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Princes at War

The British Royal Family's Private Battle in the Second World War

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Princes at War

By: Deborah Cadbury
Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
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About this listen

King George V predicted that his son, Edward VIII, would destroy himself within a year of succeeding to the throne. In December 1936 he was proved right, and the world’s press revealed the king was abandoning his throne to marry Wallis Simpson.

A life spent in the shadow of his charismatic elder brother left the new king, George VI, magnificently unprepared for the demands of ruling the kingdom and empire.

Drawing on personal accounts from the royal archives, Deborah Cadbury uncovers the very private conflict between George VI and his older brother.

©2015 Deborah Cadbury (P)2015 Oakhill Publishing Essays Europe Great Britain Royalty King Western Europe England Nonfiction War Imperialism

Critic Reviews

"Gripping.... One of the most riveting tales of the nonfiction season, rendered with novelistic drama but deliberate detachment. The inner tensions of the palace during wartime and the inner tensions of a remarkable family make for one of the best, and ultimately most uplifting, stories of the war years." ( The Boston Globe)
"A moving and deeply researched account.... Her story is gripping, illuminating and generous in its recognition of the central, dramatic role of the monarchy in Britain’s finest years, and particularly the quiet heroism of King George VI." (William Shawcross, author of The Queen Mother)
"Impeccably researched, and written with all the brio and understanding of a major historical novel, Princes at War takes us intimately and even shockingly into the human dynamics of a barely functional family at the time of our greatest peril." (David Kynaston, author of Austerity Britain)
"Meticulous and measured analysis of the Windsor saga.... Hovering over the drama is the question of whether the Windsors endangered the monarchy itself at a perilous time in history. The strenuous attempts to suppress sensitive files touching on the collaboration between the Windsors and the Nazis reveal the anxieties at the heart of the British establishment.... Cadbury deftly weaves the stories of the royal dukes into the unfolding national crisis as appeasement gives way to war.... [She] covers the war years - Dunkirk, the Blitz, the Normandy invasion - in moving detail." ( Wall Street Journal)
"Does the author provide a fresh and original view of the Duke of Windsor? Slightly to my surprise, my answer to this question must be 'Yes'.... Princes at War is a well-researched and entertaining account of a particularly poignant period in history .... Cadbury writes uncommonly well and her book is definitely worth reading." (Philip Ziegler, Daily Telegraph.)
"The contrast between the two brothers - one dutiful and earnest struggling to deal with the responsibilities that had been forced upon him, the other blithe and solipsistic - is drawn with great dramatic effect in Princes at War.... Deborah Cadbury combines the family drama against the backdrop of the war with terrific narrative verve." (Daisy Goodwin, The Times)
"Cadbury has given it all a fresh analysis, cleverly unveiling in much detail the deep anguish of the brothers. This is a highly readable and finely written account of the drama which threatened to bring king and country crashing down. Only stammering Bertie emerges as a hero." ( Daily Express)

What listeners say about Princes at War

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Profile Image for The Quiet Reader

Thoroughly enjoyed

This audio book was a delight from start to finish. Enhanced by a svelte Narrator. Certainly gave me an insight into times becoming remote to our times. This book did not preach nor make easy judgements but informed and enlightened. Highly recommended both in print format and especially with the first class Narration.

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Profile Image for Vanessa Young

Fascinating

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to a friend who is interested in pre WW2 and WW2 history and politics. The attempts by Britain to 'make nice' with the Nazis and the failure of regular diplomacy is especially relevant today as is the steadfast loyalty and duty to his country displayed by George VI and seen in in his daughter Elizabeth II.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed learning more about the Duke of Windsor's political machinations, but George VI was the most interesting person in the book. I enjoyed the way the author demonstrated that the people and political leaders of Britain seemed dazzled by Edward VIII, but that George VI was really the right man for the job. The best part of the book is the undercurrent that runs underneath: Edward VIII would have been a disastrous King and Mrs Simpson would have been a woeful Queen and Cadbury demonstrates that through a thorough analysis of the actions of Wallis and Edward after his abdication.

What about Cameron Stewart’s performance did you like?

Cameron Stewart is a great reader whose pronunciation was always perfect and who struck the right sombre tone for a serious non fiction book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would not say I would want to listen to it all in one sitting. After all, there is little suspense involved in a non fiction book. However, I will listen to it again because it whizzes by so quickly in some parts and it is action packed during the war years.

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Profile Image for Kym Angrave

Great history

Very good narration and story, well worth reading
I love history books on the British monarchy

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Profile Image for KAREN V KING

Princes at War.

The historical research from personal archives about the royal brothers, their immediate and extended family, the friendship with Winston Churchill was so insightful and revealing. The narrator, Cameron Stewart was skilful with an evocative voice, made this book fascinating and enjoyable to listen to.

Historical Buff.

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Profile Image for Nola Coulthurst

So good ~ worth listening many times over.

Really well written and narrated expertly ~ great insight into WW2 royal family intrigues ~ thoroughly enjoyed.

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Enjoyable

interesting but war involvement a bit long winded and not enough of the Princes..Excellent Narration

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Profile Image for Susan

Great new insight into a story that we think we already know.

Well researched and clearly written in a manner the unravels complex threads. Beautifully read . A rich addition to my knowledge and understanding of the period.

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Profile Image for KrissyJazz

Boring

if you already know the full story about Prince Edwards abdication. then you dont need this

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