Courtiers

By: Valentine Low

Narrated by: Valentine Low

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Ltd

Critic reviews

"Fascinating." (The Times)

"Tantalising... Low's conclusion is a valuable one." (The Telegraph)

Insight into the world of the Royals

Enlightening! Listening felt like an intriguing, long lazy afternoon conversation with a secret insider who knows a lot about the running of the Royal households. I enjoyed the author’s narration. His voice makes for an authentic listening experience.

Remarkable insights into the role of a Ccourtier

Insider information on the role of the Courtiers an eye opener.

Narrator was so out of breath that I got tired and struggled to continue the book (I got tired just by listening to him struggeling) which is a pitty as it is a truly remarkable book

Well written and worth your time

if you are here for a book about Harry and Meghan, you're in the wrong place.
however, if you are here for a well researched, well written and balanced book - then just lay back and enjoy it.
I enjoyed the fact that the author himself read it - I always enjoy that, I feel it gives the author the possibility to convey exactly what they meant when writing l. and I was pleasantly surprised by the opinions expressed - Valentine Lowe can sometimes be the devil's advocate. I would give it an even higher rating if any higher rating was available.

It’s adequate, not great.

Who edited this book?!
The overall structure is perplexing. There’s no real introduction, so important information, eg the various types of courtier and their hierarchy, is not presented until the very end of the book.
It skips between characters and time periods in a most bewildering and illogical manner, and is overall a very frustrating (and at times even dull) read.
If you want gossip, you may still enjoy it. If you want a sensible, comprehensible, overview of palace culture and how it has changed in the last seventy years, it would be best to look elsewhere.
This book is adequate, but should have been much better.

Not worth the hype.

I did not enjoy listening to the book because parts of it are boring and do not contribute to a storyline. It does get more interesting in the second half of the book. Another disappointment is the narrator -he is not articulating well and swallows his words.

Sensible and coherent (and real).

How easy it is to get confused, not always the source of the information is correct, or real, or authentic (as "someone" said in a pseudo "documentary"). How is one to believe what someone who half knows what they are talking about in the very short time they have been there, versus someone who has been there, who has been very close there for many, many years and knows what they are talking about with no other intention than to tell the truth? Mr Low's narrative is admirable, the best line, as courtiers, they are there to get the best out of them. Wonderful book.

Detailed history

accurate and plenty of details for the people who like to be up to date about royals and the problems that MM has brought to the firm

perhaps authors shouldn't narrate own book

the content is great but I find it difficult to immerse myself in the story when the author is constantly on the verge of a sore throat. he speaks too fast, he mumbles and at times I struggle to hear him or even understand him. it would be much be much better if the author speaks lower, clear his throat first or just find someone else to read the book. the worst had to be the worsening state of his throat that made this audio book at times unbearable to listen to. this is a case of author probably sabotaging his own efforts by reading his own book on a day where he had issues with his throat. not pleasant to listen to. a pity because the content was interesting.

Not so good

The author should not read this. He comes across as very stuffy & at times I wanted to fall asleep.

Not great

The structure of this book is slightly confusing. Also please hire a professional to read the story, I found the tone in his voice, accent and pronunciation clarity difficult to understand. I am a little disappointed with this book.