Heir and Spare / Royal Influence

S02 E04 • Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 • Feb 14

A look into the turbulent history of why every monarch is expected to produce at least two offspring, preferably male, known as the tradition of the Heir and a Spare. Other practices explored in this edition include the curious custom of royal warrants issued to everyone from cornflake manufacturers to broadband suppliers, an endorsement worth millions of pounds to many British manufacturers and an intriguing insight into the eating habits and day to day activities of the royal family.