Even The Royals

In part one, Grigori Rasputin went from a powerless peasant to the spiritual advisor of the Tsar and Tsarina, the most powerful couple in Russia. Now, Rasputin’s “healing abilities” have been put to the test. If he saves their son, Alexei, he can solidify his place of power. If he doesn’t, he’s gone for good. Unfortunately for Rasputin, whatever the outcome, he’s already made enemies who are scheming to bring him down - dead or alive.  In this episode we discuss sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, you can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline in the U. S. by calling 1 800 656 HOPE. That's 1 800 656 4673. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pop culture has painted Grigori Rasputin as a power-mad mystic who rose from the dead and destroyed the Russian dynasty. But the truth about Rasputin is a lot more complex. In this two-part series, we follow the story of a peasant who dreams of rising to the top of society and a Russian Tsarina desperate for a miracle. But the higher Rasputin climbs, the more his enemies want him gone – for good.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In parts one and two, Catherine fought for security in the French royal court, using all the tools available to her: negotiation, edicts ... and a little murder. But as Catherine’s reign nears its end, her legacy is in danger. She only has three sons left, and none of them are predicted to survive. And if they die, her line of power will end. Catherine will do everything she can to rewrite fate – or die trying.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Catherine de Medici married into French royalty and secured her spot in court by having a bajillion kids. But now her husband is dead, and his rivals are out to usurp Catherine’s power. If Catherine is going to keep control, she'll have to get creative – and maybe get her hands a little bloody. But the clock is ticking, because if her astrologer is right, her line of power is going to end a lot sooner than Catherine would like. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When it comes to what’s going on with Catherine Middleton, it’s another day, another conspiracy theory. Or three. First up, a video was released on Monday showing someone who looked a lot like Kate at a British farm stand with someone who looked a lot like her hubby, Prince William. But many people - including Bravo king Andy Cohen - don’t buy that it’s actually Kate. They think it’s a body double posing as a Fake-Kate. Secondly, there are the rumors that William’s been having an affair, and now the woman at the center of those rumors - Rose Hanbury - is speaking out. Finally, someone tried to swipe Kate’s medical records from the hospital where she had the abdominal surgery! Richies, we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. In the meantime, will the real Catherine Middleton please stand up? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catherine de Medici was Queen of France for nearly 30 years, during a time that was so volatile it makes the French Revolution feel like a street fair. In part one of this three-part series, Catherine is an Italian orphan who marries into French royalty. But keeping her new cushy life won’t be easy. Catherine’s new hubby has a side piece and if Catherine can’t figure out how to compete with her, then she may get kicked to la curb. She’ll have to use every tactic she can think of to secure her place in court – including a witchcraft. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This two-part series is all about Lili'uokalani, the first and last queen of the Kingdom of Hawai’i.  In part one, Lili'uokalani came of age in the Hawaiian court and supported her brother when he became king.  But when powerful foreigners forced through a new constitution that stripped rights from the Hawaiian people, Lili’uokalani refused to stay silent.  Now, as queen, she’s set on becoming the ruler that Hawaiians really need – while she fights the men trying to steal her home, and her crown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before Hawai’i was a state, it was an independent kingdom ruled by a series of monarchs – including one queen. Queen Lili’uokalani was a writer, composer, and philanthropist who gave everything she had to protect her homeland and her people. In part one of this two-part series, Lili’uokalani is named as heir to the throne – and all of the problems that come with it. When foreigners start to snatch pieces of the Hawaiian kingdom for themselves, she refuses to stay silent. No matter what it may cost her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Ludwig II reluctantly became king when his father died. But instead of leading his country, he poured his money and time into the operas of Richard Wagner. Now, members of the king’s own government are plotting his demise. But this only makes Ludwig dive deeper into his next flight of fantasy: building giant castles. As the bills rack up, so does reality.  Ludwig’s obsession with fantasy worlds is about to make his real life a living nightmare. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You might not know his name but you probably know his legacy. King Ludwig II of Bavaria was known as the “Fairy Tale King” due to his extreme love of the arts. He funded famous operas and built extravagant castles – including one that inspired Walt Disney. But he also ignored his duties and refused to lead, choices that eventually cost him his crown…and his life. In part one of our two part series, Ludwig finds an escape from his lonely upbringing by hiding in fantastical stories. But he’s about to find out it will take a lot more than opera to keep his kingdom happy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Grace Kelly died tragically in 1982 she left behind a legacy as an actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon. But she also left behind a 17-year-old daughter who was in the car crash that took Grace’s life. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is born into royal fame and fortune, but almost immediately wants to trade in her tiara for a t-shirt. She spends her life searching for something her mother never got a chance to find for herself – a way to live truly on her own terms. But when tragedy nearly derails her life, Stephanie will have to rebuild it one very public screw up at a time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In part one, Grace Kelly fought her way from aspiring actress to onscreen queen. Now she has an even bigger role on the horizon: European princess. Grace is about to catch the attention of Prince Rainier of Monaco, but marrying into a royal family will come with a whole lot more than she bargained for. Princess of Monaco will be her hardest role yet – and will eventually cost Grace her career, her happiness, and her freedom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grace Kelly was a Hollywood icon in the 1950s. She worked with legends like Clark Gable and Alfred Hitchcock and only left when it was time to marry a real-life prince. She seemed to live the ultimately fairy tale life, but it came at a price – she fit herself into the box of perfection only to find herself trapped there. In part one of this two-part series Grace is a young girl in an unloving family who dreams of being a star. But Tinseltown demands the best, so if Grace wants leading roles – and an Oscar – she’ll have to turn herself into a flawless leading lady. No matter what it may cost her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part One, Cixi went from concubine to all-powerful Regent, thanks to her bestie and a savvy political coup. But while she was wielding her new found power, Cixi’s enemies were plotting her demise. Now that they’ve executed the man she loved, Cixi wants to even the score… and then some. But she’ll find out the hard way that revenge, and power, come at a cost.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Empress Dowager Cixi wasn’t born into power – she took it. After participating in a 19th century version of The Bachelor, Cixi was chosen as one of the Emperor’s concubines. In part one of this two-part series, Cixi uses her cunning, wit, and scrappy attitude to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming one of the most powerful Chinese empresses of all time. But getting power is one thing – keeping it will prove to be an entirely different challenge. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Martha Louise was born a princess of Norway, but she never truly felt like one. She spends years looking for a place where she can belong. And in true 2023 fashion, this place includes angels, a controversial celebrity shaman and a whole lot of bad press. This is the story of a clairvoyant princess who never felt truly at home in a castle, so she created her own kingdom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In Part One, Marie Antoinette came to France as a teenager and ended up getting her name dragged through the mud. Marie’s determination to prove to her people that she’s a queen who deserves respect is about to dig her grave that much faster. Now, she’s not just in a fight for her image – she’s in a fight for her life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people associate Marie Antoinette with towering wigs, bon bons, affairs, and the legendary “let them eat cake” line. And wasn’t she executed for living extravagantly while the French people were starving? The answer is no, no, and no – the truth is way more complicated than cake. We’re talking pornographic cartoons, diamond necklace cons, and one shocking accusation that will seal Marie’s fate. In this two-part series, we’ll tell you about one of history’s greatest smear campaigns - one that had deadly consequences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen to Even the Royals wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge Even the Royals early and ad-free on Wondery+. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.