It's Reigning Men

Nestled in between India and China is the Kingdom of Bhutan, one of the world’s newest monarchies.

Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is the country’s fifth king and when he became head of state in 2006 he was the world’s youngest monarch.

The King oversees a nation that measures its success with happiness of a population and is being credited with innovative ways to ensure younger people don’t emigrate.

Guests:

Tshering Tobg...

Japan claims to have the oldest continuing monarchy in the world with an unbroken line from the same family for more than 2600 years.

But there's a succession problem in the current Japanese imperial family as Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako only have one child, Princess Aiko, and Japan forbids women from inheriting the throne.

The United Nations has suggested officials look at changing the law to make it more equal.

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This episode contains some discussion around sexual abuse in the second half of the episode, which may not be appropriate for all.

As head of state of The Vatican City, Pope Francis is also a monarch.

He is one of a handful of elected monarchs in the world, which also include Cambodia, Malayisa and United Arab Emirates.

In this episode we look at the the Pope's role as a monarch, as well as leader of the Catholic church, a...

This episode contains some discussion around sexual assault allegations in the second half of the episode, which may not be appropriate for all.

The King of Norway is one of the most-popular figures in the country but recent scandals surrounding the royal family suggest support is weakening.

His daughter, Princess Märtha Louise, controversially married a self-styled shaman last year who has peddled conspiracy theories and fac...

This year Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg should be marking 25 years on the throne but he's announced his intention to abdicate just one day before that milestone in October.

In this episode we look at how one of the smallest, and richest, countries in the world views its monarchy and royal family.

There have been two big tests for him as head of state.

The first caused a constitutional crisis when he attempted to use his v...

Most monarchs are groomed from birth as an heir but not for the Jordanian king who only discovered his fate two weeks before he inherited the throne.

Situated in "a tough neighbourhood", Jordan is not just an important player in the middle-east region - it's also essential for the West that it remains stable.

Since returning to the White House Donald Trump is demanding the country takes in more Palestinian refugees from Gaza,...

Europe's longest-reigning monarch has seen the world change over the course of his reign.

A constant figure since 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden lost his remaining political power within a year or so of becoming monarch.

Has he been successful in remaining relevant as a ceremonial figure? We look at the data over 30 years to see what shape the Swedish royal family is in now.

Plus we find out what it was like filming ...

How did the first year of King Frederik X of Denmark's reign go?

We go back to look at his mother's shock abdication, learn how he's struggled with public speaking, and discuss if he can play a role in talks over Greenland - an autonomous territory of Denmark - which Donald Trump wants to buy.

Guests:

Silla Bakalus, B.T. journalist

Lars Hovbakke Sørensen, Associate Professor at Absalon University College

Hosted by Danie...

Subscribe to It’s Reigning Men now, and join us as Daniel Rosney uncovers the power, the privilege and the politics of modern monarchs.

Interested in Kings, Queens, power and palaces?

This is the new podcast for you as we delve deeper into the men who reign over more than 40 countries.

Released weekly, with some bonus episodes along the way, join in as we explore who these men are.

If you want to suggest a topic to be e...