Even The Royals - podcast cover

Even The Royals

Wonderywondery.com

Admit it: you’re obsessed with royal families – watching them, gossiping about them, wanting to be them. It’s the stuff of fantasy. But for real life royals, the crown jewels can be more like shiny handcuffs. There are expectations and rules – and if you break them, the consequences are big, and very public. And no, we’re not just talking about Harry and Meghan. There are royal families and wild royal tales from around the world and throughout history that you have never heard before. From Wondery comes the latest from Even the Rich co-hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams. Even the Royals takes us inside the cloistered world of royal families, past and present, where wealth and status often come at the expense of your freedom – and maybe even your life. In these stories, very human emotions, like jealousy, love, disgust, have the power to reshape the world.

Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/even-the-royals/ now.

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Episodes

Catherine the Great Part 1: Romancing the Throne | 58

They don’t call her The Great for nothing. There’s a reason Catherine the Great is the star of TV series, movies, and an overall pop culture icon. Bold, ambitious, and famous for her double digits list of lovers, Catherine seized control of Russia and ruled the country longer than any woman in history. But her career didn’t start off without a hitch. At first, she was just a shy princess from a no-name duchy. But when her new husband Peter rejects her, Cat has to forge new paths to power…and lov...

Jan 06, 202541 minEp. 58

ENCORE: Grace Kelly: Princess Interrupted | 57

In part one, Grace Kelly fought her way from aspiring actress to onscreen queen. Now she has an even bigger role on the horizon: European princess. Grace is about to catch the attention of Prince Rainier of Monaco, but marrying into a royal family will come with a whole lot more than she bargained for. Princess of Monaco will be her hardest role yet – and will eventually cost Grace her career, her happiness, and her freedom.Next week, we'll be back with a brand-new Even the Royals episode. Be th...

Dec 31, 202446 minEp. 57

ENCORE - Grace Kelly Part One: Fire and Ice | 56

While we work on some brand-new episodes of Even the Royals, we’re bringing back one of our first - and one of our favorite - Royals. Grace Kelly was a Hollywood icon in the 1950s. She worked with legends like Clark Gable and Alfred Hitchcock and only left when it was time to marry a real-life prince. She seemed to live the ultimately fairy tale life, but it came at a price – she fit herself into the box of perfection only to find herself trapped there. In part one of this two-part series Grace ...

Dec 30, 202446 minEp. 56

Royal Holiday Rewatch: “The Princess Switch” | 55

On this special episode of Even the Royals, we’re going to tune into one of our favorite forms of entertainment – holiday rom coms! Join Brooke and Aricia for a rewatch of “The Princess Switch,” the Netflix classic about a Duchess and a Chicago baker who swap places to experience each other’s lives. It’s a royal twist on a Hallmark Christmas flick featuring Vanessa Hudgens’ being a total queen and a couple of steaming hot co-stars. Brooke and Aricia will make connections between the characters a...

Dec 23, 202434 minEp. 55

Stone of Destiny | 54

On Christmas day in 1950, twenty-five-year-old Scotsman Ian Hamilton and his friends embark on the heist of the century. The Stone of Destiny, an ancient Scottish artifact, was stolen by the British in the thirteenth century and moved to Westminster Abbey. And now Ian decides it’s high time to steal it back. But busting out an ancient artifact from a national landmark is easier said than done. This holiday caper has it all – sneaky stakeouts, buried treasure, last minute freak outs, and a reveng...

Dec 16, 202442 minEp. 54

Isabella I of Castile Part 2: Checkmate | 53

This two-part series is all about Isabella I of Castile – one of the most powerful female rulers in European history. In part one, Isabella went from pawn to queen by outsmarting her brother and scooping up the crown. Now, she has to step up her game if she wants to remain queen and turn Castile into a Spanish empire. But the road to global dominance comes with a high price – one that history will never forget. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and mo...

Dec 09, 202446 minEp. 53

Isabella I of Castile Part 1: A Man’s World | 52

Before there was Queen Elizabeth or Catherine the Great, there was Isabella I of Castile, a 15th century queen who changed the course of history – and created the Spain we know today. Isabella was a princess who was never destined to be queen. But when she realizes that she can do the job better than the men around her, she takes matters into her own hands and fights for the throne. After gaining power, she spends the rest of her life proving that it may take a king to make an heir – but it take...

Dec 02, 202444 minEp. 52

ENCORE: Martha Louise of Norway: The Clairvoyant Princess | 51

While we work on some brand-new episodes of Even the Royals, we're bringing back one of our first episodes, with some new updates. Martha Louise was born a princess of Norway, but she never truly felt like one. She spends years looking for a place where she can belong. And in true modern fashion, this place includes angels, a controversial celebrity shaman and a whole lot of bad press. This is the story of a clairvoyant princess who never felt truly at home in a castle, so she created her own ki...

Nov 25, 202448 minEp. 51

Party in the U.K: Holiday Edition | 50

We’re taking a pause from scandal, beheadings and teen betrothals to get excited for the holiday season! It's no secret that the UK loves Christmas. British Vogue contributor Rebecca Cope joins Brooke and Aricia to dish on the most entertaining, hilarious and scrumptious British royal holiday traditions. From joke gifts to six-course dinners, Christmas with the Windsors will not disappoint. Later on, Brooke and Aricia will test some classic British holiday treats to see if mince pies and Christm...

Nov 18, 202437 minEp. 50

George Villiers Part 2: George on Top | 49

In part one, George Villiers joins King James’ Royal Bedchamber and quickly becomes the king’s Favorite – and his lover. But George is desperate to prove that he’s more than just a pretty face, so he starts a new career in politics. In the end, he’ll have to make some hard choices – and decide if being a history-maker is worth giving up the love of the King. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+...

Nov 11, 202443 minEp. 49

George Villiers Part 1: Down to Crown | 48

George Villiers is a noble nobody who wants to be a royal somebody. He spots an opportunity for greatness by becoming one of King James’s Gentlemen of the Bedchamber, AKA the group of men who are bestowed with titles, cash…and sometimes the honor of being the king’s lover. But getting into James’ bed is easier said than done – especially when James’ current lover is a jealous, power-hungry Earl who has no intention of giving up the top spot. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Ca...

Nov 04, 202442 minEp. 48

Sophia Duleep Singh Part 2: Princess Gone Rogue | 47

In part one, Sophia Duleep Singh’s British it-girl existence came crashing down after a trip to India revealed that her picture-perfect life was a facade. Now, Sophia is back in London, but she’s through with dog shows and tea parties. She’s ready to join a group of women fighting for their right to be heard – the suffragettes. But power players in London are set on keeping these women silent, including the Crown. Sophia will have to put her elite life, and actual life, on the line in order to m...

Oct 28, 202443 minEp. 47

Sophia Duleep Singh Part 1: Homecoming Queen | 46

Sophia Duleep Singh was a Punjabi princess who grew up in England at the turn of the 20th century. She spends her teen years proving to the English elite that she belongs. But her reality shatters when she visits India for the first time and realizes just how much her life in England’s posh circles was a lie. In her search for a place to belong, Sophia ends up connecting with a group that’s ready to raise hell - and make some royal enemies along the way. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery ...

Oct 21, 202438 minEp. 46

Napoleon Bonaparte Part 2: What Comes Up, Must Come Down | 45

This two part series is all about Napoleon Bonaparte, the scrappy outsider who just wanted to belong. In part one, Napoleon worked hard to prove himself in the French army after he was booted out of his homeland of Corsica. He used his brilliant mind to rise through the ranks and help the revolutionaries secure an independent France. But after a disastrous military campaign in Egypt, he returns to France to find all of his hard work undone. Now, Napoleon has a new mission – achieving political p...

Oct 14, 202447 minEp. 45

Napoleon Bonaparte Part 1: Started from the Bottom | 44

Napoleon Bonaparte is notorious for being a power-hungry, vertically-challenged French emperor who conquered, and then pissed off, much of Europe in the 19th century. But Napoleon wasn’t that short, wasn’t born in France, and actually wanted to be a writer. He was an upstart from Corsica who started out as a bullied outcast just looking for some respect. But he quickly learns that men like him aren’t just handed respect. They have to take it for themselves. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wonde...

Oct 07, 202444 minEp. 44

Christina of Sweden Part 2: To Rome With Love | 43

In part one, Christina rejected gender norms and was raised as a prince in order to prepare for the throne. But parting with tradition eventually meant parting with her crown. So Christina bids goodbye to Sweden and heads off to a new, exciting life in Rome. But life without a crown will turn out to be a lot tougher than she imagined. Eventually, she decides her only option is to find a new one – no matter the cost. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. ...

Sep 30, 202443 minEp. 43

Christina of Sweden Part 1: The Renegade Queen | 42

Christina of Sweden was a 17th century royal who rebelled against gender norms from the day she was born – when she was wrongly misgendered as a boy! Even after the air was cleared, Christina rejected the life of a classic femme royal by learning swordplay, riding horses, and having an affair with her lady-in-waiting. But when Christina comes up against the one duty she can’t escape – marrying and providing an heir – she risks her crown to stay true to herself. Listen to Even The Royals on the W...

Sep 23, 202444 minEp. 42

Esther of Burundi: From Royal to Run(a)way | 41

Esther Kamatari is a Burundian princess – and one of France’s first Black supermodels. She was raised to be a devoted princess to her people, but when the monarchy falls and her family is blacklisted, Esther flees to Paris. She embraces her new life and makes history on the Parisian catwalks. But Esther can’t outrun her past. And eventually, she has to figure out if she can be both a world-class supermodel and a people’s princess. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get ...

Sep 16, 202444 minEp. 41

Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 3 | After Camelot | 40

Jack and Jackie have turned over a new leaf. He’s not sleeping around (as much), and Jackie’s expecting a new addition to the family. But just as they’re finally learning to live together, another tragedy tears them apart. Listen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by ...

Sep 09, 202440 minEp. 40

Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 2 | Keeping House | 39

Now that they’re married, Jackie can’t wait to build a home with her new husband Jack. But the chronically ill politician has other ideas in mind. Convinced he’ll die young, Jack says yes to every opportunity that comes his way – and every woman. The stress of Jack’s disrespect takes a physical toll on Jackie and pushes their marriage to the breaking point. But with the White House on the horizon, they’ll have to team up to make it through. Listen to Even The Rich on the Wondery App or wherever ...

Sep 02, 202445 minEp. 39

Even the Rich: JFK & Jackie Part 1 | Queen Deb | 38

We'll be back in two weeks with all-new Even the Royals episodes, but in the meantime, we’re bringing you a story about American Royalty. It’s a series from our sister show, Even the Rich, all about the tumultuous love story between John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis.Without a guaranteed inheritance, Jackie’s future depends on marrying well. But none of the men in her social set excite her. She’s brilliant, cultured, and endlessly curious – and they just want an adoring housewife. Enter John F. ...

Sep 02, 202444 minEp. 38

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Katherine Parr, Part 2 | 37

In part one, Katherine worked hard to be the perfect wife for her first two husbands. She never thought husband #3 would be the King. But Katherine thrives as Henry’s sixth wife and starts using her platform as queen to promote her passion for religious reform. She thought she had Henry’s full support – until she spots an arrest warrant with her name on it, signed by the King himself. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free...

Aug 26, 202444 minEp. 37

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Katherine Parr, Part 1 | 36

Katherine Parr was Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife and is known for being the one who survived. But she almost didn’t survive marriage to Henry, and for a way different reason than any of his other wives. Katherine was forced to give up her dream of marrying for love when Henry chose her as his next wife. She decides to turn lemons into lemonade and make the most of her new-found power and status as queen. But ambition is the fastest way to make enemies at court – and Katherine will learn the ...

Aug 19, 202442 minEp. 36

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Catherine Howard | 35

All her life, Catherine Howard had to fight for agency in a world of men who tried to control her. When she becomes Queen number five, she’s given her first dose of power – and she’s finally able to make some of her own choices…including choosing a lover she’s actually into. But there’s no such thing as privacy in Tudor England. And when you’re sneaking around on Henry VIII, you’re risking more than just true love. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Y...

Aug 12, 202444 minEp. 35

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Anne of Cleves | 34

Anne of Cleves was planning on living a nice, quiet life in her small German province. But when Henry VIII proposes after seeing her portrait, her whole world gets turned upside down. Things become extra complicated when Anne and Henry finally meet in person. Henry decides he’s not attracted to her – and tells anyone who will listen that she catfished him. Anne will have to find a way to stay out of the line of fire – or risk Henry trying to get rid of her by any means necessary. Listen to Even ...

Aug 05, 202439 minEp. 34

The Six Wives of King Henry VIII: Jane Seymour | 33

Jane Seymour was a seemingly unremarkable woman destined to live on the fringes of other people's great lives – until she catches the eye of the king. Now that she has a better future in sight, Jane will use everything she’s learned at court to ensure that she becomes Henry’s third queen. But marrying Henry will turn out to be the easy part. After Anne Boleyn is beheaded, it’s clear to Jane that there are no happily ever after guarantees with King Henry VIII. Listen to Even The Royals on the Won...

Jul 29, 202444 minEp. 33

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Anne Boleyn Part 2 | 31

In Part One, Anne climbed the ranks and became Henry’s second wife. Now she has to make up where the last queen failed and give Henry a male heir. But when that proves easier said than done, Henry’s eyes start to wander…right over to Anne’s new lady-in-waiting, Jane Seymour. Anne wants to stop history from repeating itself. But she has no idea how low her enemies will go to get her out of the way. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen earl...

Jul 22, 202439 minEp. 31

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Anne Boleyn Part 1 | 30

Anne Boleyn has been painted by history as a woman-hating vixen who weaseled her way into being Queen number two. But the real story is way more complicated. Anne started out as a pious lady-in-waiting who garnered the King’s attention. When Henry’s interest grows into a full-blown obsession, Anne decides she wants to be more than just another mistress. But first she’ll have to convince him to leave his first wife – which means changing the religion of an entire country. NBD. Listen to Even The ...

Jul 15, 202442 minEp. 30

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon Part 2 | 29

In part one, Catherine’s once ideal marriage to Henry VIII started to sour when she didn't provide a son to inherit the throne. And now that he has a younger girlfriend, Henry is ready to do whatever it takes to replace and erase Catherine – and make Anne his new queen. But two decades on the throne have turned Catherine into a formidable opponent. And she’s determined to hold on to her crown – no matter how ugly the fight gets. Listen to Even The Royals on the Wondery App or wherever you get yo...

Jul 08, 202444 minEp. 29

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Catherine of Aragon, Part 1 | 28

We mostly remember Henry VIII’s six wives because of their fate at the hands of history’s most notorious ex. But there’s so much more to them than divorce, death and beheadings. Henry’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, was a Spanish princess who grew up believing that being Queen of England was her destiny and God-given right. But getting–and staying–on the throne turns out to be a lot more complicated than she thought. When she isn’t able to have a healthy son and heir to the throne, Henry deci...

Jul 01, 202444 minEp. 28
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