WILLIAM CALLED HER JUICY, ANDREW'S BUILDING A FENCE, AND NETFLIX HAS LEFT THE BUILDING - The week in UK Royal News with Mark Francis

This week on Palace Intrigue, the monarchy had one foot in pageantry and one in crisis management — and somehow kept its balance. King Charles led the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey as the BBC quietly declined to broadcast it, prompting sharp criticism from royal commentators who warned the institution's relevance cannot be taken for granted. Prince William answered a bakery phone and called a customer "Juicy," which briefly made the whole world love him. The Wales family visited Marlborough College, fuelling intense speculation about where Prince George will attend school. Diplomatic sources floated the prospect of a royal visit to Washington — with William and Kate seen as the potential stars — and the ghost of Diana dancing with John Travolta was invoked more than once.

Meanwhile, Prince Andrew's circle described a man who feels abandoned by the institution and is methodically reviewing old communications, while preparations for his move to a renovated Sandringham farmhouse continued. And in the Sussex orbit: Netflix exited the As Ever lifestyle brand in a split both sides called amicable and almost nobody believed; Harry and Meghan confirmed an April trip to Australia; and Meghan launched a Women's History Month chocolate promotion. A full, strange, very royal week.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/palace-intrigue-harry-meghan-the-crown-royal-family-news-and-gossip--4522904/support.

Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Media network.

Also check out new seasons of

King WIlliam Season 3

Crown and Controversy Season 4

Crown and Controversy: Kate Middleton