reverberated far
beyond the walls of the residence. The story drew immediate
attention because it touched the core of a long running
(05:51):
debate how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex navigate their
use of royal titles while pursuing independent careers outside the institution.
Suporters argued that the introduction was simply a matter of courtesy,
reflecting Megan's legal title. Critics countered that it represented an
unnecessary invocation of royal stature in a setting that did
not require it, particularly given the couple's desire to establish
(06:14):
their own brand and identity in the United States. The
incident arrived at a time when questions about titles were
already central to the public conversation. Discussions about whether the
Prince of Wales might one day reconsider the Sussex titles
added further weight to the moment, as did the Duchess's
renewed visibility through her commercial projects. Every detail, from the
(06:36):
setting of the interview to the choreography of the introduction
became fuel for debate over what it means to step
back from royal life while continuing to hold royal style
in an environment where small gestures can carry a significant
symbolic meaning the title protocol incident became a flashpoint. It
highlighted the fine line the Sussex's walk each time they
(06:57):
appear in public, and how closely the world continues to
scrutinize the choices they make. More of the top twenty
five stories in just a Moment, coming in at number
seven on the top twenty five royal stories of twenty
(07:18):
twenty five, It's Kate's hair Transformation. Princess Catherine's change in
hairstyle and color became one of the most widely discussed
lighter stories of twenty twenty five, taking on unexpected resonance
as the princess re emerged following a period of health
related absence. Though subtle in isolation, the shift carried emotional
significance for a public eager to read signs of stability
(07:40):
and recovery in the princess's appearance. The new look, characterized
by warmer tone and the softer, more relaxed style, was
unveiled during a series of early engagements that marked Catherine's
gradual returned to public life. The timing added to the interest.
Observers interpreted the transformation as a deliberate rest, a quiet
(08:01):
signal of renewed confidence after a challenging chapter. The simultaneous
departure of the princess's longtime stylist only deep into speculation,
prompting discussions about whether the change reflected personal preference, a
refreshed professional approach, or the natural evolution that follows any
major milestone. Coverage extended far beyond fashion commentary. Social media
(08:24):
platforms buzzed with analysis, comparisons to earlier styles, and reflections
on how Catherine's appearance has shifted over the years. For many,
the story became symbolic. It was not merely a new color,
but a marker of transition, resilience, and the princess's steady
return to her central role within the royal family. In
a year dominated by serious developments within the monarchy, Catherine's
(08:46):
hair transformation offered a rare moment of brightness, a reminder
of how invested the public remains in her journey and
how even the smallest details can become touch points in
a larger national narrative. And coming in at number six,
will William strip the Sussex titles. Few questions in twenty
(09:07):
twenty five generated more sustained discussion than whether the Prince
of Wales might one day seek to remove the titles
held by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Although no
such action was taken, the possibility remained a constant theme
throughout the year, driven by shifting family dynamics, public sentiment,
and the evolving role the Sussexes play both inside and
(09:29):
outside the United Kingdom. The debate gained renewed momentum as
the couple pursued a series of high profile commercial projects
while continuing to use their royal styles. Supporters argue that
the titles reflected their heritage and legal status. Critics question
whether the titles were being leveraged too heavily in settings
far removed from the duties traditionally associated with the monarchy.
(09:53):
Each new appearance, interview, or promotional effort reignited the discussion,
underscoring how closely the matter is tied to broader questions
about the future of the institution. For William, the issue
is both constitutional and personal. Any move to adjust or
remove titles would require careful consideration not only of precedent,
but of the long term impact on the crown. At
(10:16):
the same time, the Prince must balance the expectations of
a public increasingly interested in accountability with the realities of
family navigating complex internal relationships. By year's end, the titles
remained unchanged, yet the conversation surrounding them proved to be
one of the most enduring themes of twenty twenty five,
a reflection of the unique space the Sussexes occupy and
(10:38):
of the decisions that await the next generation of royal leadership.
And that brings us to the end of part two
of our year end countdown. We've now reached the threshold
of the biggest royal stories of twenty twenty five. The
moments that dominated headlines, shifted public perception and shape the
future of the monarchy. Tomorrow we enter the top five stories,
(11:01):
where the stakes rise, the drama intensifies, and the year's
most defining events finally take center stage. And there you
have it. I would like to email us our addresses
The Palace Intrigue at gmail dot com. Please follow us
on Spotify, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, all the social media spots,
and leave us a nice review. If you're enjoying the
show and Mark Francis been thanks to John McDermott, This
(11:22):
is Palace Intriguing. Good Times
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