Courtiers
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Courtiers
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Narrated by:
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Valentine Low
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By:
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Valentine Low
About this listen
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 (P)2022 Headline Publishing Group LtdCritic 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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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Kerin James
- 03-11-2022
Interesting but hard on the ear
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.
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3 people found this helpful
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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
- Helen Percival
- 09-10-2022
So much more than the headlines
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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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
- Sheree
- 08-10-2022
Great book
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mary O'Brien
- 09-10-2022
Interesting well researched story
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andrea Krumbholz
- 12-10-2022
Lots of research, interesting insight into the courts’ working.
I had trouble with Valentine Low’s English and wish a professional narrator had narrated this book.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Theresa french
- 02-12-2022
Could have flowed better
Felt the anecdotes could have been told in a more chronological manner as there was a lot of back and forth between royal members of the family at different t times in their lives.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kristie Lawrence
- 07-01-2023
I can’t listen to this - narration is awful
I'm buying the book! But oh man...
This narration is literally making me feel sick. I'm hearing every swallow, every breath... ughhhh... yuck.
Please don't narrate any more!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- WH
- 11-06-2024
very interesting
it's a great book and well written but I can't tolerate Valentine's voice and all the problematic noises that came out of his mouth. I don't have any problems with him as a person or writer, but at times I was unable to continue and needed to stop listening as it was grossing me out. I understand the need to read his own material perhaps but he is not a natural born narrator and should have used an actor.In future I will READ his books if the audiobook is read out by him again. I would give this 5 stars but the voice knocks it down to a 3 unfortunately
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 08-10-2022
content good narrator awful
omg this man has the worst clacky mouth I've ever heard. please please let someone else read this, the content is ruined by the swallowing, slapping mouth etc
CANT LISTEN TO ANY MORE so disappointed 😞
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Kim
- 26-10-2022
an insightfully read
shone light on the goings 0n behind the veil ... and delicious to hear the dirt on the disgusting and moronic goings on of Hazard and Me-again
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1 person found this helpful