The Master of Royal Secrets - meet Richard Kay | Ep.40 | The Scandal Mongers Podcast

It’s our first birthday!
And to help us celebrate we’re talking to the Daily Mail’s legendary royal correspondent and author, Richard Kay.
No journalist ever got closer to Diana, Princess of Wales, and in the final years of her life they spoke many times a day. At that time, and in the years since, Richard has broken dozens of royal stories and knows more about the goings-on behind closed palace doors than any writer alive. But he’s also won the confidence of many royal people - especially Diana - by NOT always printing what he knows.
In this fascinating conversation with Andrew and Phil (Phil and Richard worked together once), he speaks frankly about his near 40 year career and reveals some of the secrets of his own trade.
Andrew Lownie.
andrewlownie
Phil Craig.
philmcraig
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Production by
Theo X
Kerem Isik

[@quietaustralian2284]

Richard Kay described MM as a girl when she arrived and he isn’t the only person to keep describing both of the Sussex’s as young. I think that describes part of the problem in a nutshell. She was nearly 40, had been working for years. If the Royal Family and team saw her as a girl they really hadn’t thought that through. They are both mature adults who keep making very poor choices in life but who blame others for the outcomes of the choices. I really enjoy your interviews and really enjoyed the Lady C one. Congratulations

[@philmcraig]

Thanks very much

[@jackiemartin9737]

Catherine princess of wales is actually younger than Harry’s wife and do or did the media describe her as a girl?

[@louisebrislane6607]

Sorry but I gave up on this interview as none of you are being totally honest with your assessments of the people involved & Richard Kaye's bias is very obvious. Most of us in the public arena from around the world recognise in Megan a sociopath who never intended to stay in the family from day one. She was nearing middle age & had her eye set on being a Princess, however she soon realised that she didn't want to toe the line but do her own thing. She was the worst thing to happen to the family & to the Commonwealth. I much prefer the honesty of Lady Colin Campbell who isn't afraid to call a spade a spade. She is also a more astute person who is a very shrewd judge of character.

[@giovannamoruzzi3734]

I agree. Those two absolutely trampled on the family's reputation on issues (if there had been any to start with) that would normally be sorted out behind closed doors. The family has plenty of secrets they don't want known, but not domestic issues, such as who the baby would take after, sausages, dog bowls, etc. Those two just wanted to do as much damage as possible - for revenge and money.

[@StacieMo]

Love Richard Kay! I really enjoyed that interview...he is a class act!

[@philmcraig]

Thank you Stacie

[@Peter-ov6xh]

Congratulations on the anniversary, and happy birthday, Mr. Lownie. Glad that Lady Colin gave your show a well-deserved bump.

[@philmcraig]

Much appreciated!

[@andrewlownie2033]

Yes she's a crowdpleaser@@philmcraig

[@railiedouglas3018]

Always respected Richard Kay as having his finger on the pulse of Royal life throughout the tumultuous years of the breakdown of the Charles & Diana marriage & having been a confident of the then Princess of Wales. Always struck me as a decent & dignified man. Great to hear his reflections & opinions about the current Royal setup & his speculations about the future of the Monarchy.

[@philmcraig]

Many thanks,

[@andrewlownie2033]

Yes he is a good journalist@@philmcraig

[@mrs.herculepoirot7763]

Happy Birthday to Mr. Lownie and I wish you a joyful year and hopefully access to the Mountbatten papers and letters that the government and the royals are hiding from you.

[@philmcraig]

Thanks so much 😊

[@andrewlownie2033]

999% of them were released - some 33,000 pages but it cost me £400,000@@philmcraig

[@revdwendy1019]

Absolutely love your podcasts - my Dutch friends are very happy to show Andrew their father’s photographs of the Mountbatten’s from their shared time in India

[@andrewlownie2033]

Thanks so much.

[@revdwendy1019]

@@andrewlownie2033 will be in touch to connect you directly

[@celinefoff1863]

It’s a matter of will. If Camilla can be accepted as Queen… If Charles carry on treating Harry with kid’s gloves, he obviously cares about Harry more then George… once the tide is turned against the monarchy, it would be far too late to cut Harry off.

[@19381952]

Hello from Canada just discovered you today and love your podcast and KZbin . Thank you so much will follow you every week ,/ Susan McCulla

[@philmcraig]

Thanks so much Susan - and welcome ! 😊

[@jonathanbrewer7072]

Great Graham Green quote.

[@revdwendy1019]

I collect quotes from these guys! They make my ears alive!

[@donaldblack5530]

Consistently great series. Thank you both😊

[@philmcraig]

Much appreciated Donald

[@ragwortrattle8798]

William should ask Aunt Anne how to proceed. He'd get a positive, solidly practical response. It wouldn't take in the myth that Markle, M is remotely interested in anything but herself.

[@DavinaWilson58]

Happy birthday Mr. Lownie!

[@kazzaswan2924]

Loved the Richard Kay interview so much! He’s a thoughtful guest who will give his opinions without bombast. He’s candid and tells it like he sees it. Very much enjoyed watching it

[@philmcraig]

Many thanks

[@andrewlownie2033]

I agree@@philmcraig

[@lizaltieri]

Thanks, all! Great show. Yes. Why didn't the King visit Australia and Canada early on? Of course they're older and I know that the Queen doesn't like long tours but they have strong supporters especially in Australia and he chooses to go to -- Romania?

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

Rather Woke, don’t you think?

[@carolroy52]

Absolutely brilliant interview ❤a pleasure to watch the three of you interact. I’ve followed Richard Kay for many years. Love your podcast ❤❤

[@philmcraig]

Thanks so much Carol

[@andrewlownie2033]

Richard Kay is one of the best@@philmcraig

[@alexisa3047]

Glad I found your channel. I’m very much enjoying it.

[@philmcraig]

Thanks for saying so Alexis

[@andrewlownie2033]

Always open to suggestions for topics and guests

[@gabriellecunningham7196]

I've only recently discovered your fabulous Channel. Thoroughly enjoyable. Kind regards from Melbourne 🇦🇺

[@philmcraig]

Thanks so much Gabrielle and please spread the word! I was in Melbourne in April…Mallacoota too!

[@dianneswanwick1486]

I have also just discovered your Channel through Shauna at The Vintage Read, most entertaining. Best wishes from Melbourne.🇦🇺

[@DavinaWilson58]

Love Maderia! Enjoy! Thanks for another fabulous podcast!

[@patiyer4134]

Really enjoy your podcasts!

[@Loobylooto2]

Happy birthday ,love the channel

[@JjLl2221]

We have a photo of my great uncle as some kind of govt appointee (ex navy, battle of Jutland) hosting PG (Prince George) in Kuling, China in 1926. PG looks exactly like Prince William! Love your work. Found you early and have noticed you’re really getting into a great stride now. PG , his life & rumours, and his death over Norway in 1942 would make a fascinating episode perhaps?

[@philmcraig]

Thanks for your support !

[@andrewlownie2033]

We're going to ask Kent's biographer Glyn Gowans if he will appear@@philmcraig

[@drdebocherry]

She was diagnosed with "Schizotypal Personality DO" while attending Northwestern, as part of the expulsion & suing process. That's the diagnosis psychologists diagnose young schizophrenic's with in their teens early 20's because you don't want to give them the psychotic DO diagnosis until they are through puberty. So, even before I devoted 6 months of my life to doing it (ie. Lady presented my conclusion 2 years ago, and that Psychological Evaluation was sent to the Queen & Parliament), she had already been diagnosed, and the RF probably knew shortly after the marriage. A psychosis means impaired "Reality Testing" 24/7, not periodically, like someone with Bipolar who's unmedicated. As a schizophrenic she doesn't conform to social moras/norms, so she can do what she wants. It's why she thought she would be able to snag William and or Charles and assumed they would make her Queen, regardless. If you understand she and her mother have the genetic dysregulated dopamine system called "schizophrenia", then one doesn't have to go around with their mouth open. So, shes already been diagnosed, it's not a secret and it should have been made public just like H's developmental Disability.

[@andrewlownie2033]

Interesting

[@spokeinsight]

Great podcast! Can you please bring Richard Kay back to comment on The Crown? (lLove to hear the truth on that era!)

[@philmcraig]

Yes we will if we can!

[@avm9647]

Happy birthday

[@louisetrott5532]

This endless business about a slimmed down monarchy is just stupid. The RF need to be active, to be engaged, and to be seen. They need to meet the average people face to face. The King should harness his cousins, as the late Queen did, and ditto Williams cousins. They should all be brought out to do Royal duties, obviously not full time, but actively. I like to see a full balcony with lots of them with a public role. After all, they exist. They benefit from their positions. So they should contribute.

[@ralphl7643]

He might have been talking about their huge staffs, but I think he mostly wanted to keep Andrew's spendthrift family off the payroll.

[@Jennywren280]

I don’t think Meghan Markle would ever be welcomed back by the British people. Harry has become almost unrecognisable but, on his own, he may well be forgiven here eventually.

[@julietrask7497]

@Jennywren280 Agreed, when they divorce Harry hopefully will come back. I miss Harry’s pre-Meghan days.

[@docastrov9013]

Nó. You oiks have no say. Camilla was never going to be Queen, I remember.

[@michrowee1121]

Forgiven? 🤣 He escaped

[@gingerroot8906]

I'm glad this came up in my newsfeed today! Richard Kay has context unlike many others who were not "there." It's very interesting to hear him put forth Catherine's photography as a interesting factor in the way the RF relate to the press. I will say that the grip the Palace has on positive stories may be in part because they DO have an heir and future Queen who are not sullied yet with bad behaviour and scandal.

[@philmcraig]

Thanks and welcome Ginger 😊

[@giovannamoruzzi3734]

If you are looking for suggestions, here's mine. Obviously, anything on the British royals and their entourage, but also the Grimaldi family of the House of Montecarlo or the Italian royals, past and present. There should be gossip in plentiful supply there.

[@philmcraig]

grazia Giovanna!

[@louisetrott5532]

A very good interview, yet again. I'm finding that I like to go back and re-listen to the interviews. Because they are densely packed with so many well thought-out ideas and points of view. As well as historical events and facts which are new to me.

[@maryshaver129]

Where did you go? It looks like you have some wonderful sewing tips to share!

[@philmcraig]

Sewing?

[@maryshaver129]

@philmcraig sorry, I sent this to you in error. By the way, I'm really enjoying your Podcasts. I live in Canada, so I don't recognize some of the people/situations you talk about. They are all interesting to me though. My Mom told me about many historical figures and listening to your Podcasts has helped me to better understand what she was talking about AND how much of what she knew was, perhaps, propaganda of the time. Thanks for responding to my improperly sent email. Now I'll try sending it to the correct address. Best! Mary Shaver

[@philmcraig]

@@maryshaver129 No worries and thanks very much for your support Mary

[@nicolawood9534]

No one is wanting Harry & Meghan to come back.

[@philmcraig]

Well... it would give the royal writers something new to write about I guess!!

[@Aerie_Dispatches]

Greetings, gentlemen! I am enjoying your podcasts and am impressed by your “reach” for attracting interesting guests: ❓QUESTION❓Will you be doing LIVES, whereby subscribers can submit questions (via you) to your guests, as well as comment and/or chat with each other during the broadcasts? I ask because it’s a way to build “community” and “loyalty” amongst your viewers… interactivity with hosts, guests and one another drives anticipation and momentum for the channel. What do you think? (Maybe you’ve already done this, and I missed it, as I just started following you)?

[@BlueInk912]

I think, We must subscribe to their podcast channel on the web. I am just thrilled they share some episodes here on YT. Cheers.

[@philmcraig]

We will look into this - thanks!

[@Aerie_Dispatches]

@@philmcraigAttwood Unleashed does this kind of LIVE (I believe that’s where I first encountered Andrew’s work). You may want to view one, or get in contact w/Shaun Attwood as he enjoys helping new KZbinrs and knows a lot about optimizing a channel’s reach et al. Another KZbinr whom does LIVES and is open to helping other channels is Trevor Coult MC.

[@geraldinegaynor1360]

Megan will NOT be welcome in Australia but Harry can come back anytime.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

I am over 65 and look back at my youth where I ‘married up’. I was not that far down but ‘they’ were film royalty’ . I had a lot to learn with my modern outlook up against my upbringing. But like Cate I was anxious to learn. There were two more daughters in law one of whom whose parentage surpassed the parents and another that had a harder time than I did. My experience comes in handy today with my desire to understand our Royalty. I love hearing the different views around. Todays Royalty has huge difficulties because it appears that personality is not helping the young ones to engineer at all a smooth transition back into the family.

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

PS. If we all had had the Press at our heels heaven knows how we would have found a way to co-exist.

[@crazycorgihonkhonkgofreedo6021]

Richard said his uncle sold harry out who please

[@mamahustru]

As an African I can assure you, we do not identify with ANYONE who has no respect for their family and especially for their in laws.

[@kyliedavies1695]

What about Lucretia Borgia the famous poisoner as a topic? I wonder if there’s an interviewee who specialises in that? I’ll google it

[@philmcraig]

Why not? Thanks Kylie 😊

[@jilltagmorris]

❤🎉😊❤🎉😊

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

If the Monarchy doesn’t proceed in an honourable fashion I think they could be in great danger. We like to behave as we like but the population expects only the highest admirable behaviour from our Royal Family……unless you are MM of course! She is one of THEM or do I mean US!

[@janebuckland737]

I see you guys notched up 2.4k views for this but only 156 likes, I seriously don’t think this is a reflection on your articles but your lack of reminders…. Before you go if you liked the content please remember to hit the like button and subscribe f

[@andrewlownie2033]

We'll remember to ask in future

[@MrsGiddydiddy]

I find it very hard to understand, if nobody was concerned about Harry’s apprehensions how can they now complain about his reaction with the book and Oprah interview. Nobody in the family have a star stellar presence other than princess Ann and prince harry. The working royals seem to be stale, having no appeal and no real substance.

[@philmcraig]

Agree that Meghan and Harry did have- maybe still do have - star quality. Just like his mum!

[@barkingsquirrel7166]

Harry? Star quality? Ludicrous!

[@francescaderimini2931]

I heard Lady C on your channel and was about to unsubscribe from you guys!

[@philmcraig]

Thanks for sticking with us - we have all kinds of commentary on here.

[@lynnhubbard844]

this may be unpopular, but i can't watch any more Lady C...she's too much for me--way to vicious

[@MrsGiddydiddy]

Same here, she is really very vicious and seems to be spinning a yarn most of the time. Very off putting.

[@moonbeep641]

More like Lady MEEEE.

[@Oughut88]

A completely pointless interview. He’s clearly out of touch.

[@mariasmargiassi1983]

I so agree!