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Courtiers

Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor

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Courtiers

Written by: Valentine Low
Narrated by: Valentine Low
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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 Audio
Biographies & Memoirs Great Britain Royalty King England Monarchy
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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

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Very Interesting

Loved this book. Learned about the history and current duties of Courtiers. I thought the author did a great job.

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Super interesting and thoughtful conclusion

Beautifully read by the author. Kept my interest from beginning to end. I wish I had met ‘Tommy’ Lascelles.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Narration sucked

Narrator was awful. Talking with marbles in his mouth. So
annoying! Couldn’t understand half the book!

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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

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2 people found this helpful

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Great insight.

A great insight into the world of the royals that regular people know little of.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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