Secrets of the Royal Palaces, 23 March, Channel 5, “Scandal”

Channel 5’s popular series “Secrets of the Royal Palaces” is back with a brand new episode, airing on Saturday 23 March 2024 at 8.15pm. In this episode, titled “Scandal,” viewers will be treated to fascinating stories of scandal and intrigue from various royal palaces.

The episode begins by delving into Princess Diana’s time spent at Marivent, the Spanish royal family’s summer palace in Mallorca. During her four summers there with Prince Charles and their sons, Diana confided in Royal Protection officer Ken Wharfe about the state of her marriage. According to Wharfe, Diana revealed that her marriage was “a sham” and that both she and Charles were involved in secret affairs. This revelation marked a turning point as their scandalous secrets started to come to light.

The show then shifts its focus to Frogmore House, where George III’s six unmarried daughters engaged in illicit affairs with servants and had numerous illegitimate children. These scandals were meticulously kept hidden through various means, including stealing an explosive tell-all memoir that could have exposed their secrets.

Not all scandals involve affairs of the heart; some revolve around art fraud. The episode explores how Prince Charles ended up with fake masterpieces by renowned artists Picasso, Monet, and Salvador Dali hanging on his walls at Windsor Castle. The intriguing story behind this art deception will leave viewers astounded.

Continuing at Windsor Castle, known for its grandeur and strict security measures, the show uncovers two major security failures that allowed an armed assailant onto palace grounds with the intention of harming the monarch. This shocking incident highlights how even seemingly impenetrable locations can have vulnerabilities.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as it reveals Queen Victoria’s beloved Pekingese dog named Looty. While appearing charming in a cute oil painting memorialising him, Looty has a dark past tied to the looting of China’s summer palace. Looty’s presence in England serves as a reminder of the destructive actions carried out by the British during that time.

Lastly, the episode explores The Royal Lodge, a royal residence with a rich history of scandal and luxury. Once associated with the excesses of George IV, it has recently been occupied by Prince Andrew. The focus shifts to Prince Charles and his attempts to renovate the lodge while simultaneously trying to distance himself from his scandal-ridden brother.

Make sure not to miss this riveting new episode of “Secrets of the Royal Palaces” on Channel 5, airing on Saturday 23 March 2024 at 8.15pm.