More royal reveals
The raft of new books telling all from behind the Palace walls
It’s not just Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir that’s rattling the Palace – there’s a raft of royal tell-alls threatening to reveal the inner workings of the Windsors. Here’s what’s out and coming up…
Courtiers: The Hidden Power behind the Crown
Out this week and in Kerry’s hands now, is Courtiers: The Hidden Power behind the Crown, from The Times’ royal correspondent Valentine Low. In it, Low sets about explaining the role of the courtiers, past and present – both good and bad. He has been in the headlines for the chapters covering Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their deteriorating relationship with their staff. “By the time of the Africa tour, relations between Meghan and her senior advisers were unravelling fast,” he writes, adding they began referring to themselves as the “Sussex Survivors’ Club.”
Camilla Duchess of Cornwall: From Outcast to Future Queen Consort
Also just released, is journalist Angela Levin’s new book about Camilla’s journey from most-hated woman in Britain to Queen. In it, friend Gyles Brandreth describes Camilla as “very self-contained” and “never complains.” She also writes how Harry – who has a great relationship with Camilla now – wasn’t so welcoming when he was younger. “The Duchess always felt quite wary of Harry and used to see him out of the corner of her eye looking at her in a long and cold way. She found it rather unnerving. Otherwise, they got on quite well,” she writes.
The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown
Also out imminently, is another look at the internal workings of the palace from journalist Katie Nicholl, who has written previous books on the young royals. This one promises “new stories from Palace courtiers … and family members.”
Finding Freedom II
Meanwhile, one book Harry and Meghan are most likely looking forward to, is the next from royal writer and Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie. It promises to focus on “a new chapter of the royal story and feature unique insight, deep access and exclusive revelations”, and will “have the world talking”. “I’m busy writing and it feels so nice to be able to finally admit that!”, Scobie posted on social media.
My Years with the Queen: A Remarkable Story of Duty and Friendship
One biography we can’t wait for at The Royal List, is from Lady Pamela Hicks, bridesmaid and lady-in-waiting to the Queen. It is an insiders’ account of the life of the Queen, as told by Pamela, who has been by the side of the Queen throughout her reign. Pamela, 93, is the daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten and cousin of Prince Philip. The book is due out next year.
…Plus the Duchess of York showed her book to the Queen
Of course, not all books are about the Royal Family – they write plenty themselves too. This week Sarah, Duchess of York revealed she gave the Queen a preview copy of her book in French, but told her she didn’t have to read it.
Speaking at the Henley Literary Festival about her next novel, A Most Intriguing Lady, the duchess, 62, said she wanted to know the Queen’s take on her second Mills & Boon book. “I’ve been the luckiest person alive because every minute is a memory and it will be in my heart and in my mind,” she said. “When we wrote the book I gave it to the boss. I said, you don’t need to read it. I gave it to her in French. I wouldn’t do anything unless the boss let me.” The book is on sale next year.
Catherine is mellow in yellow
We love a yellow frock and Catherine looked picture-perfect as she made her first solo engagement as the Princess of Wales at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, on Wednesday.
Sporting a lovely £175 yellow Karen Millen dress, the Princess told mothers not to overlook their own health after giving birth, saying mums often think, “I don’t have time” or “my child comes first.”
Staying for an hour longer than scheduled, to chat to mothers, staff and well-wishers, she also got a cuddle with premature baby Bianca Moran and chatted to mum Sylvia.
“She looks so comfortable, are you sure?” the Princess said, clearly loving her cuddles. “She’s very sweet.”
Charles gets back to business
The mourning period over, the King and Queen were back to business in Scotland this week. Their Majesties attended an event at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where, alongside the King’s British Asian Trust, they welcomed UK guests of British Indian, Pakistani, Bangladesh, Sri Lankan, Nepalese, Bhutanese and Maldivian heritage to celebrate their contribution to the nation.
The couple were also in Dunfermline to mark its new city status. “We gather to celebrate this great occasion but also to commemorate the life of Her late Majesty, whose deep love for Scotland was one of the foundations of her life,” the King said. Also this week, the Governor of Victoria in Australia, Linda Dessau, met with the King in Balmoral.
The Sussex’s stunning photos
Finally, the Sussex’s friend, photographer Misan Harriman, released two lovely photographs of the couple taken before the opening ceremony of One Young World summit, before the Queen’s funeral.
Harriman, also chair of the Southbank Centre, has taken many pictures of the couple, including one to announce their second pregnancy and the first portrait of their one-year-old daughter, Lilibet. He attended their wedding in 2018.