Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast
Atlantic Garden Media
My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do.
My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do.
Every Object Has a Story: Lady Carnarvon and Eve Chase on The Secret Thread, sisters, secrets and the lives we leave behind
Þættir
Lady Carnarvon welcomes novelist Eve Chase to discuss her latest book, The Secret Thread, a dual-timeline story (1969 and today) shaped around an auction in which famed interior designer Mimi “Mo” sells her estate and reveals her life through meaningful objects; an idea sparked by seeing Joan Didion’s belongings auctioned at Christie’s in 2022. They talk about why country houses are such powerful “crucibles” for fiction, how Eve created the fictional Rush Wood to fit a chalk stream and proximity to Lyme Regis, and the novel’s central relationship between two sisters, daughters of a head gardener, whose lives diverge and are marked by a dark secret. Eve shares her 18-month writing process, her shift from 1990s magazine journalism (including travel and celebrity interviews) into fiction, and how author promotion has changed with social media, reader connection, and even her dog Harry. The conversation touches on Downton Abbey props sold at auction, the cultural value of memorabilia, archiving family papers, research choices in fiction, and Eve’s dream party guest: Dolly Parton. 01:00 Secret Thread Origins 02:46 Objects and Memory 04:18 Sisters and Dark Secret 04:52 Building the Country House 07:40 Cornwall Settings and Past Books 09:16 Writing Process and Planning 11:42 From Journalism to Novels 13:03 Magazine Era Adventures 14:16 Childhood Without TV 15:30 Writing as Active Art 16:11 Learning Later in Life 16:50 Marketing in Social Media 18:06 Readers and Attention Spans 19:45 Sisters and Shared Humanity 21:41 Dogs and Downton Abbey 23:48 Downton Props at Auction 27:37 Archiving a Historic House 28:55 Research and Hooking Readers 30:32 Bookshops and Final Farewell You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Lady Carnarvon reflects on Highclere Castle’s first Literary Festival by spotlighting visiting authors and the origins of their stories. Hugh Bonneville discusses his commissioned Rory Sparkes children’s trilogy, how book two drew on learning his mother worked for MI6, and how he “pillaged” schoolchildren’s ideas; he reads an excerpt from The Spy Who Loved Tea. Shrabani Basu explains how researching curries led her to Victoria & Abdul, the challenge of burned letters, and her use of archives and Victoria’s Hindustani journals, then reads from the book. Derrick Tuke-Hastings describes writing Happiness Is You Still Being You during COVID and after retirement, including navigating a cancer diagnosis, and reads a passage on rediscovery. Santa Montefiore shares how her son inspired The Royal Rabbits of London and reads a tense tunnel scene. Dr. Hilary Jones describes turning COVID parallels with WWI and the Spanish flu into a trilogy culminating in penicillin’s wartime story, then reads an excerpt. Authors Katie and Kevin Tsang introduce their Great Ormond Street Hospital–endorsed Neverland series. Egyptologist Joann Fletcher outlines her lifelong work and The Story of Egypt. Susie Dent explains moving into fiction with Death Writ Large, centered on lexicographers and Oxford history, and reads an opening scene. Chapters: 00:29 Speaker Highlights 02:15 Hugh Bonneville Interview 05:39 Rory Sparkes Reading 07:42 Shrabani Basu Interview 10:46 Victoria & Abdul Reading 11:54 Derrick Tuke-Hastings on Happiness 15:33 Rediscovery 16:21 Santa Montefiore Interview 19:15 Royal Rabbits Reading 20:17 Rabbit Pie Peril 20:55 Dr. Hilary Jones Trilogy Origins 24:32 Penicillin Miracle Excerpt 25:41 New Neverland Adventure 28:31 Joann Fletcher Egypt Story 33:46 Susie Dent Mystery Shift 36:22 Oxford Graffiti Clues 41:12 Festival Reflections Farewell You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
It seems a fitting tribute to share this podcast which reflects on the last fifty years of Jeffrey's fabulous story telling. We recorded this on the 29th September and had such a joyful morning together. Fifty years after fourteen publishers turned down Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, Jeffrey Archer joins Lady Carnarvon at Highclere to talk about Adam and Eve, the novel he says will be his last. He explains why he still writes every word by hand on a thirty-two-line Oxford pad in Majorca, and gives a masterclass in what separates a sixteenth draft from a seventeenth, changing four words in a single sentence to show it. He describes the two real men behind Kane and Abel, the nine-day auction that cleared his debts, and why the boy selling pirated copies through a car window in Bombay has his blessing. Along the way: why the Americans blocked his favourite title, what happened when his Indian publishers told him not to mention cricket, Maggie Smith's gift for throwing a line away, and the peers who mistook a title for an achievement. And a revelation from the other chair. After seven works of non-fiction, Lady Carnarvon is planning her first novel, and Jeffrey Archer has firm views about the name on the cover. 02:10 First Novels & Book Titles 04:34 India & International Sales 12:14 The Writing Process 15:26 Adam and Eve 20:45 Maggie Smith & Downton Abbey 23:13 From Nonfiction to Fiction You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I welcomed one of my hero authors, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare, to Highclere Castle to talk about storytelling, history, the magic of reading, and the extraordinary charity they founded together — Farms for City Children. Michael shared how War Horse came to life and why understanding the First World War matters more than ever today. We recalled the unforgettable day Joey, the National Theatre's War Horse puppet, came to Highclere in 2014 — walking through the very library where Almina, my predecessor, had nursed soldiers back from the trenches a century before. Michael told the wonderful story behind Farms for City Children — how Clare, a childhood afternoon let loose near a Devon farm, courtesy of her father Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, sparked a lifetime's passion for the countryside, and how that passion became a charity that has given over 120,000 inner-city children a week of real farm life. We explored the importance of books and reading, handwriting, the friendship with Ted Hughes, the honest editorial partnership between Michael and Clare, and my own plans for a Highclere Literary Festival this October. We ended with Michael's dream summer evening guest: the radiant Audrey Hepburn. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:10 War Horse & Joey Comes to Highclere 06:30 History, World War I & Why It Still Matters 13:15 The Origins of Farms for City Children 21:45 A Real Farm — Not a Pretend Farm 28:00 Highclere: Farm, History & the Fifth Earl 33:20 The Power of Reading & the Literary Festival 38:10 Writing by Hand, Ted Hughes & the iPad 44:00 Editing, Marriage & Telling the Truth 49:30 Dream Party Guest: Audrey Hepburn Topics Covered War Horse & Highclere The origins of War Horse and why Michael believes we must understand history to navigate the present Lady Carnarvon recalls the day Joey, the War Horse puppet from the National Theatre, came to Highclere in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War I Highclere Castle served as a real military hospital during World War I — Lady Carnarvon's predecessor, Almina, nursed soldiers back from the trenches The contrast with the fictional Downton Abbey and the very real human stories preserved in letters at Highclere History, War & Responsibility Michael reflects on why the First World War is so important — and how it directly caused the Second The role of individuals and political movements in triggering conflict, from Sarajevo to the rise of Hitler Why Michael feels it is "timely" to revisit these lessons today, given the state of the world Seeing War Horse in the theatre the night before recording — and what it still means to him Farms for City Children Clare's childhood inspiration: sent outside to explore as a young girl near a Devon farm, she fell in love with the countryside, animals, and the rhythm of rural life Her father, Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, instilled a love of the natural world Why Clare and Michael left teaching after realising they weren't reaching the children who needed them most How the charity started with one Victorian farmhouse in Devon and has since grown to multiple working farms Over 120,000 children have now spent a week on a real farm — milking cows, feeding lambs, grooming horses, doing genuine work Meeting former "farm children" now aged 45 with families of their own, who say the experience never left them Highclere Today — A Living Estate Farming records at Highclere dating back to the 16th century; earliest written records from 749 AD Lady Carnarvon's rare breed Cornish pigs, Belted Galloway cattle, 1,400 ewes, and 2,500 lambs The Iron Age Fort and Bronze Age Tumuli on the estate William of Wykeham (1324–1404) — bishop and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford — lived at Highclere; it was his palace The fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, was a voracious reader; his will, written at 21, listed his books as among his most prized possessions The Power of Reading & Writing Why books matter: they let children ask questions, explore mortality, understand the world, and feel less alone Michael's beach anecdote — watching his granddaughter's husband read to their one-year-old, with the baby turning the pages back — as a perfect image of how the love of books is passed on The importance of parents reading aloud, good libraries, and physical books Lady Carnarvon's Highclere Literary Festival — launching this October, with: A children's trail through the gardens (including a wardrobe inspired by Narnia and an entrance to fairyland) The Curious Tent and Speaker's Corner Writing and reading competitions with cash prizes Free entry for under-16s who have read a book or written something Lady Carnarvon's campaign for handwriting — the link between brain, hand, and pen Ted Hughes, Writing by Hand & Technology Michael's lifelong habit of writing by hand — and how arthritis in his finger has forced a reluctant move to an iPad Neighbour and friend Ted Hughes on why handwriting matters: it keeps the mind and the process in sync Michael's delight at discovering he can dictate to his iPad ("It prints it out magically") Editing, Marriage & Honesty Clare as Michael's first editor — "quite unfairly truthful" — and why he always takes her notes even when he doesn't want to The ongoing verdict: nothing he's written in the 65 books since War Horse has matched it Lady Carnarvon's husband editing her first book and his well-meaning but devastating comment: "Don't worry if nobody reads it — you've still tried very hard" A Summer Evening Question If you could take anyone to Lady Carnarvon's summer jazz evening, who would it be? Clare: Gregory Peck Michael: Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday) A discussion of Audrey Hepburn's extraordinary grace — and how grace itself is something both Michael and Lady Carnarvon seek in their work and lives Mentioned in This Episode War Horse — Michael Morpurgo (novel, stage production, Steven Spielberg film) Waiting for Anya — Michael Morpurgo The History Boys — Alan Bennett Farms for City Children — farmsforcitvchildren.org Highclere Literary Festival — October 2025, Highclere Castle Allen Lane — founder of Penguin Books Almina, Countess of Carnarvon — WWI hospital at Highclere William of Wykeham — founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford The fifth Earl of Carnarvon — discoverer of Tutankhamun's tomb Ted Hughes — poet, neighbour of the Morpurgos Roman Holiday (1953) — dir. William Wyler, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck About Lady Carnarvon's Podcast Lady Carnarvon records her podcast from Highclere Castle, home of the real family whose story inspired Downton Abbey. Episodes explore history, heritage, literature, and the people and ideas that have shaped Highclere and the wider world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Today, I welcomed author Alex Norman to the podcast to talk about his book on De Havilland’s Moth and the thrilling world of aviation in the 1920s and 30s, a period with such wonderful links to Highclere. Alex shared his own family’s connections to early flying, including his grandfather’s aircraft and involvement in the London Aeroplane Club and explained how Geoffrey de Havilland’s ingenuity helped by Frank Halford’s lightweight Cirrus engine made the DH60 Moth a breakthrough for private pilots. We explored how government-subsidised flying clubs, adventurous women and men and the freedom of the skies fuelled record-breaking journeys, from Lady Bailey and Amy Johnson to the Aga Khan Trophy winner Aspy Engineer. We ended with Alex’s dream dance partner: the remarkable aviator Beryl Markham. 00:56 The de Havilland Family Connection 04:33 Building the First Aeroplane 05:05 Post-War Aviation & The Birth of the Moth 11:35 The Private Flying Movement & Aeroplane Clubs 14:47 Women in Aviation & Record-Breaking Adventures 16:47 The Aga Khan Trophy & Aspi Engineer 21:03 The de Havilland Legacy & The Mosquito 21:59 Dream Party Guest: Beryl Markham You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I’m delighted to welcome author and explorer Levison Wood to Highclere, where we talk about my great love; trees and his book, The Great Tree Story: how forests have shaped our world. Levison shares how studying the Grand Tour at university inspired his lifelong passion for travel and storytelling, from hitchhiking across Europe and Central Asia to serving as an officer in the Parachute Regiment and deploying to Afghanistan. He recalls founding a production company and undertaking extraordinary long-distance walks, including nine months walking the White Nile from its farthest source to the Mediterranean, followed by the length of the Himalayas and other epic routes. We explore what drew him to write about trees, especially an experience with the Asháninka in the Amazon and we discuss ancient yews, cedars, redwoods, Highclere’s planting of 22,000 trees and his plans to adapt The Great Tree Story into a feature documentary. 01:05 Grand Tour Roots 03:26 Modern Travel Risks 04:56 Army Years and Afghanistan 05:49 From Soldier to Storyteller 07:31 Walking the Nile 09:06 More Epic Expeditions 10:33 Planning and Logistics 12:31 Highclere Explorer Heritage 14:30 Why Trees Matter 17:32 Ancient Trees and Estate Planting 19:42 Redwoods and Tree Lore 23:29 Trees in Culture and Craft 24:33 Green Man and Next Film You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I welcome Dutch historian Rutger Bregman to the podcast after first messaging him on Instagram and we talk about what I took from his book Humankind and my own wish to bring people together to remember friendship and kindness. Rutger reflects on Dutch directness and equality shaped by living with water, from the 1953 flood to the Delta Works, and shares why he writes for a general audience about big questions of human nature. We discuss his challenge to the “veneer theory” and his belief in “survival of the friendlies,” alongside a real shipwreck story near Tonga where six boys survived 15 months through cooperation. Our conversation turns to bullying, family and attachment, the Second World War and Rutger’s research for Moral Ambition on how resistance spreads simply by asking others to help. 01:10 Dutch Culture and Directness 04:01 Water Engineering and Delta Works 05:41 Early Civilizations and Conflict 06:58 Why Bregman Writes Big History 08:12 Debunking Human Nature Myths 10:07 Cooperation at Highclere Today 12:49 Tempest and Amoral People 13:55 Real Lord of the Flies Story 19:00 Bullying Attachment and Family 21:41 Victorian Fathers Revisited 22:40 Reform Politics And Women 23:28 Why Study War 24:04 Resistance Myth Debunked 25:24 Heroes Are Asked 27:29 Unconventional Organizers 30:25 Kindness After Loss 32:19 Kindness Is Contagious 35:03 Lessons From Animals 36:18 Veneer Theory And Dickens 37:59 British Indirectness You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I’m delighted to welcome historical novelist Caroline Montague to the castle, where we talk about how writing offers a refuge from everyday life and how she protects her creative time in her office with her dogs. Caroline shares the remarkable history of Burnt Norton, its links to T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” and the dramatic tale of Sir William Kite, whose scandal, bankruptcy, and death by fire helped give the house its name, alongside stories of the “white lady” said to haunt the top floor. We discuss her path from law and interior design to writing, her planning process shaped by a firm agent, shifting titles and covers, and her current rewrite of a book about a famous royal swap. We also chat about spaniels, horses and the comfort animals bring. 00:49 Writing Routine and Space 01:35 Career Path to Author 02:41 Burnt Norton and TS Eliot 04:42 William Kite House Tragedy 07:02 Ghost Stories White Lady 09:51 House History and Hauntings 11:25 Plotting Process and Ideas 13:16 Deadlines Output and Titles 15:18 Rewriting The Hook 16:08 Jigsaw Writing Method 17:17 Past Healing Present 18:17 Woods And Creativity 18:35 Spaniel Life And Social Media 19:59 Dressage Highs And Loss 21:09 New Horse Gio 22:33 Italy And Spanish Stallions 25:08 Books Animals And Imagination You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I’m delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter’s Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough’s portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood. Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton’s biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little survives from the daughters’ own voices. We discuss Molly’s documented illness and Emily’s discovery of a possible porphyria link to the Prince of Wales, as well as Gainsborough’s finances, his wife’s hidden savings, and the sisters’ relationship, which Emily likens to Downton Abbey’s sister dynamics. Emily also previews her next novel, Mrs Dickens, exploring Catherine Dickens’s erasure after Dickens left her for Ellen Turner and the fate of their children. 00:46 Why the Daughters 03:20 Bath After Covid 05:57 Money and Marriage 08:18 Research and Sources 09:27 Molly Illness Mystery 12:21 Sisters and Downton 16:05 Blue Boy and Imagination 17:25 Gainsborough at Highclere 22:23 Next Book Mrs Dickens 24:35 Dickens Family Fallout 27:53 Catherine After Separation You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend’s suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region’s food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town’s mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon’s sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante’s Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante’s poetry and its lifelong influence. 00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia’ (restoring a house in Italy) 00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’: writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID 01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more) 04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar) 05:17 Falling for Tuscany’s Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story 07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic 08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo’ the operator 11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent 12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor’s welcome 13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished? 14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project 14:27 What’s Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus 14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes) 16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere’s Colorful Guests 17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination 18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca 20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015) 23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization 24:21 Highclere’s Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy 25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita Nova You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his military service and his newfound fame with captivating stories of bravery, love, and resilience. 00:49 Colin's MBE Award Journey 05:49 Life at the Royal Hospital 09:32 Britain's Got Talent Experience 15:44 Reflecting on Joan's Legacy 16:12 Early Marriage and Military Life 17:22 Family and Cultural Heritage 18:51 Royal Artillery and Highclere Event 22:24 Musical Journey and Britain's Got Talent 25:09 Post-Army Career and Civilian Life 29:05 Meeting Jo and New Beginnings You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone! 00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections 00:26 Challenges of 2025 01:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember 03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere 04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans 06:20 Business and Farming Challenges 08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events 11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition 12:57 New Additions and Future Projects 16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year Wishes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and spiritual life of ancient Egypt. Toby shares captivating stories from his fieldwork, discusses the challenges and rewards of uncovering the past, and reflects on what modern society can learn from the ancient world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of Egypt, this episode promises to inspire and inform, revealing the timeless relevance of ancient wisdom. Key moments: 01:20 – Introduction to Ancient Egypt 02:18 – Toby’s Journey as an Egyptologist 04:15 – Major Discoveries and Insights 06:41 – Life and Culture in Ancient Egypt 07:46 – Lessons for Today 13:10 – Final Thoughts and Reflections Join us as we unlock the secrets of the past with one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Egypt. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes and fascinating stories. 00:45 Santa Montefiore's Writing Journey 01:38 The Time Slide Series 03:51 Spiritual Themes in Writing 06:17 Early Inspirations and Writing Beginnings 09:34 First Publishing Success 16:49 International Book Tours and Challenges 23:44 Personal Spiritual Experiences You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities, the importance of good editors, and the challenges of choosing book titles and covers. Lady Carnarvon and Harriet bond over their shared appreciation for history, places, and the personal treasures that inspire their works. 00:45 Harriet's Early Writing Journey 02:02 Family Influence and Writing Motivation 02:46 Challenges and Growth as a Writer 04:10 The Importance of Place in Writing 07:11 Career Beginnings and Publishing Insights 10:23 Research and Writing Process 15:20 Historical Inspirations and Personal Stories 18:42 Reflecting on Youth and Memories 19:19 The Significance of Letters and Treasures 21:53 Writing and Publishing Journey 23:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing 24:32 Navigating the Publishing Industry 30:06 The Importance of Covers and Titles 32:05 The Value of Books and Reading 32:54 Highclere Castle Garden Party You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyllic life. Callie also talks about her writing journey, balancing her creative endeavors with the lively chaos of family life and the adventures that inspired her book set in Newmarket. Join us as we explore the joys of animals, the magic of rural life, and the emotional rollercoaster of being an author. Finally, Callie shares her insights into the highs and lows of the writing process and offers a sneak peek into her next literary endeavors. 01:01 Life in North Devon 01:39 Meet Sparky the Pony 03:06 The Story of Sparky's Arrival 08:07 Writing Amidst Chaos 08:53 Racing Adventures in Newmarket 13:47 Self-Publishing Journey 14:41 The Rollercoaster of Writing 15:21 The Editor's Red Pen 16:19 Recording the Audiobook 17:41 The Book Club Journey 22:21 Drawing from Life Experiences 23:36 Ponies and Childhood Memories 25:59 Living with Horses 27:38 The Charm of Stately Homes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland. We also discuss the therapeutic benefits of connecting with animals and simple moments of contentment in life. Join us as we explore transforming anxiety into a source of strength and clarity. 01:20 Discussing the Book and Anxiety 02:18 Personal Experiences with Anxiety 04:15 Therapeutic Approaches to Anxiety 06:41 Analogies and Real-Life Examples 07:46 The Role of Animals in Therapy 13:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Miranda Hart to our podcast. We cover many topics, from the importance of joyfulness and humor in life to her iconic character Ms. Bates in Jane Austen's 'Emma'. Miranda opens up about the challenges she faced during her career and the inspiration behind her book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You'. We chat about the intricacies of British humor, the pressures of performing in front of a studio audience, and the technical aspects of comedy. Miranda also shares personal stories about her health struggles, finding strength in vulnerability, and her unique approach to writing, which includes 'treasures of darkness' she discovered through her own experiences. Join us for this heartfelt and humorous conversation, complete with aspirations for future gallops around the garden and cherished moments of British comedic history. 00:56 Discussing British Humor and Sitcoms 01:45 Miranda's Memorable Roles and Experiences 03:00 The Art of Comedy and Scriptwriting 07:51 Challenges and Vulnerability in Acting 09:24 Miranda's Book and Personal Treasures 13:08 Living with Chronic Illness 19:39 Finding Joy and Future Plans You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented craftsman, Matthew Edley, known as Ted. Sitting down at Highclere Castle, we delve into Ted's journey from a punk rocker with a distinct red Mohican to a renowned metalwork master. We talk about his meticulous work repairing and conserving the castle’s historical candelabra and lamps, including converting them from candlelight to electric while maintaining their historical integrity. Ted also shares his experiences as a part of the TV series 'The Restorers,' where he showcases the art of craftsmanship and restoration. We discuss the importance of using traditional techniques and materials to preserve history and how these skills are transferred across various trades. Join us as we celebrate the blend of modern restoration with historical preservation at Highclere Castle. 00:43 Ted's Craftsmanship and Metalworking 01:20 Challenges of Restoring Highclere Castle 03:17 Conservation vs. Restoration 07:44 Ted's Television Career 09:11 The Art of Traditional Techniques 11:52 Future Projects and Collaborations 14:53 Reflections on Highclere Castle You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this podcast episode, I am delighted to welcome author Sinclair Mackay to discuss his captivating book on Winston Churchill, which delves into 90 meetings over Churchill's 90-year life. Our conversation covers Churchill's diverse roles and personal attributes, from his military valour to his romanticism, and even his encounters with notable figures like Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. Sinclair shares how Churchill's fearless and multifaceted nature made him an extraordinary figure, one who continually adapted to monumental changes in society. We also touch on Churchill's lasting impact on today's world and the different generations' perceptions of him. It's a thoroughly engaging discussion filled with fun anecdotes and thought-provoking insights about one of history's most complex characters. 00:36 Churchill's Fascinating Encounters 01:07 Writing Style and Approach 02:14 Churchill's Relationships and Personal Life 04:42 Churchill's Military and Political Career 06:25 Churchill's Emotional Depth and Romanticism 10:52 Churchill's Social and Financial Challenges 14:42 Churchill's Diverse Friendships and Interests 15:32 Highclere Castle and Social Changes 16:09 Churchill's Lifespan and Historical Impact 18:26 Churchill's Fearlessness and Adventures 21:10 Churchill's Post-War Vision and Legacy 24:45 Churchill's Relationships and Influence 27:40 Reflections on Churchill's Complex Legacy You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this episode, I sit down with the immensely talented artist and illustrator, Lucy Clare Dunbar, at Highclere Castle. Lucy shares her journey into becoming an illustrator, influenced by her father's artistry, and her love for drawing from a young age. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly losing her sight due to health issues, and how drawing became a form of therapy for her. Her sight eventually returned, giving her a profound appreciation for life. We delve into her book 'The Book of Gifts,' which combines her heartfelt sketches and words that reflect her personal experiences and hopes to uplift others. Lucy also talks about her creative family, her process of combining words with sketches, and how she draws inspiration from everyday moments and her beloved pets. Her story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the importance of living in the present. 01:35 Lucy's Artistic Journey 02:00 Overcoming Adversity 03:43 Family of Artists 04:37 The Book of Gifts 06:42 The Creative Process 13:16 Love for Animals 16:18 Living in the Moment You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Today, I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favorite historians, Alice Loxton, to the castle. We discuss her fascinating book 'Eighteen', which delves into the lives of historical figures when they were 18 years old. Alice shares her passion for medieval history and reveals how @history_alice came into being. We explore her unique approach to writing, imagining historical characters in modern settings to bring them to life. I was particularly intrigued by her diverse selection of characters, from Bede to Vivienne Westwood, and how she makes history accessible and engaging for everyone. 00:22 Exploring Historical Layers 01:04 The Book 'Eighteen' and Its Unique Approach 04:13 Diverse Historical Figures 09:49 Social Media and History 18:04 Writing and Research Process 25:37 Future Plans You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this episode, I sit down with aviation author Rowland White to discuss Geoffrey de Havilland's remarkable contributions to aviation, focusing on the iconic Mosquito plane. We explore de Havilland's early failures and eventual successes, including his innovative use of wood to construct aircraft. We also delve into personal stories connected to Highclere Castle and discuss ongoing efforts to restore Mosquito planes to flying condition! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In my first podcast of the year, I am joined by my husband, to discuss reflections on the past year and hopes for the future. We talk about various personal and public topics including the challenges of the past year, changes in the weather, and updates from our lives. We discuss the upcoming release of a third Downton Abbey film and chat about our gardening efforts, plans for hosting events at Highclere Castle, our gin production achievements, and hopes for our horses in training. It is so important to maintain optimism and cherish moments of joy amidst ongoing global and personal challenges. 00:19 Reflecting on the Past Year 00:45 Weather and Hopes for the New Year 00:57 Downton Abbey Updates 03:08 Springtime in the Gardens 04:40 Memorial Garden 06:40 Highclere Castle Projects 08:01 Guided Tours and Exhibitions 09:10 Farming and Gin Production 14:57 Horse Breeding and Training 16:11 Life with Nine Dogs You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is Liz Earle, renowned for her iconic beauty products. Liz discusses her transition from running a beauty brand to writing about health and wellness. We talk about her latest book, which offers personal insights and practical advice for living a healthier and longer life, especially for midlife women. We explore topics like nutrition, gut health, the importance of social connections, and self-care. Liz also shares her personal journey, her passion for community, and her humanitarian work in Africa. The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining brain health, physical fitness, and the critical role of nourishment. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 Liz Earle's Journey in Beauty and Wellness 01:06 Writing and Living Well Longer 02:49 Challenges and Health Tips for Midlife Women 06:52 The Importance of Social Connections 11:30 Grounding and Connecting with Nature 14:42 Nutrition, Cooking, and Sustainable Living 19:18 Future Projects and Longevity Goals 21:01 Balancing Personal Life and Public Image 27:39 Conclusion and Farewell You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is a trusted and familiar broadcaster on all things medical. Best known for his regular TV appearances he's also no stranger to writing. But until recently his books have been strictly non-fiction. Now he's branched out into story-telling with his WWI novel, Frontline, published in September 2021. I hope you'll enjoy my conversation with him. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
I'll let you listen to this edition of my podcast to find out exactly how I first met Tom, but suffice to say it has been a great joy to get to know him. Tom is a writer, actor, TV presenter but is perhaps best known as a stand-up comedian. These days he's rarely off the TV so it was fabulous that he found time to join me for a chat at the real Downton Abbey! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Joining me at the real Downton Abbey for this month's podcast is the author Veronica Henry. Veronica has written more than twenty bestselling novels having started her career as a script writer in TV and Radio. Her latest book is called 'The Secret Beach' - a perfect read as we bid farewell to summer. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
For this month's podcast I had planned to take a walk through a few rooms at the real Downton Abbey with our castle manager John. Whether it was the heat of the day or the lively conversation we only made it to one room! John has been at Highclere Castle for almost twenty years and this was a chance to look back on the many achievements we've celebrated during that time. The title of this podcast was our first major project. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Summer in Britain has been slow to arrive this year, but on a lovely sunny afternoon Geordie and I took a walk through the gardens to enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents that make up our beautiful surroundings. I should say that although sunny it was a little windy but don't be put off by the background noise we do find shelter from the wind at plenty of points along the way. So whatever you're doing come along with us on our summer walk. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In the midst of filming for the third Downton Abbey movie I was pleased to welcome John Tye to Highclere. John is an inspirational character who flew the record-breaking supersonic airliner Concorde. Starting life in an orphanage he made it to the edge of space in one of the world's most advanced flying machines. He's just published his story in a new book called 'Life of a Concorde Pilot'. This is John's second appearance on my podcast! You can also hear him in episode 23 when he was one of the three Concorde pilots I had the pleasure of talking to. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
In this episode of my podcast I get to talk about two of my great loves - words and language. My guest Susie Dent is an English lexicographer, etymologist, and the word referee in "Dictionary Corner" on the TV game show Countdown since 1992. Susie is also a bestselling author having written many books on the English language including her latest which is aimed at children, "Roots of Happiness: 100 Words for Joy and Hope". I was delighted she agreed to join me as a guest on my podcast here at the real Downton Abbey....... You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is local nature writer Nicola Chester. As Spring arrives at the real Downton Abbey it was lovely to sit down and talk about the beautiful countryside that surrounds us. Nicola's Award Winning Memoir is called 'On Gallows Down: Place, Protest and Belonging'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Behind the scenes at the real Downton Abbey this month I'm talking to raecehorse trainer Richard Hannon who is not only a good friend to my husband and myself but looks after some of the racehorses we've bred. Racing is very close to our hearts here at Highclere Castle especially as my father in law was the late Queen's racing manager and Richard's father trained some of Her Majesty's horses. Richard took over from his father in 2014 and clocked up his 1000th winner on Derby Day in 2019 and is now well on his way towards winner number 2000. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
This month I'm joined by my friend and respected interior designer Sarah Morris. Sarah has been by my side as I've worked to restore and re-decorate the very many rooms here at Highclere Castle over the past 20 years. From wallpaper, Royal house guests and even ghosts, join me and Sarah on an interior design tour of the real Downton Abbey! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Happy New Year! What better way to start 2024 than by welcoming historian, author, broadcaster and good friend Bettany Hughes to 'the real Downton Abbey'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
December is traditionally the month for giving so it's perhaps apt that my guest this month is the founder of a wonderful charity Starlight. Starlight raises funds for children’s play in healthcare, supporting children to experience the power of play to boost their wellbeing and resilience during illness. We've supported Starlight here at Highclere for at least 20 years so it was a great pleasure to welcome actress Emma Samms to tell me about how the charity started and the work they do to support sick children. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is the author Victoria Hislop. Victoria has entranced us all with her wonderful stories about Greece. Her debut book 'The Island' became an international bestseller, and her latest is called 'The figurine'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
This month's podcast is all about one of my favourite topics Egyptology. Joining me at Highclere Castle is Dr Colleen Darnell, an Egyptologist, author and educator. Her latest book 'Egypt’s Golden Couple: When Akhenaten and Nefertiti Were Gods on Earth' was co-authored with her husband, John Coleman Darnell, Professor of Egyptology at Yale University. It's a fascinating read even for non-egyptologists! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is one of best girl friends. I've known 'smiles' since I met her at university and she's remained a close friend ever since. Recently she's worked alongside me in the preparation of my book 'The Earl and the Pharaoh', so I thought an ideal time to sit down with her and reminisce on our friendship. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
It's August and my guest this month is the journalist and best selling author Tim Marshall. “Prisoners of Geography” has sold over 2 million copies and I have much enjoyed his recent book the “Power of Geography”. Tim’s books offer fascinating insights into this world on which we are all trying to live and which we are all trying to share. Before his writing career Tim had established himself as a well respected TV foreign correspondent as well as contributing to radio and newspaper I really hope you'll enjoy this podcast, listen as you take some time off and explore one or more of Tim’s books. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is a dear friend, and renowned author, Shrabani Basu. Shrabani is an Indian journalist and historian who is perhaps best known for writing the true story of 'Victoria & Abdul' about Queen Victoria's friendship with an Indian attendant Abdul Karim. It was a joy to sit down and talk to Shrabani - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month is the WW2 history author James Holland. I've got to know James over the years having appeared as a guest on several occasions at the wonderful history festival he founded. The Chalke Valley history festival in the nearby county of Wiltshire has grown to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Often the starting point for one of my books on the history of Highclere Castle is a conversation with David Rymill. David is our archivist and there's not much he doesn't know about the family history thanks to the extensive archive of documents and letters dating back to when the family first acquired the house in the 17th century. I find the archive here at Highclere fascinating so I was grateful to David for sitting down with me to discuss his work. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Jane Austen is one of England’s most celebrated and greatest novelists and Hampshire - the county where Highclere Castle is situated - played an important part in her life, not just as the place she lived but as inspiration to many of her novels. Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors so I was thrilled to sit down with Lizzie Dunford - Director of Jane Austen's House - one of the most treasured Austen sites in the world. The cottage, in a village to the south-east of Highclere called Chawton, is where Jane Austen lived for the last eight years of her life. Here her genius flourished and she wrote, revised and had published all six of her globally beloved novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
We're back after a month away to recharge our podcast batteries! My guest for March is someone very familiar to British TV audiences - weather presenter Laura Tobin. Laura has just written a book called 'Everyday Ways To Save Our Planet' - and so I invited her to come along to Highclere and share some of her tips with me! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Happy New Year! We begin 2023 in conversation with one of the people who has helped me unearth the rich aviation history that surrounds Highclere Castle. I first met George Bacon at an event to commemorate Sir Geoffrey De Havilland's first flight on the Highclere Estate at Seven Barrows. Since then he's become a friend and contributor to many events here at the real Downton Abbey. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
My guest this month has just published a wonderfully amusing book that looks back on her incredible life. Susannah Constantine is best known as a TV fashion expert, but as she tells me in this podcast her years on television are the least interesting thing about her. Join us in the castle's morning room for some extraordinary anecdotes involving Royalty, teapots and sobriety! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
The theme of our recent Highclere Festival was the path to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. It is an extraordinary tale of two unconventional men, Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter, neither of whom had studied archaeology at university but both of whom, through experience and passion, found the most extraordinary tomb of a Pharaoh. It's the subject of my new book 'The Earl and the Pharaoh'. Joining us over the festival weekend to help further our understanding was egyptologist Professor Joann Fletcher - I couldn't resist luring her away to talk to her for my podcast! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
The death of Her Majesty the Queen last month was both sad and unsettling. My own experience of meeting her was entirely due to her long friendship with my father-in-law and mother-in-law. In fact my father-in-law was her racing manager at one time, and my husband had the great honour of being her godson. So for this month's podcast I'm joined by Geordie to share some memories of a remarkable person. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.