Courtiers: The Sunday Times bestselling inside story of the power behind the crown
Valentine Low
Oct 2022 · Headline · Narrated by Valentine Low
3.5star
12 reviewsreport
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10 hr 5 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
'Fascinating' The Times
'Tantalising . . . Low's conclusion is a valuable one.' The Telegraph
The gripping account of how the Royal family really operates from the man who has spent years studying them in his role as Royal correspondent for The Times. Valentine Low asks the important questions: who really runs the show and, as Charles III begins his reign, what will happen next?
Throughout history, the British monarchy has relied on its courtiers - the trusted advisers in the King or Queen's inner circle - to ensure its survival as a family, an ancient institution, and a pillar of the constitution. Today, as ever, a vast team of people hidden from view steers the royal family's path between public duty and private life. Queen Elizabeth II, after a remarkable 70 years of service, saw the final seasons of her reign without her husband Philip to guide her. Meanwhile, newly ascended Charles seeks to define what his future as King, and that of his court, will be.
The question of who is entrusted to guide the royals has never been more vital, and yet the task those courtiers face has never been more challenging. With a cloud hanging over Prince Andrew as well as Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life, the complex relationship between modern courtiers and royal principals has been exposed to global scrutiny. As the new Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate - equipped with a very 21st century approach to press and public relations - now hold the responsibility of making an ancient institution relevant for the decades to come.
Courtiers reveals an ever-changing system of complex characters, shifting values and ideas over what the future of the institution should be. This is the story of how the monarchy really works, at a pivotal moment in its history.
'Tantalising . . . Low's conclusion is a valuable one.' The Telegraph
The gripping account of how the Royal family really operates from the man who has spent years studying them in his role as Royal correspondent for The Times. Valentine Low asks the important questions: who really runs the show and, as Charles III begins his reign, what will happen next?
Throughout history, the British monarchy has relied on its courtiers - the trusted advisers in the King or Queen's inner circle - to ensure its survival as a family, an ancient institution, and a pillar of the constitution. Today, as ever, a vast team of people hidden from view steers the royal family's path between public duty and private life. Queen Elizabeth II, after a remarkable 70 years of service, saw the final seasons of her reign without her husband Philip to guide her. Meanwhile, newly ascended Charles seeks to define what his future as King, and that of his court, will be.
The question of who is entrusted to guide the royals has never been more vital, and yet the task those courtiers face has never been more challenging. With a cloud hanging over Prince Andrew as well as Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life, the complex relationship between modern courtiers and royal principals has been exposed to global scrutiny. As the new Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate - equipped with a very 21st century approach to press and public relations - now hold the responsibility of making an ancient institution relevant for the decades to come.
Courtiers reveals an ever-changing system of complex characters, shifting values and ideas over what the future of the institution should be. This is the story of how the monarchy really works, at a pivotal moment in its history.
Ratings and reviews
3.5
12 reviews
Jennifer Waters
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January 28, 2023
This is a fascinating insight from the pov of courtiers. Well worth a read and much more interesting than the slew of memoirs. I did find the narration of the audiobook hard going, though, a voice actor would have made a big difference to keep the interest of the listener without effort.
Judith Handjinicolaou
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January 30, 2023
Poorly presented, The author Val Low speaks with marbles in his mouth, speeds up and swallows words. Difficult to listen to. He should have hired an actor to present the book. It is simply awful, the audio, I am speaking about.
L M
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November 16, 2022
dealing with someone as malicious and narcissistic as Markle cannot have been easy for any courtier.
About the author
Valentine Low is the former royal correspondent at The Times who has been writing about the royal family for over a quarter of a century. He is known for his insight and his scrupulously fair coverage, and makes regular appearances on international television as a royal commentator. His exposure of the bullying allegations against the Duchess of Sussex attracted global attention. Valentine previously worked at the London Evening Standard for over twenty years, reporting from all around the world. He lives in West London.
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