The King

The Life of Charles III

By: Christopher Andersen

Narrated by: Simon Vance

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen comes a vivid and unsparing yet sympathetic portrait of one of the most complex and enigmatic figures of our time: Charles, who has taken his place on the throne after being the oldest and longest-serving heir in British history.

Since the day Charles Philip Arthur George was born, he has been groomed to be King. After more than seventy years of waiting, he finally ascends the throne.

The King examines the private life of this historically important and controversial figure, set against the grand, thousand-year sweep of the British monarchy. This richly detailed biography covers it all, from his military training to his marriage to Lady Diana, through their separation and her tragic death to his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles. In the process, it provides a balanced but fully honest look into the life of the new monarch. This book will tell you what the King—a man who has remained something of an enigma, shrouded in speculation and intrigue—is really like.

The King is the first biography of Charles since he has become monarch and serves as an authoritative chronicle of his life.

©2019 by Andersen Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio

Excellent

Well-written, as usual with Christopher Andersen. Not at all Nat. Enquirer mode-a professionally researched, thorough, compelling biography.

Very Interesting

Good listen. Seemed a bit flattering rather than honest about Charles. Learned new facts. Recommend.

The King

Interesting book about the monarchy. I enjoyed reading this story about Charles life, the good with the bad.

Rehash

Nothing new for the most part. Narrator has a pleasant voice. Rehash of every story heard many times.

Not much new

The story was well written but mostly old news. Not much new and somewhat convoluted

Learn what went in behind the scenes

I enjoyed learning behind the scene details and how or why certain decisions were made. It also brought forth the human side of being a British Royal.

Great Narrator; Questionable Writing

Simon Vance is one of my favorite narrators (I know he butchered “Interview with the Vampire,” but really, someone should have told him he sounded like the Count from Sesame Street in a community theatre production of Dracula, rather than allowing that audiobook to be released into the world).
Here, though, Vance is the perfect choice of narrator. His voice is so pleasing and melodic, the book’s “plot holes” so to speak are almost easy to simply ignore.

It is very sympathetic to Diana and very unflattering to Charles and Camilla, though the author vacillates between this & seemingly trying to write as a neutral, objective observer.

And make no mistake—I’ve never been Team Charles. If you are an avid royal watcher (and no, watching The Crown on Netflix doesn’t count) there’s nothing new in this book. Except it almost seems to be more of a scathing tome about Camilla, rather than a book about Charles. It’s well-done and polished. I am neutral on it.

Not only about the king.

If you think this book is all about the king you would be wrong. It's a little hard to follow because it takes so many side steps into details of all of the ther royals lives. A lot of the book is just old news being retold with a bit of the King's perspective.

Interesting Bio

I have a slightly different impression of this book than some of the previous reviews. I learned things about King Charles and his family that I didn’t know before.

I didn’t know he was quite so randy and exploitative in his early sexual adventures. It seems he learned quickly that he could have whatever woman he wanted and took advantage of his opportunities rather profligately. He was apparently not too different from his brother Prince Andrew in that respect. His current wife, knowing his long and colorful history, is understandably wary of any attractive woman that gets too close and schemes to banish them.

Andersen speculates about Prince Harry’s paternity and leaves the James Hewitt link hanging, providing one alleged “proof” that I hadn’t heard before.

The book is not the pro-Charles puff piece I expected but it is also not a complete slam. King Charles is portrayed as a human being with some very weird character flaws but also some definite gifts. For me it was more surprising than not.

My Musings

A fascinating look in the life of King Charles III from his birth to his ascendence to throne. Somewhat biased but balanced as well. Glad I listened to it. The narrator is amazing. Happiest reading and listening!