Endgame

Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival

By: Omid Scobie

Narrated by: Omid Scobie

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Endgame, the explosive book from longtime royal journalist Omid Scobie and author of the international blockbuster Finding Freedom, is a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy—an unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image, and a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family.

Queen Elizabeth II’s death ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsor—and dismantled the protective shield around it. With an institution long plagued by antiquated ideas around race, class and money, the monarchy and those who prop it up are now exposed and at odds with a rapidly modernizing world. Relying on his vast experience as a royal reporter and over a decade of conversations and interviews with current and former Palace staff, trusted friends of the royals and even the family members themselves, Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoil to show what the monarchy must change in order to survive.

This is the monarchy’s endgame. Do they have what it takes to save it?

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Omid Scobie (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent

Omid has added context to many things reported by the British media and/or so called royal correspondents

Honest, Open, Summary of The Firm…

Like most people, I was aware of the controversy that this book was shrouded in. But after listening to it, it really helped give additional details that have been reported across all media. The current players within this family really need to take a step back away from ego and figure out if they are “the firm“ or if they are a family. I have always felt like that has been the issue. They weaponize “the firm“ when they don’t want to do something or when they want to boost their ego, and when they want to be relatable, they want to be just a family. If they continue in this manner, their fear of the monarchy going away, I think will fast approach.

Insightful and well presented

While not shocked, I am surprised by the rather high quality of writing in this book. Scobie’s reading of it also combines a balanced amount of genuine personality and emotion with stoic analysis. The subjects also cover things that most royal writers ignore (financial controversies etc.). Overall, a refreshing and honest essay on the complex landscape the royal family is facing.

An insider’s unbiased view of events and people

Informative, well presented. Clearly shows all sides lose regardless of plots, sub-plots and machinations concocted by the powers that be.

Clear-eyed Perspective of a Narrative with Competing POVs in Media

Despite what some might say, Scobie is clearly not anyone’s “mouthpiece.” He provides a compelling narrative of the situation the British royal family now finds itself. It’s almost Aristotelian tragedy as the hubris of both the current king and heir are driving their very bad decisions, decisions that seem to be compounding the Royal institution’s growing irrelevancy. Splashed with Scobie’s cheeky sense of humor, his delivery helped to humanize the Royal family members—including Harry and Meghan who now reside in California—which, to be frank, made me feel sorry for their utter dysfunction as a family unit. They may have wealth (gotten through thievery and colonialism), but they all seem to be a sorry bunch who willfully turn on each other just to move up in society’s eyes in order to justify their relevance.

History will thank Omid Scobie

A bravely written, insightful and fair depiction of the British monarchy today. This book takes no prisoners. From an insider point of view, it lays out in historical and cultural context the decline of the royal institution and the key players desperate to keep it relevant, no matter the cost. Scobie pulls the curtain wide open on a secretive institution that operates by its own rules. Just like Spare, Endgame will be a crucial reference point in the future of a balanced and truthful account of the history of the monarchy.

Still listening and I love it!

Thanks for an unbiased account Omid!
1st. For those giving one or two stars - they’re not listening to this book. They’re trying to downplay this book because they’re derangers. Bottom line this book is fantastic.
2nd. I truly love Omid’s narration and the obviously brilliant research he did when writing it.
3rd. Highly recommended downloading this book it is great!
More to follow once I finish it.

Validation of a sort

It seems to validate much of what Prince Harry says in his recent memoir “Spare.”

Very entertaining stories and a little dirt on the royal family.

It is obvious that anyone that references this as a “Harry & Meghan” book has NOT read it! So sad and obvious that royalists and the U.K. Media cover the RF’s butts by trying to make the Sussex family out to be the worst of the bunch. Have they forgotten about most of these tidbits? Or the embarrassing , serious and irreparable damage that Tampon Charlie & his mistress Cowmilla brought to the crown? Let’s not forget good old Randy Andy to name a couple of instances of major shamelessness. Could this imperialist bunch also be guilty of making racist comments? You bet! Tell it like it is Omid!

Excellent journalism

Even handed and source-rich, the author presents an honest but compassionate treatment of the modern Royal Family and their challenges today.

Also, I wasn't sure if I was going to get the book, but then saw three wild, heckling reviews that looked like they came from the Palace itself. So, I had to read it. I'm glad I did.