Rex Factor – S4.01: Series 4 Introduction

Release Date: March 27, 2026
Hosts: Graham Duke & Ali Hood

Episode Overview

In this lively and informative episode, Graham and Ali kick off Series 4 of Rex Factor with an introduction to their new subject: the "Nearly Monarchs" of England and the United Kingdom. The focus this time will be on individuals who could—or perhaps should—have ascended to the throne, but didn’t, for reasons ranging from bad luck to outright usurpation. The hosts discuss their selection process, the reasons behind this theme, notable figures to be reviewed, and some adjustments to the famous Rex Factor scoring system.

Key Discussion Points

1. What Is a Nearly Monarch?

• [01:55] Graham defines "Nearly Monarchs" as “the people who could or should have become the monarch only for fate to intervene.”
• Ali probes the categories: some are heirs who died before reigning, others claimants blocked by politics or war.
• Examples given:
  • Empress Matilda, passed over for Stephen [04:27]
  • Claimants through warfare or revolt, e.g. Harald Hardrada, Lady Jane Grey

Notable Quote:

“These are people who either should or could have become the monarch, only for fate to intervene.”
— Graham Duke [03:40]

2. Why Cover the Nearly Monarchs?

• [05:56] The subject was chosen by the podcast’s Patreon supporters, beating out “Scottish Consorts” by a single vote.
• This series will address gaps left by previous seasons and introduce both famous and lesser-known historical figures.
• Opportunity for fun “what if” counterfactual speculation: what if certain nearly-monarchs had reigned? [07:40]
• The hosts discuss the joy and hazards of alternative history, referencing books like Fatherland by Robert Harris and the general academic skepticism toward counterfactuals.

Notable Quote:

“All of history is just finely balanced on these sliding door moments.”
— Ali Hood [08:14]

3. Who Makes the List?

• The hosts unveil a provisional list of candidates, emphasizing there’s flexibility to add or drop people.
• General rules set: focus is on adults (not children), unless a child's death was historically pivotal.
• They stress avoiding obscure cases where there’s little available information, especially concerning very young heirs.

Selected Nearly Monarchs Mentioned ([11:48]–[22:33]):

• Anglo-Saxons: Aethelwold (Alfred the Great's nephew), Elfried and Edwin (Athelstan’s half-brothers), Edith of Wilton
• Norman and Post-Norman Claimants: Robert Curthose (eldest son of William the Conqueror), William Adeline, Empress Matilda, Stephen’s son Eustace
• Plantagenet Contenders: Henry the Young King, Arthur and Eleanor of Brittany, Louis VIII of France, The Black Prince, Richard Duke of York, Edward of Westminster
• Tudors & Stuarts: Arthur Tudor, Lady Jane Grey, James Duke of Monmouth, the various “Pretenders” of the Jacobite claim
• Hanoverians: Sophia of Hanover, Frederick Duke of York, Princess Charlotte, Albert Victor

Memorable Exchange:

Ali: “I might need an episode on John of Gaunt.”
Graham: “We did a whole special on him… probably three and a half hours of John of Gaunt.” [06:45]

4. Explaining the Selection Criteria & Scoring System

• [23:47] Graham details the adaptation of the “Battleliness, Scandal, Subjectivity” categories from earlier series.
  • Subjectivity: More challenging for “legitimate heirs who die young.”
• Longevity and Dynasty scoring has been overhauled for fairness and consistency, using new mathematical formulas for series comparison.
  • Example: Only surviving children factor (Dynasty) now uses a square root formula to avoid giving high scores to zero or one child. [24:20–26:35]

Notable Quote:

“So basically I just asked Copilot, and it suggested using the square root.”
— Graham Duke [26:01]

• Combined historical spreadsheets allow for recalculation of scores across all series, giving a new “all-time top five.”

5. The Role of Counterfactual Thinking

• There’s conscious balancing between rewarding actual achievement and considering potential (“what if” scenarios), but they don't plan to give out Rex Factor based solely on hypothetical greatness. [30:49]

Notable Quote:

“We need to find a balance … so we do reward actual achievements and star quality, but we are also mindful of the what if.”
— Graham Duke [30:45]

6. Coming Up Next

• Special prequel episode: Interview with author Emily Murdoch Perkins (“Regina”), exploring women who could have been queens if succession rules had differed. [32:00]
• The main series will then begin with Aethelwold.

Teaser:

“Shedding a light on some of those forgotten figures that maybe could have been the ones in the front seats. I think that’d be an interesting way to start the series.”
— Graham Duke [32:25]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I might need an episode on John of Gaunt.”
  — Ali Hood [06:45]

• “Is there ever anyone who isn’t the daughter or son of a [monarch]?”
  — Ali Hood [04:20]

• “What even is a monarch claim?”
  — Ali Hood [10:34]

• “If you just keep saying the same one, ironically, most of them are called James…”
  — Graham Duke [18:39]

• “We will begin our nearly monarch odyssey with Aethelwold.”
  — Graham Duke [32:51]

Timestamps for Major Sections

• [03:40] – Definition and types of "Nearly Monarchs"
• [05:56] – Why choose this theme?
• [09:55] – How the list was created and criteria
• [11:48–22:33] – Walkthrough of key Nearly Monarchs in series
• [23:47] – Explanation of the scoring change
• [30:45] – Rex Factor and the counterfactual challenge
• [32:00] – Announcement of next episode (Emily Murdoch Perkins interview)

Tone & Style

The episode is marked by the hosts' cheeky humor, gentle ribbing, and deep historical enthusiasm. They maintain their trademark blend of approachable expertise and irreverent banter (“I can't take my trousers off [for video episodes],” jokes Ali), ensuring new and returning listeners feel welcome as the series embarks on fresh historical adventures.

Summary

The launch of Series 4 is both an invitation and a roadmap for listeners: expect compelling stories about the almost-monarchs who shaped (or nearly shaped) British history, deep dives into key moments of dynastic drama, playful speculation, and a refined scoring system to ensure fairness across a diverse field. Next up: an interview warming up for a full exploration of alternative royal pasts.