Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind The Crown

 Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind The Crown

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       November 27, 2022

 

Author  Valentine Low

Distributor:      Hachette Australia
ISBN:                 9781472290915
Publisher:         Hachette. Imprint Headline.
Release Date:   October 2022  

Website:    https://www.hachette.com.au 

FaceBook:   

YouTube:   

Instagram:   

X formally Twitter:   

After Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable 70 plus years of service, the British Commonwealth now has a new monarch, King Charles III. The courtiers, who are entrusted to guide him have a complex time ahead of them; Prince Andrew’s future role and Harry’s pending release of his tell all book will challenge them.   

For a balanced authorative summary of the life and roles of courtiers, go no further than ‘Courtiers The Hidden Power Behind the Crown’ written by Valentine Low, who has been reporting on the Royal Family for over 25 years. Although this book is his first on the British monarchy, as Royal correspondent, for The Times, he has spent many years closely studying them and the influence wielded by people behind the scenes.

Throughout history, the British monarchy has relied on courtiers, who are the trusted advisers of the monarch. In this well researched book on the inner workings of the monarchy, the author provides a very detailed description, not only of the advisory personnel in royal household but also of the requirements of their roles. Palace protocol and politics are explored from the courtiers’ point of view. Low’s insightful discussion of the roles of courtiers, who have served the Royal family in both current times and historically, will provide a clearer understanding of the competitive nature of the three Royal households.

Readers will enjoy obtaining a greater insight into the complexities of funding issues, ‘Megsit’, and the charitable endeavours of members of the Royal family. Unlike the magazines, which flood the market with sensational stories about the Royal Family, this informative book deals with facts.

The author has included a comprehensive list of footnotes to identify the sources used.

Non Fiction