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Courtiers

The Sunday Times bestselling inside story of the power behind the crown

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Courtiers

By: Valentine Low
Narrated by: Valentine Low
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About this listen

 '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.©2022 Valentine Low Education Europe Great Britain Politics & Activism Royalty Monarchy England

Critic Reviews

Low's enjoyable account... chronicles, and explains, the role of those courtiers whose role comes closest to public accountability... [and] there are tantalising unattributed snippets from private interviews... Low's conclusion is a valuable one
Fascinating
This book is riveting. Extraordinarily well written, it canters along, packed with impeccable inside information. Low . . . is one of the exceptional minds writing about the British monarchy today (Thomas Blaikie)
Courtiers is an excellent royal romp based on fact. (Sphere)
Courtiers is a suave history of the monarchy over the past century, seen through the prism of those who serve it . . . a remarkable insight . . . and an important addition (Mark Bolland)
Engaging and thoroughly researched . . . Low doesn't stint on insider gossip, thanks to his unprecedented access to royal households, and he has perceptive things to say about power and responsibility too.
All stars
Most relevant
The book was interesting in explaining systems, positions, the royals, history, politics. Only criticism is the author narrating - an indulgence - he really needs breathing lessons! My ears were assaulted through my iPods for a week. The narration certainly detracts from the book.

Interesting but hard on the ear

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A fascinating insight into a complex & many tiered world. Never stuffy, totally engaging - I came, drawn by the headlines, I stayed because the whole subject of royal courtiers is so well researched & presented. All credit to Valentine Low, for both the intelligent content & the warm narration. Highly recommended.

So much more than the headlines

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This book is ultimately disappointing. Although of interest in sections on backgrounds of Courtiers and interactions. This book still espoused the myth of a supposed actual pregnancy and Royal birth, even though there’s no proof or sign off by actual doctors. People of Valentine Lowe’s ilk know full well they’re continuing to pull the sheets up over lies. But, there’s no career left for them in truths that cut off the money and earnings of authors, publishers and newspapers.
Also as the ending draws closer there’s a direct feel of pandering to the now forever broken left wing religion of Woke, which actually makes not only the author but the Royal family sound so shallow and weak. It seems as though they all clamber to play to what they and their advisors see or hear as the supposed social climate. This unfortunately ages and stamps the book as tone deaf towards those - the vast majority - that didn’t dance to those tunes.

More MSM hype unfortunately

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I really enjoyed this book and learnt a lot about what goes on behind the scenes.

The courtiers work so hard and it is a lot more cut throat than I imagined.

A couple of takeaways for me are Harry was given every opportunity to make something of the privileged platform he had and didn't have the ability to understand this. Prince William on the other hand sounds like he has carefully and thoughtfully looked at how to help in a way that has longevity.

Either way, the courtiers are very dedicated and hardworking people. The Royal family are lucky there are people willing to give up so much to help them undertake their duties.

Great book

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An interesting background to the royal family. Unfortunately the irritating nasal narration spoils this audio book. Mr Low sounds like he had a cold during the performance.

Interesting well researched story

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