Pod Save The Queen

Prince Philip would have been 100 in June, and preparations were already well under way for his birthday celebrations before he passed away in April. That included a documentary reflecting on his life, which has been updated as a tribute to his life - with contributions from his children and grandchildren. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers, who shares his highlights. They also discuss the latest announcements about the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the arrival of Princess Beatrice’s daughter and the shortlist for Prince William’s Earthshot Prize.Plus they catch up on the latest in the Prince Andrew court case, Kate’s engagements and a very glamorous date for the diary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Ferguson has written a romantic novel Her Heart For A Compass - but what was it like working with the Duchess of York?Zoe Forsey talked to co-author Marguerite Kaye about it all.And Zoe also joins Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper, along with Mirror fashionista Sarah Bradbury to look back on two royal(esque) weddings as Princess Alexandra’s granddaughter and Kate’s brother James Middleton got married (not to each other!) and the royals’ enjoyment of Emma Raducanu’s stunning US Open win.Mirror royal editor Russell Myers will be back with Ann next week to catch up on the latest in the Prince Andrew saga and all the other major royal news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Queen may be 95, but talking about plans for her death is just not the done thing. But a leak inquiry is now being considered after a political website published details of what will happen when that day sadly comes - and in the days that follow. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss why it has caused such a stir. They also catch up on the latest on Prince Andrew, questions for Prince Charles over honours and whether Meghan and Harry are heading for the UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virginia Giuffre has filed a civil case against Prince Andrew - and the clock is now running to get the papers served. She accuses the Duke of York of assaulting her in New York, London and the Caribbean. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to talk about the case and where it goes next - and catch up on the details of the royal summer. They also discuss Meghan’s 40th birthday initiative, the Cambridges’ summer holiday, the royals’ latest environmental drive and the winning emblem for the Platinum Jubilee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined in the virtual Pod Save the Queen Studio by the incredibly talented co-creator and cast of a new stage show about all our favourite royals - The Windsors: Endgame. Co-creator Bert Tyler-Moore talks about writing the characters of Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan Markle, while the show’s stars - Tom Durrant Pritchard, Tracy Ann Oberman and Harry Enfield give a bit of an insight into the West End newcomer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent months, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, has stepped further into the royal spotlight to fill the gap left by other members of The Firm. As well as her incredible style, we’ve loved learning more about her important charity work so invited Monica Smith and Olivia Curno into the (virtual) Pod Save the Queen recording studio for this week’s show. They chat to Mirror Online's features editor, Zoe Forsey, about The Vision Foundation, which Sophie is Patron of. The sight loss charity does vital work to help people who are visually impaired. Olivia explains what it's like working so closely with Sophie while Monica tells us about the tandem bike ride she took with the Countess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princess Diana’s wedding dress is on display at Kensington Palace - and Pod Save the Queen can take you on a guided tour. The Royal Style in the Making exhibition explores the relationship between the designer and its royal wearer through different characters and eras, with Diana’s wedding gown appearing alongside a design for the Queen Mother’s coronation gown and work undertaken for the Queen - as well as giving us a glimpse of the designers’ workings. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper reunites with Amber Graafland, the show’s former chief fashionista, to meet exhibition curator Matthew Storey for a very special visit. From fabulous dresses to typewritten embargoed press releases about the outfits and handwritten thank you notes from the royals themselves, they find much to fascinate - and are sure you will too. Plan your visit to Kensington Palace at https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Westminster Abbey is the scene for many grand royal occasions - from coronations to weddings and funerals. In the year of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s 10th wedding anniversary, the Abbey is offering tours which take visitors through their wedding day journey. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper and Mirror online features editor Zoe Forsey were welcomed to the Abbey by Duncan Jeffery, who oversaw all the media arrangements on William and Kate’s wedding day. They explore the Abbey’s ancient and modern history, see the coronation chair and relive highlights from the royal wedding. Plan your visit to the Abbey at https://www.westminster-abbey.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the royal family head off on their summer break, it is an opportunity to take stock of a turbulent year so far. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss the royal week, from a new cartoon whose portrayal of the royal children has caused a stir to Sarah Ferguson’s high drama fashion shoot and interview. And Mirror fashionista Sarah Bradbury joins to discuss the dazzling Dolce & Gabbana dresses worn by Kitty Spencer for her Italian wedding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Duke of Sussex has confirmed he is writing a memoir - focused not on ‘the prince he was born but the man he has become’. The announcement puts further strain on his relationship with his family given his criticisms in interviews so far. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor to discuss the prospect of Harry’s book. They also talk about the doubts raised over whether the title of Duke of Edinburgh will pass to Prince Edward as expected, Prince William’s renewed call to tackle racism directed at footballers in the aftermath of England’s Euro 2020 final defeat and the latest royal visits. Plus they celebrate some exciting podcast news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scotland and Wales have had a number of recent royal visits - and it is not all down to other travel options being limited by the pandemic. But how are the royal family seen across the Welsh and Scottish borders? In the week Prince William, Kate and George cheered England’s football team on in the Euro 2020 semi-final, Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Welsh and Scottish based colleagues to reflect on the royals’ relationship with their nations. The Daily Record’s Bev Lyons provides the Scottish perspective, while WalesOnline’s Cathy Owen represents the Principality.They discuss the importance of royal visits, whether titles really matter and the enduring memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Queen marked the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the NHS by awarding the organisation the George Cross. Prince William joined a thanksgiving service and hosted a tea party - but Kate missed the celebrations after being sent to Covid jail. Charles and Camilla also shared their thank yous to the NHS ahead of their visit to Wales. Pod Save The Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to reflect on the Queen’s very special recognition of the health service. They also talk about Kate’s Wimbledon visit, catch up on all the latest royal news - and manage not to jinx the England football team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princes William and Harry came together on what would have been their mother’s 60th birthday to unveil a statue honouring her memory. The giant likeness of Princess Diana with three children has been installed in Kensington Palace’s sunken garden, with the brothers in the spotlight just as much as the statue given the strain on their relationship in recent months.Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss the event. They also discuss the Sovereign Grant, the latest on the Platinum Jubilee plans, the Cambridges’ big night out at the football, more royal visits to Scotland and the Queen’s verdict on (now ex) Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Duchess of Cambridge has formalised her commitment to early years development with the launch of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss the significance of the landmark project. They also talk the Queen’s return to Royal Ascot, birthday and Father’s Day celebrations, the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project and the latest on Meghan and Harry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Key royals deployed to Cornwall last week as they joined world leaders at the G7 summit. The Queen, Charles, Camilla, William and Kate joined forces for some soft diplomacy, important issues and plenty of laughs which were the talk of the event. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers and deputy political editor Ben Glaze, who was in Cornwall for the summit. They discuss how the royals can wow the biggest names on the world stage, the fallout from US President Joe Biden’s candour after taking tea with the Queen at Windsor Castle, Kate’s lasting connection with Jill Biden - and why Prince Charles could follow Dr Biden’s example as First Lady. They also talk Trooping the Colour, Ascot, Sophie Wessex’s big interview and Ben provides insight into how the Queen’s Birthday Honours are awarded. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan and Harry have announced the arrival of their baby daughter - and her very special name, which has already caused much debate. She will be known as Lili, but is named for the Queen’s nickname and Harry’s mum Diana, Princess of Wales. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss reaction to the name (including sharing plenty of listener reactions) and what the Queen knew. They also reflect on what would have been Prince Philip’s 100th birthday and the window the Wessexes gave into their life in recent interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Queen is set for a record-breaking milestone in 2022 as the first sovereign to celebrate 70 years on the throne - and the initial plans for the UK and Commonwealth celebrations have now been shared. Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to get excited about an extra day off, talk through the plans and compare it to past jubilee celebrations. They also look back on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges’ action-packed visit to Scotland, their vaccination pictures and William’s strong reaction to the Dyson report on Princess’s Diana’s interview with Panorama. They also discuss Prince Harry’s response to the BBC verdict, his Apple TV documentary and Sophie Wessex speaking out on the menopause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princess Diana asked her voice coach not to publish a book about her until both William and Harry were married.The Princess – who died in 1997 when her sons were 15 and 12 – told Stewart Pearce to wait "until after the boys are married".Pearce, the author of Diana The Voice of Change, revealed: "Diana said to me shortly before she died, 'Wouldn’t it be amazing if all of the work that we’ve done together became a book, but if you do, please don’t publish it until after the boys are married.'"Lifestyle Editor Zoe Forsey welcomes Stewart to the podcast to discuss his work with Diana, his take on the modern Royals and his new book. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Meghan and Harry married in Windsor in 2018, few could have anticipated the path their lives have taken. Whatever those changes, mental health remains a key mission for the Sussexes - and for William and Kate.Pod Save the Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss the latest royal news, while Mirror columnist Darren Lewis gives his perspective on an extraordinary three years for the Sussexes.From the joyful baby news shared by Princess Beatrice and husband Edo to plans for the Queen’s jubilee, Charles and Camilla’s Northern Ireland visit, trouble for Prince Michael, the Cambridges’ latest outings, Harry’s podcast appearance and upcoming Apple + TV series - plus memories of that day at St George’s Chapel - there is plenty to talk about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Queen attending Parliament to give her speech was a step towards some kind of normality - even if it was a stripped back ceremony. Pod Save The Queen host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss a busy week of royal engagements, from Charles and Camilla accompanying Her Majesty to Meghan’s VaxLive video and Harry’s podcast appearance. They also talk about the Cambridges’ social media switches, the latest phase of Kate’s Hold Still project and celebrating Archie’s birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices