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.

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.

Exceptional View into Royal Life

"King's Counsellor" is a detailed and engaging view into history and royal life. Without making himself the center of the story, sit Alan Lascelles presents a humble but rich account of his life serving the British Monarchy and the nation. This is one of those audiobooks that I could not stop listening to - and I wish more memoirs / diaries were written in such an interesting style.

Very entertaining!

I was engrossed by this memoir from start to finish, a first hand account of England during WWII ..and interactions with significant figures of the period.