The King's Speech

The King's Speech

From When It Hits the Fan by BBC Radio 4

May 6, 2026 · 27 min

About this episode

The episode explores the crafting of King Charles' speech to Congress and its implications in today's media landscape.

Finding the right words in a high-pressure situation is not easy - especially when the world is watching. But by common consensus, King Charles' speech to Congress was deemed pretty much pitch perfect. This week, David Yelland and Farzana Baduel take you behind-the-scenes, into the writer's room. Who was involved in crafting the words, how did multiple people feed in and yet make it sound like a singular voice? They explain why the speech worked for multiple audiences in today's 'fragment economy' - and how difficult themes were smuggled in or glossed over with a specific turn of phrase. Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a similar message to the King's use of 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. As the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz continues, there's been a subtle shift in the Don't Panic messaging - both from government and business. As the ripples from the war look set to continue for many months, David and Farzana look at how we're being softened up for longer-term consequences. And she's the Queen of Country - and it seems, the Queen of PR. Dolly Parton has managed that rare thing - to let her fans down while making them love her even more. She's had to cancel her Las Vegas…

People in this episode

Hosts: David Yelland, Farzana Baduel

Topics covered

  • speechwriting
  • political communication
  • media analysis
  • public relations
  • audience engagement

Keywords

  • King Charles
  • speech
  • Congress
  • Dolly Parton
  • public relations
  • communication strategy
  • Don't Panic messaging

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Sounds

Places: Congress, Strait of Hormuz

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