Episodes
The newest country in Western Europe has its seventh king on the throne, after he took over from his father Albert II in 2013.King Philippe of the Belgians became head of state at a time when controversy was circling the royal family because of a daughter Albert had fathered during an affair.In the past 12 years Philippe has steadied the ship and become a figure of stability in the country, often representing the nation abroad.One of the most notable visits during his reign was to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022, a former colony of Belgium.Between 1885 - 1908 King Leopold II of...
As well as being King of the United Kingdom, Charles III is also monarch of 14 other realms - including Canada.Since he inherited the throne in 2022 there has been much discussion around the King's relationship with the other realms and territories where he's head of state.In recent weeks that conversation has been happening in Canada as the president of its neighbour, the United States, has expressed his wish for Canada to become 'the 51st state' of the USA.Up until now it's been the Canadian government responding to the White House but there have been calls for King Charles III to do more...
Nestled in between India and China is the Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world’s newest monarchies.Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the country’s fifth king and when he became head of state in 2006 he was the world’s youngest monarch. The King oversees a nation that measures its success with happiness of a population and is being credited with innovative ways to ensure younger people don’t emigrate. Guests:Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of BhutanHosted by Daniel RosneyOur email is: itsreigningmenpod@gmail.com------------------Thanks for listening to It’s Reigning Men - a brand new podcast ...
Japan claims to have the oldest continuing monarchy in the world with an unbroken line from the same family for more than 2600 years.But there's a succession problem in the current Japanese imperial family as Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako only have one child, Princess Aiko, and Japan forbids women from inheriting the throne.The United Nations has suggested officials look at changing the law to make it more equal. Up until 1947 the Emperor of Japan was seen as a divine figure on Earth and worshipped by many, but a constitution change formally declared the emperor to be human.After Japa...
This episode contains some discussion around sexual abuse in the second half of the episode, which may not be appropriate for all.As head of state of The Vatican City, Pope Francis is also a monarch.He is one of a handful of elected monarchs in the world, which also include Cambodia, Malayisa and United Arab Emirates.In this episode we look at the the Pope's role as a monarch, as well as leader of the Catholic church, and discuss the influence he has with other world leaders.We look at how a Pope is elected in a conclave and explore the changes he's brought to the church.This episode was re...
This episode contains some discussion around sexual assault allegations in the second half of the episode, which may not be appropriate for all.The King of Norway is one of the most-popular figures in the country but recent scandals surrounding the royal family suggest support is weakening.His daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, controversially married a self-styled shaman last year who has peddled conspiracy theories and faced a string of criminal accusations, which he denies.Late last year Marius Borg Høiby, the step-son of Crown Prince Haakon through his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wa...
This year Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg should be marking 25 years on the throne but he's announced his intention to abdicate just one day before that milestone in October.In this episode we look at how one of the smallest, and richest, countries in the world views its monarchy and royal family.There have been two big tests for him as head of state.The first caused a constitutional crisis when he attempted to use his veto powers in 2008 against a euthanasia bill passed by parliament.The second was only five years ago when a government commissioned report said the monarchy's functioning mus...
Most monarchs are groomed from birth as an heir but not for the Jordanian king who only discovered his fate two weeks before he inherited the throne.Situated in "a tough neighbourhood", Jordan is not just an important player in the middle-east region - it's also essential for the West that it remains stable.Since returning to the White House Donald Trump is demanding the country takes in more Palestinian refugees from Gaza, which Abdullah II is refusing.The US president is also pausing foreign aid to Jordan.We'll find out how the country is coping with an economic struggle, and learn how th...
Europe's longest-reigning monarch has seen the world change over the course of his reign.A constant figure since 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden lost his remaining political power within a year or so of becoming monarch.Has he been successful in remaining relevant as a ceremonial figure? We look at the data over 30 years to see what shape the Swedish royal family is in now.Plus we find out what it was like filming a documentary for two years with the king.Guests:Daniel Jansson, SOM InstituteKarin af Klintberg, filmmakerHosted by Daniel Rosney'The King' trailer: https://www.youtube.com/...
How did the first year of King Frederik X of Denmark's reign go? We go back to look at his mother's shock abdication, learn how he's struggled with public speaking, and discuss if he can play a role in talks over Greenland - an autonomous territory of Denmark - which Donald Trump wants to buy.Guests:Silla Bakalus, B.T. journalistLars Hovbakke Sørensen, Associate Professor at Absalon University CollegeHosted by Daniel Rosney'Kongeord' by Frederick X and Jens Anderson can be purchased onlineThanks for listening to It’s Reigning Men.If you enjoyed it, please tell your friends who also might be...
Subscribe to It’s Reigning Men now, and join us as Daniel Rosney uncovers the power, the privilege and the politics of modern monarchs.Interested in Kings, Queens, power and palaces?This is the new podcast for you as we delve deeper into the men who reign over more than 40 countries.Released weekly, with some bonus episodes along the way, join in as we explore who these men are.If you want to suggest a topic to be explored or have any questions about monarchies, or specific members of royal families, you can find us on social media.We're on all the usual apps. Just search ‘It’s Reigning Men...