Secret recordings? How the late Queen feared Harry and Meghan leaks

·45 min·4 clips

Royal expert Hugo Vickers reveals why the late Queen suspected Harry and Meghan were secretly recording her.

Hosts Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley interview royal biographer Hugo Vickers about his book 'Queen Elizabeth II: A Personal History'. Vickers, who met the Queen over 40 times, shares personal anecdotes from his diaries. He describes the Queen as elusive yet grounded, with a sharp sense of humor and a love for catching people out. The discussion focuses on the late Queen's turbulent final years, particularly her strained relationship with Harry and Meghan. Vickers alleges the Queen feared the Sussexes were 'wired up' to record conversations for Netflix. He confirms the Queen was furious they used her nickname 'Lilibet' for their daughter without asking. The episode explores the Queen's handling of Diana's death, noting she was forced to change plans and give a televised address. Vickers discusses the Queen's relationship with Prime Ministers, including Boris Johnson, whom she advised after his ousting. The conversation shifts to Prince Andrew, with Vickers suggesting the Queen gave him money to settle with Virginia Giuffre to avoid overshadowing the Platinum Jubilee. He notes the Queen liked Sarah Ferguson but Prince Philip did not. Vickers reveals Prince Philip and the Queen lived separately later in life, with Philip dying alone at Windsor. The episode critiques the Netflix series 'The Crown' for historical inaccuracies, mentioning Prince Philip considered legal action. Vickers concludes by reflecting on Elizabeth II's reign as one of the greatest in British history.

As heard by us

Hugo Vickers connects royal family strain, Diana-era media pressure, and the Queen's carefully managed public role.

The Daily T uses Hugo Vickers's biography of Elizabeth II to look at the strain behind a public reign. Vickers, presented as a royal expert who met the late Queen more than 40 times, moves through her marriage to Prince Philip, money given to Andrew to settle with Virginia…

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Why you'd press play

You get palace-gate suspicion, Diana's media storm, and the Queen's mother-of-the-nation image in one brisk royal conversation.

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