Courtiers, Valentine Low
Courtiers, Valentine Low
2 Rating(s)
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Courtiers
Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor

Author: Valentine Low

Narrator: Valentine Low

Unabridged: 10 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/24/2023


Synopsis

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.

About Valentine Low

Valentine Low is a former journalist 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.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Tanja on November 07, 2022

A long and quite boring book about palace protocol and politics, from the courtiers' point of view. We get some inside juice on some recent events, such as Megxit, which really does not put Harry and Meghan in a positive light. Somewhere in the middle I could not find one iota of interest. I kept li......more

Goodreads review by *TUDOR^QUEEN* on February 09, 2023

3.5 Stars There was a lot of buzz about this new book regarding The Windsors around the time of Queen Elizabeth II's death. It was just released late January 2023, but does not include the death of The Queen. As the title of the book implies, it focuses on the courtiers that serve British royalty, du......more

Goodreads review by Bonnie on February 04, 2023

Courtiers is a look at the powers behind the royal family. It is written by a member of the media so it portrays the courtiers more favorably than I think is realistic. It appears to also be an attempt to soften the reality of the way Diana was treated, which I don’t think is fair. There is a much m......more

Goodreads review by Susan on October 08, 2022

To read the reviews, you'd think this was just about the Sussexes but is, in fact, a strong overview of the roles of those who surround the principals of the Royal Family as paid advisors and fixers - the courtiers - primarily during the late Queen's long reign. They are to be distinguished from the......more

Goodreads review by Caro on October 10, 2022

Just finished the book. I find it is a quite balanced summary of the life and roles of courtiers. Sometimes very detailed, very lengthy, since Valentine Low starts with ancient history at court. The first two chapters were a bit dull because of that, but after reading on I understood it painted a co......more


Quotes

"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)