(Prince) Andrew, Useless Architects and Awful Airport Security

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Nov 5, 2025

The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding Prince Andrew's Falklands medals and debate the fairness of his title removal. They question the effectiveness of airport-style security in train stations and discuss the ridiculousness of underwire bras at screenings. Frustrations about parking permit portals highlight the problems of automated systems. A listener's letter sparks a lively critique of modern architecture and public taste. They also recommend engaging history books to rekindle a love for the past.

42:49

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INSIGHT

Medal-Stripping Rewrites History

Stripping Prince Andrew's Falklands campaign medals rewrites history and resembles political 'unpersoning'.
Peter Hitchens warns such acts feed hysteria and mimic totalitarian falsification of the past.

insights

INSIGHT

Concessions Don't Save The Monarchy

Conceding to public outrage over royal behaviour only invites further demands and won't save the monarchy.
Peter Hitchens argues that continual concessions fuel republican momentum rather than protect the institution.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Intimidation On A Commuter Train

Sarah Vine recounts a train journey where a group of young men became intimidating and openly dealt drugs.
She says passengers froze and the lack of visible enforcement made the carriage feel unsafe.

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Defending Andrew's Falklands Medals

00:32 • 3min

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Was Removing Titles and Residence Justified?

03:17 • 12min

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Should Train Stations Have Airport-Style Security?

14:59 • 5min

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Why Visible Policing Matters on Public Transport

19:37 • 15sec

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Airport Security: Effective or Performative?

19:53 • 2min

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International Train Security Practices Compared

21:59 • 29sec

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Underwire Frustrations with Airport Screening

22:28 • 4min

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Parking Permit Portal Rage and Automation Failures

26:03 • 3min

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Public Dislike of Modern Architecture

28:54 • 3min

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Is Russia Heading for Collapse from the Ukraine War?

31:37 • 6min

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Recommendations to Rekindle a Love of History

Oxford history of Britain in the 20th century

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

A Little History of the World

E. H. Gombrich

Written in 1935 by Ernst H. Gombrich, 'A Little History of the World' chronicles human development from the inventions of cavemen to the results of the First World War. The book describes major world religions and incorporates historical events and figures in an engaging and conversational style. Originally written in German, it was later translated into English by Caroline Mustill and Leonie Gombrich after Gombrich's death. The book is notable for its accessibility and has been praised for making complex historical concepts understandable for a broad readership.

#10739

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

The history of the Russian revolution

Leon Trotsky

The History of the Russian Revolution is a three-volume book that provides a comprehensive account of the February and October revolutions in Russia in 1917. Written by Leon Trotsky during his exile in Turkey, the book is divided into three volumes: The Overthrow of Tzarism, The Attempted Counter-Revolution, and The Triumph of the Soviets. It explains the historical reasons behind the overthrow of tsarism, the role of the masses in revolutions, and the political dynamics leading to the Bolsheviks' rise to power. The book also serves as a critique of Stalin's attempts to rewrite history and is considered an important work due to its unique perspective from a participant and theorist of the revolution.

#23877

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Young Stalin

Simon Sebag Montefiore

This book provides a thrilling and meticulously researched account of Stalin's formative years. It details his transformation from a charismatic cobbler's son to a student priest, romantic poet, prolific lover, gangster mastermind, and murderous revolutionary. Montefiore draws on revelatory research, including previously unread archival material from Russia and Georgia, to offer a vivid psychological portrait of Stalin. The book explores his early life, his involvement in bank robberies and revolutionary activities, and his complex relationships with figures like Lenin, set against the backdrop of the violent and clannish culture of Georgia.

#2437

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

The Deluge

The Great War, America and the Remaking of the Global Order, 1916–1931

Adam Tooze

In 'The Deluge', Adam Tooze provides a panoramic view of the struggle for global mastery from the battles of the Western Front in 1916 to the Great Depression of the 1930s. The book explores how the Great War reshaped the global order, leading to the collapse of empires, the emergence of new nations, and the rise of the United States as a dominant global force. Tooze argues that the war marked the beginning of an American-centered world order, which would be challenged by leaders like Hitler, Mussolini, and those of Imperial Japan in the subsequent decades. The book also delves into the economic and political implications of this new order, including the role of Woodrow Wilson's 'peace without victory' and the global economic instability that followed.

#2424

• Mentioned in 14 episodes

All the king's men

Robert Penn Warren

The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South. The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man. As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power. The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption. Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society.

#77709

Macaulay's History of England

None

Thomas Babington Macaulay

On this week’s episode, Peter wants to know if the government really going to strip Andrew of his Falkland campaign medals and, in the light of this week’s attack, Sarah will be asking what kind of security do our transport systems need to make us feel safe?

Plus, don’t get them started on parking permit portals, underwired bras, and the awfulness of some architects, but do ask them what historical biographies you should read.

On our reading and watch list this week:

· Elysium – Dir: Neill Blomkamp

· The Deluge – Adam Tooze

· All The King’s Men – Robert Penn Warren

· Young Stalin - Simon Sebag Montefiore

· Scum Of The Earth - Arthur Koestle

Please do get in touch, email: alas@mailonline.co.uk, you can leave a comment on Spotify or even send us a voice note on Whatsapp – on 07796 657512, start your message with the word ‘alas’.

Presenters: Sarah Vine & Peter Hitchens

Producer: Philip Wilding

Editor: Chelsey Moore

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

Executive Producer: Jamie East

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular

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