King's Counsellor

Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles

By: Sir Alan Lascelles, Duff Hart-Davis

Narrated by: Pip Torrens

Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The diaries of 'Tommy' Lascelles - as featured in the Netflix hit The Crown.

As Assistant Private Secretary to four monarchs, 'Tommy' Lascelles had a ringside seat from which to observe the workings of the royal household and Downing Street during the first half of the 20th century.

These fascinating diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's Coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published.

This compelling account also includes Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, and throws an intriguing new light on the way in which King George VI and Winston Churchill worked together during the Second World War.

Lascelles was a fine writer - like most of the best diaries his are a delight to listen to as well as being invaluable history.

©2020 Duff Hart-Davis (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Brilliantly entertaining and historically priceless." (Spectator) 

"Fascinating...as much a contribution to royal legend as to the history of the war." (Daily Telegraph) 

Wonderful narration by Pip

I think the book still would have been interesting, but Pip Torren’s narration made it 10000x more so. Super performance that kept me engaged and often chuckling.

For fans of history or “The Crown.”

If you’re interested in the “goings on” in the court of St. James during WW2 or a fan of Pip Torrens’ work in Netflix’s “The Crown”, you’ll enjoy this reading.

Pip’s voice is easy, unstrained and his acting ability adds character to the writing. I’ve listened to this several times, sometimes just as background noise. I wish Pip would do more Audible books.

Pip Torrens is the Best

Love this book, but honestly I'd listen to Pip Torrens read the phone book.

Fascinating diary, brilliantly read

I found Tommy Lascelles intriguing on The Crown and wanted to see behind the curtain.
I was not disappointed. Pip Torrens, who portrayed Sir Tommy on The Crown, is one of the two best narrators ever. His Winston Churchill impression is spot on. A thoroughly enjoyable, insightful and entertaining listen.

The best PERIOD.

Narration, the best! No one could have read/recorded this book any better! All-around, enjoyed immensely.

Loved this Book

A fascinating life led by a very interesting man living in consequential times. The narration is excellently done. Highly recommended.

*****Sir Alan Lascelles and Pip Torrens are splendid!

As someone previously alluded, Pip Torrens gave an unforgettable performance in the role of Sir Alan Lascelles in “The Crown” on Netflix. Even if you’ve not had the pleasure of watching this excellent drama, if you enjoying history, and especially the history of Great Britain and the monarchy, this book is definitely one you should consider. What a coup it was to engage Torrens to read this book! The letters of Sir Lascelles narrated by Mr Torrens were thoroughly enjoyable from the first minute until the very sad moment when the book ended. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so sad when a book ended. I wish there were more men of Lascelles stature and character today. Torren’s performance while reading these letters brought Lascelles to life. And what an interesting life it was!

In a slightly different note, if you think you have a good command of the English language and have the ability to express yourself well, this book may challenge that notion. Sir Lascelles’ prose and delightful humor are unparalleled and on a par with the “greats.” Completely gutted I can’t listen to this fine audiobook again for the first time, however it won’t be the last! Listening to Torrens read “Tommy’s” letters was an antidote to the current state of affairs so I will need this book often! Too bad we can’t give more than 5 stars! I’d give it 10 easily.

Interesting and Entertaining

Sir Henry Ponsonby was famous as Queen Victoria's private secretary (Lascelles even mentions him twice), but less well-known (unless you're into British Royal Family History) is Sir Alan Lascelles, who served four members of the British Royal family during the early 20th century and oversaw some of the most turbulent moments in the Windsor family as well. Initially part of the Prince of Wales' (Edward VIII) staff, he left after despairing over David's behavior and joined the staff of the Governor General of Canada. He later returned to England to serve King George V, then Edward VIII before his abdication. He stayed on during the reign of King George VI and his daughter Elizabeth II before retiring in 1953.

His diaries are fascinating. They mention everyone of note in England during the war like Viscount Edward Halifax, Field Marshal Smuts, Sir Winston Churchill, Louis Mountbatten, etc. Because he was assistant private secretary and later private secretary to the king, Lascelles interacted with many people and was in on lots of information that the public wasn't, such as war plans for offensives and how George VI handled the stresses of wartime. But he also writes about his family and how he tries to see them as much as he can despite his duties, He sympathized with George VI and seemed to like Churchill overall, which made sense since he both interacted with and observed both men daily.

I have only two major issues with this audiobook and that has to do with Pip Torrens' reading. I think his voice is very appropriate and would match closely to Lascelles' (probably why he was chosen among many other reasons to play Lascelles in The Crown) but he reads too darn fast. Sentences run into each other and you can't always tell if he's finished a sentence. I tried slowing the speed down (which I rarely do) and that somewhat helped but it's still too fast for my taste. Same with how he read the notes and footnotes Lascelles later made about events. There was a part where Lascelles waxed upon his relationship and views of the Duke of Windsor following his death and subsequent obituary. I didn't realize it wasn't part of the entry until a good deal in. I'd say Torrens should preface things like that with "Footnote" which sometimes happen but not always. If he slowed down a good deal and let a little more pauses between entries and notes, it might help as well.

Overall, it was Torrens' fast pace that prevent me from being highly enthusiastic about this book. But I do recommend it nevertheless for the fascinating information and unique viewpoint of a man perfectly situated to give it. Additionally, I recommend Behind the Throne: A Domestic History of the British Royal Household by Adrian Tinniswood, which also offers perspectives on serving the British Royal Family, albeit over six hundred years but with similar stories.

Nice bit of history

Enjoyed it, well read, an important time in British history told by an impartial man. Of course with the usual biases for someone from that era.

Wonderful story.

The narration was perfect. I enjoyed hearing about the point of view of someone who had a ringside seat to history being made.