logo
episode-header-image
May 2022
18m 45s

The Royal Family: How strong is its bran...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Samira Hussain investigates the brand of the British Royal Family. It's estimated to be one of the biggest brands in the world, steeped in history, tradition and of course scandal...

In the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year we look at how recent events have changed things for the royal brand and what coming changes and challenges could mean going forward. Pauline McLaran, professor of marketing and consumer research at Royal Holloway University and co-author of Royal Fever: The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture explains how this multi-faceted brand actually functions and what she thinks are the biggest problems it faces.

We'll also explore whether being associated with brand Royal is still good for business. Jason Bell is a photographer based in New York. He took the photographs of Prince George’s christening and tells us about the media interest in him being linked with that job and the global response to his pictures. Chef Darren McGrady, who cooked for the Queen and Princess Diana for many years, also joins us. Darren now runs a business in Dallas, Texas called Eating Royally. He says working for the royals definitely opened doors for him, but has questions about the future of the brand.

Presenter: Samira Hussian Producer: Carmel O'Grady

(Image: Queen Elizabeth II and members of the royal family; Credit: Victoria Jones / PA Wire)

Up next
Today
The cocoa conundrum
<p>Can Europe be weaned off cheap chocolate? EU efforts to block cocoa linked to deforestation were due to come into force at the end of this year – but have faced multiple delays. Another vote is due to take place soon. Some parties are pushing for further delay and modification ... Show More
20m 42s
Yesterday
Is this the end for South East Asia's scam centres?
<p>It’s one of the biggest human trafficking operations of modern times. Scam centres across South East Asia have been making hundreds of billions of dollars annually, it’s estimated, conning people into fake crypto-currency investment schemes. </p><p>But now these centres could ... Show More
18m 29s
Nov 24
Monetising Machu Picchu
<p>Peru is home to Machu Picchu - the ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains. </p><p>It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popular tourist destination attracts millions of visitors, making it very lucrative for the government, local a ... Show More
17m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2021
The Business of the British Monarchy: What Happens Now?
<p>On Sunday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — also known as Harry and Meghan — rocked the world when they revealed intimate details about their experiences in the British royal family and their decision to step back as ‘senior members’ in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. What th ... Show More
29m 39s
Apr 2023
Let’s Talk Royal Style With Rebecca Victoria From Royal Style Diary | Royal Community Spotlight | Episode 113
We are so pleased to welcome Rebecca Victoria to our Royal podcast this week. We talk all things Royal Style from: Diana's revenge dress Our Coronation fashion predictions. Did Meghan, Duchess of Sussex revolutionise Royal fashion? Are the men in the Royal Family well dressed? We ... Show More
44m 4s
Mar 2023
The Messy State of The Royal Family
As the world prepares for King Charles' upcoming Coronation, Sean & Maggi are taking a look at the current state of the royal family. From Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's slate of public projects -- which included a Netflix documentary and a sit-down interview with Oprah -- to the ... Show More
38m 23s
Sep 2022
The world mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II
From memorabilia to new banknotes and coins, the death of the longest-reigning monarch will bring changes beyond the United Kingdom. The BBC’s Samira Hussein tells us about the reactions in the United States to the demise of Elizabeth II. As Great Britain says goodbye to their mo ... Show More
27m 50s
Aug 2023
Should Princess Beatrice Become A Working Royal? | Royals in Scotland | Royal Birthdays | Episode 130
Should Beatrice become a working Royal? If Princess Beatrice become a working Royal, what would that look like? And, is it fair that other members should be working Royals, and not Princess Beatrice? What about Zara, Peter, Lady Louise and Princess Eugenie? We discuss all in toda ... Show More
20m 12s
Jun 2023
Prince Harry’s High Court Battle Against The Tabloid Press | Jordanian Royal Family Wedding Thoughts | Eugenie Royal Baby News | Episode 121
*There are a few swear words during today's pod so please listen with headphones if you are around little ones* In today's Royal family podcast episode 121... We are breaking down all the latest news from The Duke of Sussex’s (or as he is called in court, Prince Harry) High Court ... Show More
47m 2s
Nov 2022
The Crown - fact or fiction?
Major TV series The Crown is back - series five - and it deals with one of the most painful and excruciatingly public decades of recent Royal history. Diana's tell-all book with Andrew Morton, Charles's intimate phonecalls with Camilla, the Queen's popularity with her public and ... Show More
33m 9s