Courtiers
Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $26.21
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Valentine Low
-
Written by:
-
Valentine Low
About this listen
This program is read by the author.
The gripping account of how the Royal family really operates, from the journalist who has spent years studying them. 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 and a pillar of the country. Today, as ever, a carefully selected 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. Now, a 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. Yet, as the tensions within the family are exposed to global scrutiny like never before, the task these courtiers face has never been more challenging. With a dark cloud hanging over Prince Andrew as well as Harry and Meghan's controversial departure from royal life, 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. In fascinating and explosive detail, Valentine Low explores the previously unknown relationship between modern courtiers and the royal family.
Courtiers pulls back the veil to reveal an ever-changing system of complex characters, shifting alliances, and a battle of ideas over what the future of the institution should be. This is the inside story of how the monarchy really works, at a pivotal moment in its history.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.
©2023 Valentine Low (P)2023 Macmillan AudioYou may also enjoy...
-
Revenge
- Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors
- Written by: Tom Bower
- Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a childhood spent on Hollywood film sets, Meghan Markle fought hard for stardom. But even when she landed her breakthrough role on Suits, her dream of worldwide celebrity remained elusive until she met the man who would change her life—Prince Harry. Their whirlwind romance culminated with Meghan’s ultimate fairy tale ending: their 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle. Finally, the world was her stage. It seemed that the dizzying success of the wedding between the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked the beginning of a fresh era for the British Royal Family.
-
-
complete shite
- By jlo on 2023-02-07
Written by: Tom Bower
-
Meghan and Harry
- The Real Story
- Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
- Narrated by: Lucinda Bell Howard
- Length: 16 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A balanced account of game changes, conflicts and ambitions. The fall from popular grace of the previously adulated brother of the heir to the British throne as a consequence of his marriage to a beautiful and dynamic Hollywood starlet of colour makes for fascinating listening in best-selling royal author Lady Colin Campbell's balanced account. Lady Colin knows her royal history and psychology, and as the first seven years of her adult life were spent in the USA, she has a foot in both the American and British camps.
-
-
More Fact than Fiction
- By Matriarch4 on 2020-10-05
Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
-
The Palace Papers
- Inside the House of Windsor - the Truth and the Turmoil
- Written by: Tina Brown
- Narrated by: Tina Brown
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tina Brown has been observing and chronicling the British monarchy for three decades, and her sweeping account is full of powerful revelations, newly reported details, and searing insight gleaned from remarkable access to royal insiders. Stylish, witty, and erudite, The Palace Papers will irrevocably change how the world perceives and understands the royal family.
-
-
Palace Papers
- By Trish on 2022-06-04
Written by: Tina Brown
-
The House of Beckham
- Money, Sex and Power
- Written by: Tom Bower
- Narrated by: Ciaran Saward
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, but are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe? The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power.
Written by: Tom Bower
-
Our King: Charles III
- The Man and the Monarch Revealed - Commemorate the historic coronation of the new King
- Written by: Robert Jobson
- Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King Charles III's own life has been marred by scandal and myth, but who is the real man behind the Crown? In this revelatory book, renowned royal correspondent and author Robert Jobson examines the life of our new King, and his passions, purpose, and motivations. On the eve of his landmark coronation, Our King considers the life of the man and the monarch, reflecting on how his values and beliefs will shape him as he takes on this monumental role.
-
-
Nothing new.
- By J. on 2023-04-13
Written by: Robert Jobson
-
Battle of Brothers
- William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult
- Written by: Robert Lacey
- Narrated by: Tim Frances
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From best-selling author and historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series The Crown, an unparalleled insider account of tumult, secrecy, and schism in the royal family.
-
-
Battle of Brothers
- By Catherine ashton on 2020-11-10
Written by: Robert Lacey
-
Revenge
- Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors
- Written by: Tom Bower
- Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
- Length: 16 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a childhood spent on Hollywood film sets, Meghan Markle fought hard for stardom. But even when she landed her breakthrough role on Suits, her dream of worldwide celebrity remained elusive until she met the man who would change her life—Prince Harry. Their whirlwind romance culminated with Meghan’s ultimate fairy tale ending: their 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle. Finally, the world was her stage. It seemed that the dizzying success of the wedding between the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked the beginning of a fresh era for the British Royal Family.
-
-
complete shite
- By jlo on 2023-02-07
Written by: Tom Bower
-
Meghan and Harry
- The Real Story
- Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
- Narrated by: Lucinda Bell Howard
- Length: 16 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A balanced account of game changes, conflicts and ambitions. The fall from popular grace of the previously adulated brother of the heir to the British throne as a consequence of his marriage to a beautiful and dynamic Hollywood starlet of colour makes for fascinating listening in best-selling royal author Lady Colin Campbell's balanced account. Lady Colin knows her royal history and psychology, and as the first seven years of her adult life were spent in the USA, she has a foot in both the American and British camps.
-
-
More Fact than Fiction
- By Matriarch4 on 2020-10-05
Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
-
The Palace Papers
- Inside the House of Windsor - the Truth and the Turmoil
- Written by: Tina Brown
- Narrated by: Tina Brown
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tina Brown has been observing and chronicling the British monarchy for three decades, and her sweeping account is full of powerful revelations, newly reported details, and searing insight gleaned from remarkable access to royal insiders. Stylish, witty, and erudite, The Palace Papers will irrevocably change how the world perceives and understands the royal family.
-
-
Palace Papers
- By Trish on 2022-06-04
Written by: Tina Brown
-
The House of Beckham
- Money, Sex and Power
- Written by: Tom Bower
- Narrated by: Ciaran Saward
- Length: 14 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, but are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe? The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power.
Written by: Tom Bower
-
Our King: Charles III
- The Man and the Monarch Revealed - Commemorate the historic coronation of the new King
- Written by: Robert Jobson
- Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
- Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King Charles III's own life has been marred by scandal and myth, but who is the real man behind the Crown? In this revelatory book, renowned royal correspondent and author Robert Jobson examines the life of our new King, and his passions, purpose, and motivations. On the eve of his landmark coronation, Our King considers the life of the man and the monarch, reflecting on how his values and beliefs will shape him as he takes on this monumental role.
-
-
Nothing new.
- By J. on 2023-04-13
Written by: Robert Jobson
-
Battle of Brothers
- William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult
- Written by: Robert Lacey
- Narrated by: Tim Frances
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From best-selling author and historical consultant to the award-winning Netflix series The Crown, an unparalleled insider account of tumult, secrecy, and schism in the royal family.
-
-
Battle of Brothers
- By Catherine ashton on 2020-11-10
Written by: Robert Lacey
-
The Real Diana
- Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
- Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
- Length: 15 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Royal insider Lady Colin Campbell sets the record straight on many of the most controversial aspects of Diana's turbulent life. In The Real Diana, she reveals that the reason she knew so much about what went on behind the palace gates was because Diana herself was the source. Drawing upon these confidences - as well as on conversations with countless people who knew Diana and with Diana herself in the final years of her life - Lady Colin Campbell combines true insight with true compassion to bring us the most intimate and revealing portrait of the Princess of Wales.
-
-
Absolute Garbage
- By Tulip 🌷 Lilly on 2024-04-13
Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
-
The King
- The Life of Charles III
- Written by: Christopher Andersen
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 15 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen comes a vivid and unsparing yet sympathetic portrait of one of the most complex and enigmatic figures of our time: Charles, who has taken his place on the throne after being the oldest and longest-serving heir in British history.
Written by: Christopher Andersen
-
The Other Side of the Coin
- The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe
- Written by: Angela Kelly
- Narrated by: Angela Kelly
- Length: 5 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Angela Kelly and The Queen are together, laughter echoes through the corridors of Buckingham Palace. Angela has worked with The Queen and walked the corridors of the Royal Household for 25 years, initially as Her Majesty’s Senior Dresser and then latterly as Her Majesty’s Personal Advisor, Curator, Wardrobe, and In-house Designer. As the first person in history to hold this title, she shares a uniquely close working relationship with The Queen.
-
-
Enjoyable
- By Roberta W on 2024-10-04
Written by: Angela Kelly
-
The Royals
- Written by: Kitty Kelley
- Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck
- Length: 20 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They are the most chronicled family on the face of the globe. Their every move attracts headlines. Scores of books have tried and failed to penetrate the royal facade. Now Kitty Kelley has gone behind palace walls to provide the first three-dimensional, comprehensive, and evenhanded portrait of the men and women who make up the British Royal family.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Kaliah on 2019-11-19
Written by: Kitty Kelley
-
The New Royals
- Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown
- Written by: Katie Nicholl
- Narrated by: Heather Price
- Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For seventy years, Queen Elizabeth ruled over an institution and a family. During her lifetime she was constant in her desire to provide a steady presence and to be a trustworthy steward of the British people and the Commonwealth. But times change. Recent years have brought grief and turmoil to the House of Windsor. In The New Royals, journalist Katie Nicholl provides a nuanced look at Elizabeth’s remarkable and unrivalled reign, with new stories from Palace courtiers and aides, documentarians, and family members.
-
-
Dull. Repetitive and nothing new to say.
- By Trish on 2022-09-29
Written by: Katie Nicholl
-
My Mother and I
- Written by: Ingrid Seward
- Narrated by: Julie Teal, Ingrid Seward
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This is the story of how King Charles was shaped and moulded by his heritage. His mother was the woman he always loved but could never be close to. As Queen she held the Pandora’s box of the crown and all he could do was wait and learn. In his mother’s old age, he finally received the affection and respect from her he had craved for so long. This book documents his life through many personal anecdotes from his family and his friends from the moment the guns saluted his birth until St. Edwards Crown was placed on his head and he was officially declared as the King at his Coronation.
Written by: Ingrid Seward
-
Spare
- Written by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
- Narrated by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
- Length: 15 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.
-
-
Insightful, detailed, honest, beautifully written
- By Diana on 2023-01-10
Written by: Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
-
The Queen Mother
- The Untold Story of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, Who Became Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
- Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
- Narrated by: Jennifer M. Dixon
- Length: 25 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For the first time, Lady Colin Campbell reveals the fascinating and moving life of The Queen Mother. With unparalleled sources, including members of the Royal Family, aristocrats, and friends and relatives of Elizabeth herself, this mesmerizing account takes us inside the real and sometimes astonishing world of the royal family.
-
-
Wasted 10 hours of reading time
- By Shirley Grovum on 2023-03-10
Written by: Lady Colin Campbell
-
A Royal Duty
- Written by: Paul Burrell
- Narrated by: Paul Burrell
- Length: 18 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In A Royal Duty, Paul Burrell reveals the truth about Princess Diana, as well as a faithful account of her thoughts. He was the favourite footman who formed a unique relationship with the Queen. He was the butler who the Princess of Wales called "my rock" and "the only man I can trust". He was accused of theft, then acquitted following the historic intervention of the monarch. He was the Princess' most intimate confidant.
-
-
Very informative from the inside.
- By Maxina on 2024-02-12
Written by: Paul Burrell
-
Brothers and Wives
- Inside the Private Lives of William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan
- Written by: Christopher Andersen
- Narrated by: Nicholas Boulton
- Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Diana’s Boys revealed the powerful bond between the teenaged princes and how it strengthened even more in the wake of their mother’s tragic death. Now, 20 years later, Queen Elizabeth II is in her mid-90s, Prince Charles is in his 70s, and all eyes are turned increasingly toward William and Harry again. Andersen picks up where he left off, covering everything that has happened to the brothers as they have grown up, gotten married to two remarkable women, and had children.
-
-
Misleading
- By sylvia mason on 2021-12-08
Written by: Christopher Andersen
-
Kate: The Future Queen
- Written by: Katie Nicholl
- Narrated by: Sue Pitkin
- Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Katie Nicholl, best-selling author and royal correspondent for The Mail on Sunday, gives us an inside look into the life of the future Queen of England, Kate Middleton. Since becoming Duchess Catherine of Cambridge in 2011, Middleton has captivated fans of the royals around the world. Now Nicholl delivers the story of her early life, first romances, and love with Prince William. Nicholl will reveal new details on Middleton's initiation into royal life and, of course, her first pregnancy.
Written by: Katie Nicholl
-
Diana
- Her True Story - in Her Own Words
- Written by: Andrew Morton
- Narrated by: Michael Maloney, Caroline Langrishe
- Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The sensational biography of Princess Diana, now revised to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her death. When Diana: Her True Story - in Her Own Words was first published in 1992, it forever changed the way the public viewed the British monarchy.
-
-
Liked the story but not the readers
- By Mia on 2021-03-28
Written by: Andrew Morton
What the critics say
"The royal correspondent of The Times delves into the world of the courtier, the advisers who for good or ill guide the House of Windsor through today's choppy waters."—The Times (UK)
What listeners say about Courtiers
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Susan Coral Phillips
- 2023-02-17
Very Interesting
Loved this book. Learned about the history and current duties of Courtiers. I thought the author did a great job.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Claire
- 2023-03-28
Super interesting and thoughtful conclusion
Beautifully read by the author. Kept my interest from beginning to end. I wish I had met ‘Tommy’ Lascelles.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sharon Fonger
- 2023-06-01
Narration sucked
Narrator was awful. Talking with marbles in his mouth. So
annoying! Couldn’t understand half the book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- NellyBE
- 2023-02-23
Excellent Well Balanced Book
Really enjoyed this book, author gives in my opinion a very balanced and well researched account of life inside the palace. Highly recommend if like me you are fascinated by the weird, wonderful & strange workings of the Bristish royal family
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Maxina
- 2023-02-25
Great insight.
A great insight into the world of the royals that regular people know little of.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- E. Gail McAdam
- 2023-01-29
Courtiers
An interesting and well researched topic but an unfortunate choice of narrator. The author’s habit of rushing through some words makes his narration hard to follow. To Canadian ears his accent combined with his habit of pronouncing certain words unclearly makes listening a challenge. For me, this book would have been better enjoyed in the print version.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- K
- 2023-04-23
It was ok.
A little slow, not very exciting. Didn’t really learn anything new. Somewhat interesting at times. If you’re really into the royal family you’ll probably like it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kerri Roche, A Pop of Pretty
- 2023-02-06
Dry
Some interesting stories but overall I found it to be a bore. Perhaps a narrator other than the author might have made it more interesting.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Matriarch4
- 2023-02-26
Worth taking your time to read
I already own the hardcover version of this book. I purchased the Audible version for a couple of reasons, but mostly because I found it relaxing to listen to the author telling the story. I could turn it on at night, set a bookmark and then revert to the last point I remembered hearing before I fell asleep. That is not to say that the book is boring; rather it is a treasure trove of information on what happens on the inside of the different "houses" of the Royal Family. It is, as I expected, balanced; Mr. Low is always a balanced reporter and not one inclined to lean into gossip.
I must note, with a touch of wryness, that it was a pleasure to not have to mentally correct the mispronunciation of names and places that often occurs with audible books. As the author, Mr. Low knew the people and the locations well.
There was a moment of wistfulness for me at the end of the book because I was reminded that this book was released just days/weeks before the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Things have already changed and will, not doubt, continue to change. It is a book worth owning, reading and then re-reading at one's leisure. It's not a quick sweet treat of gossip; rather it is a well-balanced meal of information and storytelling that holds its value after completion.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bob
- 2023-02-01
Good background read to Spare
I selected it after having read the Duke of Sussex story “Spare”. My own family demographic parallels the Windsors and thus my interest.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful