Ep 5. Kings

In season 12 episode 5 of Qi titled Kings, the show's regular panelists are joined by guest stars Sarah Millican and Josh Widdicombe. Host Sandi Toksvig leads the group in a discussion of all things related to kings, from their historic reigns to their quirks and idiosyncrasies.

The episode kicks off with an exploration of the historical treatment of monarchs who were deemed unfit to rule. From the "mad" King George III to physically disabled rulers like Charles II, the panelists discuss how such individuals would have fared in today's society. They also delve into the ongoing debate about whether Queen Elizabeth II should step down and pass the throne on to Prince Charles.

As always, the conversation takes a humorous turn as the panelists share amusing anecdotes about famous kings throughout history. Did you know that Richard the Lionheart once refused to return home from a crusade until a million pounds was raised for his ransom? Or that King Francois I of France would sometimes wear special boots to appear taller than his enemies?

Throughout the episode, Sandi poses a variety of quirky questions related to kings. For instance, the panelists are asked to guess how many of King Henry VIII's wives were named Catherine, and to identify which famous king once caused a stir by eating a salad in public.

One particularly entertaining segment of the show focuses on lesser-known monarchs from around the world. Did you know that the king of Bhutan once introduced a Gross National Happiness index to measure the wellbeing of his citizens? Or that the ruler of Liechtenstein still has the power to veto any law passed by the country's parliament?

As always, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the panelists share their thoughts on everything from the monarchy's role in modern society to the reasons behind ancient kings' bizarre habits. Fans of Qi will not be disappointed by this fun and informative look at the world of kings throughout history.