This week the latest revelations about Prince Andrew prompted a discussion with historian and author Alex Larman, author of several books about the Windsor family. Together we talked about how our Royal household has gotten itself into its current position, with a King who frequently opines on matters of significant political contention in ways that erode support for the institution among the very people most likely to back it. We trace this trend back to its origin in the early twentieth century, when the monarchy was reinvented as a popular institution. The very name of the dynasty is changed and democratic orders of chivalry are invented, even one for socialists. The area around Buckingham Palace is transformed in order to create a public venue for the display of the Royal Family to its people. Shepherding this popular monarchy has always been a tightrope act, and on many occasions the acrobat has come close to falling, such as during the crisis of Edward VIII’s abdication or the devastating scandals afflicting the marriages of Queen Elizabeth II’s children. But King Charles is pushing the act to its very limit. Enjoy the episode!
00:00 – Introduction
00:51 – Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson
05:03 – The reinvention of British monarchy in 1917
17:25 – Edward VIII, the abdication crisis, and the “middle-class” monarchy
23:31 – Royal marriages and love affairs
28:29 – Can monarchs have happy marriages?
33:17 – Death of Princess Diana
34:27 – Can monarchy survive if it isn’t popular?
43:32 – Where is King Charles going wrong?
Credit to : David Starkey Talks