Two Weeks that Shook the Palace

Two Weeks that Shook the Palace

Author: BBC Radio 4 November 5, 2025 Duration: 31:43

It was barely a fortnight - but in that time everything seemed to change.

This week, David Yelland and Simon Lewis look at the dramatic way Buckingham Palace responded to the growing crisis over the then-Prince Andrew. Going from an initial statement that seemed - to many - to get almost everything wrong to a second statement that went further than almost anyone was expecting.

Behind-the-scenes, just what was going on for the Royal comms team? What powers were at play, how was there such a gulf between the two statements and just how hard is it to react quickly when working for an institution as unwieldy as the Royal Family?

On the extended edition on BBC Sounds, we're on patrol with the 'Pleasure Police'. Well, that's who the gambling industry has in its sights as it fights to stop the sector being hit with higher taxes. But David and Simon think it's a particularly old fashioned type of PR campaign - complete with backing from The Sun and a slogan to Save Our Bets. With the Budget looming large, they examine whether these campaigns ever work.

And what price loyalty? John Lewis is making a fresh attempt to lure members into its flagship store - with the promise of free fizz, nibbles and arm massages. But beyond the pampering, how hard is it for brands and businesses to secure loyalty - and what are the reputational risks if you have to withdraw or adapt those perks?

Producer: Duncan Middleton Editor: Sarah Teasdale Executive Producer: Eve Streeter Music by Eclectic Sounds A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4


Tune in to When It Hits the Fan for a masterclass in reputation management, hosted by two insiders who have lived through the pressure of the headlines. David Yelland, former editor of The Sun, and communications expert Simon Lewis, bring their unparalleled experience to this BBC Radio 4 podcast. Each week, they dissect the most spectacular public relations meltdowns making news, offering a rare glimpse into the frantic world of crisis managers and spin doctors. You’ll hear them trace the origins of a scandal, pinpointing the exact moment strategies began to unravel and public perception shifted. This isn't just commentary; it's a forensic breakdown of how modern media storms are weathered or worsened by those in charge. The analysis is grounded in real-world stakes, exploring the political and personal consequences of every misstep and recovery attempt. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of media, power, and human error, this podcast provides an essential and gripping narrative. Listening feels like being in the room for a candid, post-mortem between two veterans who understand the game better than most. Their conversations reveal the mechanics behind the news cycle, making sense of how stories explode and what happens when control is lost.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

When It Hits the Fan
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