DYNASTY: The Royal Family’s Most Challenging Year

This episode will explore the role the Commonwealth plays in the monarchy—and how the perspective of its role in the world is quickly shifting. We’ll also examine the effect that the Sussexes’ departure had on the crown’s relationship with the other 53 Commonwealth countries, and how the royals may need to readjust if they want the Commonwealth to survive.For more DYNASTY, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Motherhood is far from simple, but motherhood within the context and confines of a monarchy comes with its own set of challenges. From the queen to Princess Diana to the Duchess of Sussex, royal mothers have had to balance their maternal instincts with centuries of tradition. This episode explores the disparate ways Meghan, Kate, and the generations before them have entered into and engaged with motherhood—and how the modern royals have begun to change the narrative.For more DYNASTY, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Enter Meghan Markle: an activist and philanthropist, an American actress, and biracial woman—in short, an outsider to the Firm. Why did Meghan’s independence and identity conflict with the royals—and undeniable aspects of the monarchy’s long history—and how did she carve out her own center of power amid the force of her in-laws?For more Dynasty, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Prince Harry has never been a stranger to headlines, but nothing compares to the media firestorm in early 2020 when the future king’s younger son stepped back from his royal duties. What caused Harry to reject royal tradition and the power of the Windsors in favor of a different kind of life with Meghan? And how has his public discussion of mental health struggles—both his own and for all people—helped him take control of his destiny?For more DYNASTY, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Kate and William’s epic wedding on April 29, 2011, was just one more fairy-tale scene in one of the 21st century’s most famous love stories—a love story that is important not to the media world and its rabid consumers, but to the future of a dynasty reeling from scandal and inner turmoil. This episode will explore Kate and William’s long courtship, rare rocky moments, and precisely what it will mean for Kate to be the first “commoner queen.”For more DYNASTY, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The current royal family, divided in so many ways, begins with a firmly unified front: Philip and Elizabeth. The couple’s steadfastness is as trademark as the royal corgis—but look a little closer and you see piles of dirt pathologically brushed under the rug. Who they were as spouses and parents, rather than public figures, not only shaped the family brand, but how the world got to know Charles, Diana, and everything after.  For more DYNASTY, visit VF.com/dynasty.For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Unimaginable secrets. Unyielding power. Devastating rifts and shocking allegiances. With surprising new interviews as well as historic sound, Vanity Fair’s DYNASTY examines the ties that bind the most influential families in the world today, taking you inside their lives for a glimpse at the inner workings of privilege.The DYNASTY debut season goes deep on the modern Windsors with Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl and staff writer Erin Vanderhoof, who reexamine the complex, sometimes fiery family dynamics—from the intimate side of the queen’s early reign to Harry and Meghan’s royal split to Prince Andrew’s shameful scandal—with razor-sharp insights, fresh reportage, and exclusive guests.For more on DYNASTY, visit vf.com/dynasty Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices