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Courtiers
- Narrated by: Valentine Low
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
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Courtiers
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Summary
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.
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Critic reviews
"Fascinating." (The Times)
"Tantalising... Low's conclusion is a valuable one." (The Telegraph)
What listeners say about Courtiers
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- F. Duff
- 09-11-22
Interesting listen
This is an insiders view on the role that a courtier plays in the modern court. The author has tried to present the facts as he sees them rather than 'taking sides' although think it's fair to conclude he is not a fan of Megan Markle.
An interesting listen that pieces together much of what has played out in the media in recent years and goes someway to explaining events.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Lucy
- 26-10-22
Interesting but nothing new
I was expecting more ‘bombshells’ but most of the stories were more detailed repeats of things I already knew about. It’s a good book if you don’t already know much about the royal scandal side of things.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Tracy Gordon
- 13-01-23
Just ok
Just ok. Wouldn't listen to it again. Not worth the subscription in my eyes. Quite boring in some parts
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Misty
- 09-10-22
Very interesting
This is not my usual type of read but I found it to be very interesting. It points no fingers at anyone just says maybe things could have been done differently.
In reference to Megan and Harry it was obvious that they were always going to go. Megan always had the feeling that she should be paid for the work she does for the royals not understanding that she was paid in the form of the clothing that were bought for her. I felt sorry for the people in the background the Courtiers in the books title who had to walk a tightrope at times. It was fascinating to read about the background working. My one question would be why would anyone want to be a press secretary?
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Kitty Kay
- 07-10-22
Despite what everyone has been saying…
I thought this was a rather balanced and factual account. It provides details of courtiers throughout Queen Elizabeth II reign, for many of the family members. The story is based on quotes from previous staff members and from secondary sources using direct quotes from other authors. It is far more sophisticated and less scathing than many accounts I have read and heard about.
I have read many books on the Royals throughout history and I would say that this has been well researched by someone who is providing a summary judgement rather than their own opinions. And someone who clearly has respect and admiration for the monarchy.
I did enjoy it however, I’m not sure if I learnt anything new. It was a little tedious in some places. I think perhaps a more dynamic voiceover rather than the author may have been better.
Threes all round from me!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Alison St Pierre
- 27-10-22
Fascinating insight into the mechanics of the Royalty machine.
Great book!! Very interesting! So much more than just Mexit. I loved the Prince Andrew anecdotes and the humour and intelligence behind the narrative. Highly recommend! In my opinion it’s better than the other books regarding the Royals that have been released lately!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 28-12-22
Good book
Enjoyed this book, gives a voice to those who stay silent most of the time
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Natalie E
- 31-12-22
A great insight
Really enjoyed learning more about the system of that monarchy and its unbiased view on the royal family.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ms Jane E. Knight
- 30-03-23
Fascinating
This book gets better as it moves out of history and into contemporary events with which the author is familiar. It was better balanced than I expected.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Liz
- 28-09-23
Interesting and enjoyable
If you are interested in the royals you will enjoy this book. Comes from a different perspective.
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