Show overview
The Subjects has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 17 episodes. That works out to roughly 10 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a roughly quarterly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 36 min and 53 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language History show.
The show is still active — the most recent episode landed 3 weeks ago, though releases have slowed compared with earlier in the run. The busiest year was 2025, with 9 episodes published.
From the publisher
Historian and royal commentator for TV2 Norway, Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen, explores the world of royalty with different guest hosts. You will get royal news with a historical perspective, insight and a broad view of the royal day-to-day.
Latest Episodes
Subjects 16: Norwegian Epstein-connections and Dutch popularity
Audience: Louis XIV w. Philip Mansel
King Louis XIV of France is probably the most famous monarch in history. With the nickname "the Sun King", the building of Versailles, and his reputation for being absolute in his personal power. The British author and historian Philip Mansel tells us all that is to know about Louis XIV, based on his biography of the monarch "The King of the World: The Life of Louis XIV". What do you think is the most common misconception about the Sun King? Listen to this episode and find out!
The Subjects 15: Church, Queen Sonja and death of a pope
Due to unforeseen events, there has not been an episode of the Subjects for a few weeks, but that is about to change! British tabloids are discussing why the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a different church service than the rest of the Royal Family, Queen Sonja of Norway was hospitalized earlier this week due to some respiratory issues, and Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday. Who will inhabit St. Peter's chair in a few weeks time?
Subjects 14: Invictus, as ever, New York and a ramble
Another slow week in the world of royalty. The Invictus games has happened and the Danish royal couple prince Joachim and Princess Marie was there. The Duchess of Sussex has changed the name of her brand in a way that makes Ole-Jørgen and Birgit have a fit, and Queen Maxima has visited the UN in New York.
The Subjects 13: Titles, Invictus and Ines
What a week. The Princess of Wales has visited a prison, and Birgit teaches Ole-Jørgen something about English titles that he has not been aware of. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are working separately, with Prince Harry opening the Invictus Games. Birgit is not impressed. And what of the new princess in Sweden?
The Subjects 12: Høiby, commercial princess and Aga Khan
Some things never change, even in the world of royalty. There are new developments in the Høiby-case, which are not good news for the Norwegian royal family. Princess Märtha Louise follows with yet another commercial usage of her title, which looks like a minor inconvenience compared to the prior. And who was Aga Khan IV, who passed away in Lisbon aged 88?
The Subjects 11: Royal baby, Auschwitz and documentary
There is a new royal baby in the British Royal family, who both Birgit and Ole-Jørgen think have a beautiful name. The Royals of Europe have been in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, and believe it or not, Princess Märtha Louise has yet again made headlines, and not of the positive kind.
The Subjects 10: Remission, Yacht and Commemoration
January is a long month and the royals seems to think that the Christmas holiday lasts until early February. Some news has still come from the world of royalty. Princess Catherine was first to work, which Birgit would not have bet on for a thousand years, the Høiby-case has new development, and European royalty will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
The Subjects 9: Cavalcade of 2024 (2/2)
In this second cavalcade of the year 2024, Birgit and Ole-Jørgen discusses what happened in Denmark, Swede, Belgium, Luxembourg and Great Britain. Abdications, cancer, elite schools and the perfect heir is only some of the topics discussed. And the Belgian heiress snubbed us of the photo of the year! Why, you think? Listen to the episode and find out. Have a good listen!
The Subjects 8: Cavalcade of 2024 (1/2)
2024 has passed and we are all hoping for a happy new year, but what has really happened in the year that was? It was a turbulent 365 days for several of the European monarchies, as the British experiences serious illness, the Norwegian have some troublesome youth, while the Dutch welcomed the heir into official business. Ole-Jørgen and Birgit recaps the year that was in two episodes, this being the first one.
The Subjects 7: Christmas, Christmas, Christmas
Different royal families have different traditions for Christmas. Not one celebration is the same. The Norwegian royal family's Christmas dinner is not close to the average Norwegian's, the British open presents at the same day as the rest of Europe, but not their own country, and the Dutch celebration is almost an enigma. Have a good listen!
The Subjects 6: Derailment, biographies and princess Catherine
Crown Jewels, Order, Churchill, Queen Joanna and Princess Madeleine. A handfull of what and whom Birgit and Ole has talked about in this week's episode. An hour of historical derailments, chivalrous fun-facts and a few news from the royal world. Enjoy!
The Subjects 5: The Empress, new tiaras and wax figures
After a brief hiatus, Birgit and Ole-Jørgen are back with the latest from the royal world. Ole has watched the new season of Netflix’s The Empress and Birgit is not impressed. Meanwhile, over in Copenhagen, Queen Mary of Denmark has ordered something old, something new... and Ole-Jørgen has strong opinions about satches. This and much more in this week’s episode of The Subjects
The Subjects 4: Engagements, embassies and orders
The Nordic countries has celebrated 25 years of co-operation in Germany, King Charles and Queen Camilla is not every Australians' royal couple, and ex-NATO Secretary-General has been awarded a good handful of chivalric orders. Ole-Jørgen is discussing this (and the age of Ole's soul) with journalist in Norwegian TV2, Line Haus. Ole and Line has also planned the coverage for the future royal wedding in Lichtenstein. Listen and enjoy!
The Subjects 3: abdication, parliament and sarcophagus
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ole-Jørgen is conducting this week's episode of the Subjects alone. As a result, the episode is a bit short, but still containing a lot of info. The abdication has started in Luxembourg, King Harald has opened the Norwegian parliament, and the royal household is going to buy a sarcophagus.
The Subjects 2: Armed forces, sick-leave and guardians
Ole-Jørgen and Birgit is back with their take on the latest news from the royal world. Queen Margrethe II is on sick-leave after a fall, Queen Mary has served as Guardian of the Realm, and Princess Ingrid Alexandra extends her time in the armed forces. There is also a discussion about what Ole and Birgit think about abdication.
The Subjects 1: Princess back at work, Harry turned 40 and the Dutch opening of Parliament
There is a lot going on in the royal world these days. The Princess of Wales is back at work, Prince Harry has turned 40 and the Dutch Parliament has been opened by the king. In addition to all of this, the Norwegian crown princess' son has broken the restraining order put against him. What is happening? The host of the Subjects is Ole-Jørgen Schulsrud-Hansen, historian and royal commentator for TV2 Norway. The Dutch royal commentator Birgit is his guest in this first ever episode. We'll hear you around!