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  • Courtiers

  • Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor
  • Written by: Valentine Low
  • Narrated by: Valentine Low
  • Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
  • 3.5 out of 5 stars (37 ratings)

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Courtiers

Written by: Valentine Low
Narrated by: Valentine Low
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Publisher's Summary

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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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

Average Customer Ratings
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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    3 out of 5 stars

Narration sucked

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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Great insight.

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

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    3 out of 5 stars
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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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  • K
  • 2023-04-23

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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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

I wish they had a professional narrator

I was looking forward to this book. Interesting subject and I’ve seen several interviews with the author and found him to be easy to listen to. Sadly though the way he reads his own words is, well, irritating. I dislike it as much as Tina Brown’s narration in Palace Papers which I returned after 2 chapters.

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Very informative

I never knew these things. Thanks for reading and explaining.
Also nice to hear Valentine read it

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting

Not what I expected, I found the narrator difficult to understand. Lacking in really of the personal lives of the people involved. A bit dry but some interesting parts.

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