Elizabeth II: The Inside Story (Part 1)

About this episode

The episode celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s life through insights and anecdotes from journalist Robert Hardman.

Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s life - her character, the scary look she gave those who displeased her, and what President Trump really thought about her majesty. It’s a packed first episode of a mini series of exclusive revelations. Journalist and historian Robert Hardman opens up to Professor Kate Williams about his research and private recollections as a royal reporter, in celebration of her 100th anniversary. From the Queen’s unshowy political skill to her stoic sense of duty, this episode paints a vivid picture of a monarch who kept working to the very end. Along the way, there are striking glimpses of royal life that feel by turns funny, startling and deeply moving: the alarming account of Prince Andrew (as he then was) and his altercation with a senior member of the royal household; Donald Trump fussing over exactly where to hang a portrait of the Queen at Mar-a-Lago; and the extraordinary image of Elizabeth II still dealing with state papers and official business in the last days of her life. The conversation also ranges across her wartime years, her relationships with prime ministers, her ability to deflate overblown personalities with a single look, and the immense…

People in this episode

Host: Professor Kate Williams

Guest: Robert Hardman

Topics covered

• Queen Elizabeth II
• royal life
• political skill
• historical insights
• personal anecdotes
• monarchy
• celebration

Keywords

• Queen Elizabeth II
• Robert Hardman
• royal family
• Donald Trump
• Prince Andrew
• monarchy
• historical insights

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Daily Mail

More episodes of Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things

• The Death of Queen Cleopatra · June 7, 2026 · 27 min
• Queen Cleopatra: Her Rise to Power · June 1, 2026 · 24 min
• The Fall of Roman Britain · May 24, 2026 · 26 min
• Boudicca: Britain's Warrior Queen · May 17, 2026 · 31 min
• Julius Caesar's British Invasions · May 10, 2026 · 27 min
• Queen Catherine Howard: Vixen or Victim? · May 3, 2026 · 30 min