July 5, 2026 | The decision by King Charles III to change the nature of his role has rightly been greeted with consternation by many Christians. For the simple and powerful title of "Defender of the Faith", the monarchy's flourishing HR department has substituted the cumbersome title of "Protector of the Space for Faith within the Multi-faith Nation.”
Notice the language, the King's role is circumscribed and hemmed in by layers of cultural sensitivity. This is not the specific and expansive responsibility articulated for a powerful monarch but the qualified job description of a bureaucrat. Indeed the language is that of the professional office manager, laced as every workplace must now be with multi-cultural enforcement.
That the King has opted to redefine his role in this way is interpreted as turning away from this country's Christian roots in order to accommodate separatist and often outrightly hostile minority religions. It is, indeed, all of those things. But it is also a massive diminishment of the institution of monarchy, a taking away of its grandeur to be replaced with woke and vague platitudes which cannot possibly capture the hearts of a people. Combined with his selfish decision no longer to reside in the heart of London's ceremonial architecture, i.e. at Buckingham Palace, this week has seen The King reduce the stature of the institution he is sworn to uphold and protect.
To discuss this I'm joined by the author Bijan Omrani, who wrote the brilliant book 'Good Is An Englishman', that examines the central role of Christianity in creating and sustaining England. I hope you enjoy the episode.
Aug 17, 2025 | This week the latest revelations about Prince Andrew prompted a discussion with historian and author Alex Larman, author of several books about the Windsor family. Together we talked about how our Royal household has gotten itself into its current position, with a King who frequently opines on matters of significant political contention in ways that erode support for the institution among the very people most likely to back it. We trace this trend back to its origin in the early twentieth century, when the monarchy was reinvented as a popular institution. The very name of the dynasty is changed and democratic orders of chivalry are invented, even one for socialists. The area around Buckingham Palace is transformed in order to create a public venue for the display of the Royal Family to its people. Shepherding this popular monarchy has always been a tightrope act, and on many occasions the acrobat has come close to falling, such as during the crisis of Edward VIII's abdication or the devastating scandals afflicting the marriages of Queen Elizabeth II's children. But King Charles is pushing the act to its very limit. Enjoy the episode!
Aug 15, 2025 | MEA CULPA: I was so passionately engaged in my discussion this week that I couldn't help but lean into the camera. We're currently working on a new camera setup so this doesn't happen again!
Feb 3, 2025 | About Thinking Class: Thinking Class is a free-speech YouTube show and podcast about the state of our world. Join John Gillam and his guests to understand why elites and their ideas matter, and how what they think, say and do impacts the health of our society, culture, and civilisation. This podcast explores what made our civilisation, what is unmaking it, and how each of us might respond to keep it together.
Nov 3, 2024 | Historian Dr David Starkey discusses Keir Starmer's first four months as prime minister, comparing him to Theresa May in his inability to govern or conduct politics. The historian slammed Labour's budget and he criticised the cabinet. He warned of an impending economic crisis following historic tax rises. Dr Starkey also discussed the Conservative Party leadership contest.
Jul 31, 2024 | What does Keir Starmer actually want? The UK’s new Labour prime minister is usually described as moderate, pragmatic and non-ideological. Here, historian and broadcaster David Starkey argues that this is an illusion. Starmer, Starkey explains, is a fierce anti-democrat. He wants to transfer power from the UK’s elected parliament to unelected bodies, from the courts to the civil service to the quangos. His party will establish the supremacy of the ‘Blob’, all while cracking down hard on free speech. Our democracy and liberty are in peril.
Aug 7, 2024 |Historian David Starkey reacts to the latest protests and riots across Britain. Mr Starkey slammed Keir Starmer over his reaction to the protests, saying Labour has lost the white working class forever. The historian also described the safe and peaceful England he grew up in, saying that it has now been destroyed by Tony Blair and New Labour who forced a multi-ethnic society on unwilling Britons.
May 29, 2019 • How did Winston Churchill draw on the lessons of his ancestor John Churchill to fight World War II? The Duke of Marlborough's influence is apparent as Dr David Starkey explains.
Feb 11, 2019 • Dr David Starkey reveals how Winston Churchill's biography of his ancestor John Churchill marked out Winston as the only politician who truly understood war - just as WWII loomed.
Jan 7, 2019 • David Starkey weaves the stories of two great British war leaders: John and Winston Churchill. Hear how John Churchill rose from obscurity to be King James II's right-hand man.
