The Daily T
The Telegraph
Inside Fergie's alleged 'friends with benefits affair' with rapper P Diddy
In this episode of The Daily Tea, host Camilla Tominey speaks with royal biographer Andrew Lownie regarding the updated edition of his book about the House of York. The conversation centers on Lownie’s controversial new claims, most notably an alleged friends-with-benefits relationship between Sarah Ferguson and rapper P Diddy. Lownie asserts that the allegation is well-sourced, despite vehement denials from Ferguson’s representatives, who characterize the claims as fabricated and unfounded. The discussion explores the broader context of the York family’s connections to figures like Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Nygard, as well as the Prince Andrew controversy. Lownie details allegations regarding the Prince’s behavior, including anecdotes from former staff about his conduct, his isolation at Royal Lodge, and his current routine, which the author describes as largely consumed by video games. Throughout the episode, Lownie defends his reporting as a necessary effort to provide a transparent, alternate narrative about the family. The hosts also debate the public interest versus the potential for salaciousness, touching on the need for greater oversight of royal business interests and the long-term impact these scandals have on the reputation of the British monarchy.
Updated Jun 30, 2026
About This Episode
Andrew Lownie, royal historian and biographer behind the bestselling ‘Entitled: The Rise and Fall of House of York’, a biography of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, joins The Daily T to discuss the updated paperback edition of his bestselling book.
Camilla and Tim talk to Lownie about the book’s most explosive new allegations, from claims surrounding Sarah Ferguson’s links to Sean “Diddy” Combs and the late Ghislaine Maxwell, to accusations about Prince Andrew’s behaviour towards staff.
They also discuss the Yorks’ long-running financial troubles, Andrew’s life away from public duties, and whether King Charles can ever fully escape the shadow of the Andrew scandal.
We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on TikTok, Instagram and X
► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
Producer: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett
Social Media Producer: Nada Aggour
Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman
Video Producer: Will Walters
Studio Operator: Meghan Searle
Editor: Camilla Tominey
Highlights
- Allegations of an affair between Sarah Ferugson and Sean Coombs
- The Yorks’ long-running financial troubles
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen to The Daily T in Podtastic
For listeners, not advertisers
More Episodes
From motorhomes to £2k pepper pots: Inside Sturgeon's husband's eye-watering embezzling
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley delve into the significant scandal surrounding Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the SNP and husband of Nicola Sturgeon. Murrell recently pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party. The hosts analyze the bizarre and extensive list of items Murrell purchased with these misappropriated funds—ranging from a motorhome and luxury crystal glasses to mundane household goods like a bread bin and egg poacher. The discussion highlights the public frustration regarding Sturgeon's potential knowledge of these financial irregularities and her subsequent claims of ignorance. The conversation also features an interview with Jackie Bailey, Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour, who criticizes the lack of transparency surrounding the SNP's finances and the impact of the investigation on Scottish politics. Beyond the embezzlement case, the hosts discuss the challenges of vetting political candidates in the digital age, examining controversies surrounding various parliamentary hopefuls in the upcoming Makerfield by-election. Through a mix of sharp political analysis and informal commentary, the hosts navigate the tension between political scandals, shifting voter sentiments, and the ongoing repercussions of these high-profile developments.
Bring back Borstals! Top cop slams parents’ lack of discipline
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Tim Stanley and Camilla Tominey are joined by former Metropolitan Police officer Peter Blexley to debate the crisis of youth crime and the potential return of Borstals. The discussion centers on two perceived societal failures: a lack of discipline and a lack of effective deterrence. Blexley argues that modern youth offender institutions lack the structure needed to rehabilitate young offenders, contrasting them with the former Borstal system, which relied on military-style discipline. He emphasizes that meaningful change requires parents to establish firm boundaries from a very young age, asserting that the word no is an essential tool for raising responsible children. The panel examines whether parenting orders are an effective solution, with Blexley expressing skepticism about such measures, calling them a lazy substitute for the hard work of gathering evidence and pursuing prosecutions. Throughout the episode, the conversation touches on the erosion of social standards, the role of parental responsibility in preventing criminality, and the concerning rise in serious youth-led offenses. The hosts and their guest advocate for a culture that prioritizes personal responsibility and consistent consequences over current institutional weaknesses.
The Sunday Showdown: Camilla takes on union boss Mick Lynch
In this episode of The Daily T, host Camilla Tomini sits down with former union leader Mick Lynch for a wide-ranging and often spirited debate on the state of the British economy, the labor movement, and contemporary politics. The discussion centers on the nature of working-class identity and the evolving role of trade unions in a modern, post-industrial landscape. Lynch challenges the characterization of union leaders, offering his perspective on why collective bargaining remains essential for maintaining fair wages and securing job stability. The two engage in a frank exchange regarding the frequency and necessity of industrial action, specifically addressing public sector pay and the frustrations of commuters. Beyond labor disputes, the conversation shifts to broader national issues, including energy policy, housing, and the leadership of the Labour Party. Lynch voices his concerns about the lack of clear ideological direction from the current government, while Tomini pushes back on the economic impact of rising wages and the persistence of strike threats. It is a candid look at the tension between pragmatic economic interests and the pursuit of long-term social reform in Britain today.
Corbynism in a better suit? Comedian Geoff Norcott on Starmer's Labour chaos
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Camilla Tomini and Tim Stanley are joined by comedian Geoff Norcott to dissect the latest chaos within the Labour Party and the broader state of British politics. The conversation centers on the shifting dynamics in Westminster, with Norcott offering his humorous, incisive take on potential future leaders like Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting. The panel engages in a lively discussion about the performative nature of modern politics, noting how the obsession with social media clips has fundamentally changed how politicians interact with Parliament. They argue that the focus on crafting viral moments has come at the expense of genuine oratory and effective debate. Norcott shares his perspective on the political landscape, describing his own evolution from a Labour-leaning background to a more economically right-leaning stance. Throughout the episode, the group explores the perceived lack of authenticity in political leadership, comparing current figures to historical standards and lamenting a perceived decline in the quality of parliamentary discourse. It is a candid look at why the public often feels disconnected from the Westminster bubble, wrapped in the sharp wit and observational humor Norcott is known for.
Define a woman! Burnham blasted by ally over trans stance
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Camilla Tominey and Tim Stanley explore the current state of British politics, focusing on the friction between public figures and the electorate. The conversation begins with a discussion on the tradition of heckling, as they react to footage of the Chancellor being confronted by a member of the public at a petrol station. The hosts weigh the fine line between classic British political discourse and abusive behavior, expressing concern over the growing trend of politicians reveling in their opponents' discomfort. The episode features an interview with Rosie Dufffield, the independent Member of Parliament for Canterbury. Dufffield offers a candid critique of the Labour Party’s internal culture, describing it as a hostile environment characterized by bullying and professional sidelining. A central topic is Dufffield’s stance on gender-critical feminism and her skepticism toward Andy Burnham as a potential leadership candidate, specifically due to his ambiguity regarding gender self-identification. The discussion expands to the broader challenges of political leadership, the complexities of identity politics, and the difficulty of navigating sensitive cultural issues while maintaining moral clarity. The hosts also touch upon the latest developments concerning the monarchy and past government appointments.
Comrade Keir? Starmer’s Soviet agenda laid bare at PMQs
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Tim Stanley and Camilla Tominey dissect the atmosphere at the first Prime Minister’s Questions following a tumultuous period for Keir Starmer’s leadership. The discussion centers on the opposition’s sharp critique of the government’s recent policy shifts, with Kemi Badenoch leading the charge by labeling the administration’s approach—specifically the nationalization of steel, the importation of Russian oil, and proposed price controls on supermarkets—as a Soviet-style agenda. The hosts explore the political theater of the session, noting Starmer’s surprisingly relaxed demeanor, which they liken to someone holding "leaving drinks" as his leadership faces increasing internal and external pressure. They provide analysis on the emergence of "processology," a term coined by Badenoch to mock the Prime Minister’s reliance on reviews and procedural delays. Additionally, the episode covers the potential rise of Andy Burnham as a leadership challenger and the broader strategic implications of Labour’s recent policy movements. Engaging with both the humor and the high-stakes tension of Westminster, the hosts reflect on whether Starmer’s tenure is approaching an inevitable end as political challengers circle the increasingly embattled administration.
Why ‘fraud’ Burnham is nothing more than Starmer 2.0
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Tim Stanley and Camilla Tomini examine the political persona of Andy Burnham, questioning whether his latest campaign efforts are simply a superficial attempt to rebrand himself. The discussion centers on Burnham’s recent, highly produced video filmed in Makerfield, which the hosts argue leans heavily into nostalgia and empty "vibes" rather than concrete policy. They suggest that Burnham, much like other contemporary politicians, is attempting to position himself as a "man of the people" by avoiding difficult questions about the Labour government’s record and instead relying on the tired trope of attacking Margaret Thatcher. The hosts delve into the modern political obsession with projecting a relatable image, from jogging in short shorts to staged pub visits, noting how often these performances feel disingenuous. They highlight the irony of Burnham’s anti-Thatcher rhetoric, given his background and his history within a New Labour party that adopted many of the policies he now critiques. Ultimately, Stanley and Tomini express frustration with a political culture that favors mediocrity and opportunism over ideological substance, leaving voters to navigate a landscape of leaders who seem more concerned with optics than actual governance.
Delusional Starmer doubles down as Burnham backpedals on Brexit
In this episode of The Daily T, hosts Camilla Tomini and Tim Stanley dive into the high-stakes by-election in Makerfield, describing it as one of the most significant political contests in recent memory. The discussion centers on the potential power shift within the Labour Party, framed by the rivalry between Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The hosts analyze how both figures are navigating the contentious issue of Brexit, with Burnham attempting to balance his appeal to both remainers and leave-leaning voters, while Streeting takes a more overtly pro-EU stance. The episode explores whether Burnham’s personal charisma and municipal approach can translate into national leadership, or if his political ambiguity will ultimately hinder him. The hosts are joined by Matt Goodwin, who provides insights into the threat posed by Reform UK. Goodwin argues that the Labour Party is becoming increasingly disconnected from its heartlands by pivoting toward progressive, pro-EU, and pro-immigration policies. Furthermore, the conversation touches on Keir Starmer’s resilience amidst rumors of a resignation timetable, alongside sharp criticism of new NHS policies regarding virtual hospital appointments, which the hosts describe as a worrying trend in patient care.
Related Podcasts
All podcast names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Podcasts listed on Podtastic are publicly available shows distributed via RSS. Podtastic does not endorse nor is endorsed by any podcast or podcast creator listed in this directory.