Even The Royals • Wondery

Explore the maze of intrigue surrounding Catherine Middleton's recent absence on "Even The Royals." Hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams delve into the whirlwind of conspiracy theories that arose when the Duchess of Cambridge vanished from the public eye in December. Questioning the authenticity of a recent sighting, the hosts unpack the debates around Catherine's lookalike Heidi Agan and scrutinize a video from the Windsor Farm Shop. Critics argue against the body double theory, focusing on differences in appearance and the rumors of a security breach linked to Catherine’s medical records, which adds another layer of concern for her safety and privacy.

The episode also dissects whispers of Kate's potential withdrawal from royal duties and personal struggles. As murmurs about her health post-abdominal surgery and the solidness of her marriage to Prince William proliferate, Siffrinn and Skidmore-Williams address the absurdity of some claims and the implications of others with a mix of wit and analysis. With royal experts like Nick Bolen refuting allegations of infidelity and confidential details of her recovery process adding fuel to the fire, "Even The Royals" serves up a dish of speculation and humor as it ponders the Duchess's next move amidst this web of rumors.

Join hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams on "Even The Royals" as they delve into the tumultuous life of Catherine de Medici, unearthing the struggles and schemes that defined her early years. From the consequences of being an orphaned Medici heiress to the survival tactics she employed amidst political upheaval, her story is a testament to the harsh realities of nobility during the Renaissance. Caught between the machinations of the Pope and a dire need to secure her position through an heir, Catherine's life teeters between vulnerability and resolve.

As Catherine transitions from a pawn in power plays to becoming the Queen of France, Episode 13 explores the depths of royal desperation and determination. Facing a decade of childlessness and a loveless marriage overshadowed by a royal mistress, Catherine's quest for motherhood and stability is fraught with unorthodox remedies and overshadowed by her husband's affair. Her ascension to the throne after a tragic twist of fate casts her in the role of both mourner and tactician. Her story is a vivid portrayal of the intersection between personal tribulations and the relentless pursuit of legacy in the unforgiving arena of French royalty.

Step into the world of royal intrigue and political struggle with the "Even The Royals" podcast, featuring hosts Aricia Skidmore-Williams and Brooke Siffrinn as they unveil the turbulent reign of Queen Liliʻuokalani of Hawaii in their latest episode. Discover how the island kingdom's last sovereign monarch faced the overwhelming forces of political maneuvering and American sovereignty that eventually led to its annexation.

The story of Queen Liliʻuokalani is one marked by loss and resistance, where personal tragedy intertwines with the near-impossible battle to maintain control over her nation. This episode dives deep into the events that precipitated the fall of a queen and the end of an independent Hawaii. Witness the conflict through the eyes of a queen who made the ultimate sacrifice in a desperate bid to shield her people, only to see her efforts undone by the ever-expanding reach of American interests.

Delve into the complex history of Hawaii with "Even The Royals," where hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams guide us through the intricate journey of Queen Lili'uokalani's struggle for her homeland's political autonomy. The episode kicks off with the transformation of Hawaiian society following the arrival of foreign missionaries and businessmen. The hosts unravel the impacts of the 1850 introduction of private land ownership, a pivotal moment that shifted the control of Hawaiian lands and marked the beginning of significant cultural and environmental changes.

Amidst the rising tide of foreign influence and political machinations, Queen Lili'uokalani emerges as a symbol of resistance and cultural preservation. Brooke and Aricia paint a candid portrait of Lili'uokalani's life, from her education at a missionary school to her challenging personal life and rise to the monarchy. Learn how the "Bayonet Constitution" and other political upheavals set the stage for her steadfast defense of Hawaiian sovereignty, underscoring her legacy as a leader who fought valiantly for her nation's rights amidst the expansive shadow of colonial ambition.

Journey into the captivating and tumultuous world of a Bavarian monarch with "Even The Royals," where hosts Brooke Siffrinn and Aricia Skidmore-Williams delve into the latter chapters of King Ludwig II's life. The king's ardent devotion to the arts, particularly his infatuation with Richard Wagner, took precedence over his royal duties. His obsession with constructing elaborate fantasy castles, reflective of the grandiose opera stages he adored, paints a picture of a man for whom the line between reality and spectacle was perilously thin—a sentiment strikingly captured in his own words: "I must build or die."

The episode uncovers the dark underpinnings of Ludwig’s downfall, from his desperate financial straits to the shadowy conspiracy that led to his dethronement. As his debts spiraled out of control, those closest to him plotted his removal, branding his eccentricities as insanity without a thorough examination. The tale takes a grim turn with the mysterious demise of both Ludwig and his psychiatrist under cryptic and controversial circumstances—a mystery steeped in intrigue and speculation. The hosts engage listeners with the enigmatic end of Ludwig’s life, exploring the clashing theories of suicide and assassination while acknowledging the enduring enigma surrounding his death.