8: The Duke of Cumberland and the slit throat mystery!

On 31st May 1810, the Duke of Cumberland – George III’s fifth child, and notorious 19th Century wrong’un – was attacked while asleep in his apartments in St James’ Palace.

And, hours later, one of the Duke’s valets, Joseph Sellis, was found dead in his room. His throat had been cut with a razor. It was a grisly crime scene. Sellis’ head was nearly severed from his body, and blood had soaked the bedclothes, furniture, and walls.

Join Kate and Robert as they delve into the circumstances surrounding Sellis’ death by reconstructing what exactly happened on the night of the murder; exploring the Duke of Cumberland’s scandalous background and his subversive relationship with both Joseph Sellis, and his other valet.

Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things is the Daily Mail's unmissable podcast that promises listeners a weekly dose of royal history and intrigue by unpacking a different royal scandal each week.

Hosted by Daily Mail columnist and royal biographer Robert Hardman and historian Professor Kate Williams, each episode delves into the juiciest parts of royal history from eras past, and present... but mainly past.

New episodes out every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenters: Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams

Producer: Rich Jarman

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

Executive Producer: Bella Soames

Thanks to Dr. Fern Riddell
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Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things looks at the Royal Family - the secrets, the palace intrigues, and the Crown's bloodiest moments.
Hosted by Royal Historians Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams, this series mixes factual storytelling with debate - and a splash of fun ... like its parlour game to discover the most monstrous royal of all time!
Coming up in its new season: How the Royal Family deals with terror plots (and how Meghan Markle took a survival course) | An in-depth exploration of King Edward and Wallis Simpson | King Charles III and his magic tricks | Prince Harry's days at boarding school | The rogue who tried to steal the Crown Jewels | Queen Elizabeth II and the exorcism .... and many more Royal stories from history.

New episodes out every THURSDAY, wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosts: Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams
Series Producer: Ben Devlin
Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini
Executive Producer: Bella Soames

• No. of episodes: 44
• Latest episode: 2025-04-30
• Society & Culture TV & Film

Where can you listen?