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The Royals

Written by: Kitty Kelley
Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck
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Publisher's Summary

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.

Kelley spent more than four years investigating the royal family. In addition to meticulous research into documented sources, she conducted hundreds of exclusive interviews with past and present employees of the royal household, royal friends and relations, courtiers, members of Parliament, and other intimate observers, raising the curtain on this most secretive family. Here are lonely royal children brought up without a proper education in isolated and artificial surroundings, 20th-century adolescents with 19th-century touchstones. Here are the sexual ambiguities, the alcoholism, gambling, and womanizing that were common in the House of Windsor long before Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer. No one is spared; here are the scandals of the last decades: the doomed marriages, and the husbands, wives, lovers, and children caught in their wake and damaged beyond repair.

Illuminating the Windsors' arrogance, naiveté , and lusts - as well as hard work, dedication, and ability to survive the most humiliating disclosures - The Royals is Kitty Kelley's richest, most iconoclastic, historically significant, and compelling work.

©1997 H.B. Productions, Inc. (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

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Couldn’t close it…

Just when I thought I couldn’t be shocked… I was. As a Canadian “commoner”, I thought I had read a thing or two about the Royal Family, and was super supportive. Now, I’m not so sure. King Charles and Prince William (both raised in anything-but-normal families), along with the British people, are in a tight spot. Privilege, power, immeasurable wealth, along with birthright, may not play well to the newer generations. Does the British need the Monarchy? It will come down to that…

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What a truly messed up family?

Great reporting in the book, most of the information is pretty outdated in the lens of 2023. However, truly enjoyed listening to the stories and recounts. When all is put together, it really shows how dysfunctional and ridiculous this family is. How the monarchy is going to survive another hundred years, I have no clue.

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Loved it!

Very interesting and informative along with funny. Quite similar to The Crown playing on Netflix. As much as I admire the Royals the way they live and follow tradition (lol) I don't think I would want their life. Makes for good reading though. Love Kitty Kelly. Leaves nothing out!

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1 person found this helpful