'Courtiers' by Valentine Low

[RandomPenguinHouse]

Extracts of this were being discussed on a previous thread ('The Times) which just finished.

I'm interested in buying this book, despite never having ever bought any other book about the Royal Family and never having watched The Crown.

I'm interested however in the archaic rituals of the Royal Court and how it works as an employer, and also how the courtiers advise.

Yes the excerpts were focused on Harry and Meghan but presumably that's just for clicks given the relevant timing, and that the book goes well beyond that.

Poignant that in the synopsis for it on The Foyles website it says:

The Queen, after a remarkable 70 years of service, is entering the final seasons of her reign without her husband Philip to guide her. Meanwhile, Charles seeks to define what his future as King will be, with his court wielding ever greater influence as he plans for his imminent accession.

www.foyles.co.uk/witem/biography/courtiers,valentine-low-9781472290908

Anyone else thinking of buying this?

@Croque

i would respectfully disagree.

American presidents and other politicians have been holding hands for years. While I disagree with the idea of it, it’s a personal thing to me in a professional capacity, the Obamas, the Clinton’s, the bushes the Reagan all did it. Kamala Harris and her husband hold hands as does Joe Biden. It’s probably a cultural thing which Harry has quite happily embraced.

I don’t think holding hands is an issue - I think it’s quite nice and supportive in big events. I have however clocked a (what looks like to me at least) performative adoring face - sort of wide eyed and love struck gaze - from MM - might just be me but it jars, feels contrived.

Agree. It’s not appropriate in public situations I feel either. Also she is 41, not 17. It feels to me like she wants the narrative to be ‘loves young dream.’.

@SilverLiningPlaybook

If it’s good enough for POTUS who are we to argue 🤣
The poor RF will probably be getting a memo soon that they’ve got to hold hands to look more relatable, I’m just imagining the look on Anne’s face

I don't know their relationship obviously, but the way that Tim Lawrence didn't move from Princess Anne's side during the week of her mother's death would mean more to me that all of adoring gazes and handholds. They don't need each other to stand up straight, but they are there for each other when needed.

Excellent suggestion @Dinoteeth

@oakleaffy

My FIL met Charles about 15 years ago for a business meeting for something for Highgrove. He was apparently lovely, served the tea himself, very knowledgeable and down to earth. He could very easily have left the meeting to one of his staff but met FIL on his own and gave him a tour of the house too.

I very much think you should judge people by how they treat the people they don’t have to be nice to, those interactions they don’t gain anything from.

The adoring looks do remind me of Nancy Reagan, who was famously mocked for them. Most of us have been in love, few of us do that. There have been a few shown recently of the Queen and Phillip when they were very young and while I would say she looks utterly besotted, it is feels entirely real and you go "aaaah" rather than "eurgh" instinctively.

The picture of her adoringly looking up at Harry while he''s talking to Charles on the balcony at Trooping the Colour in 2018 makes me feel embarrassed for her!

Meghan adoringly looking at Harry

I didn't know Christine Bleakley appeared on the balcony for Trooping.

Nice hat.

Absolutely right.

🤣🤣

I do wonder: if they had never done the Winfrey interview , or collaborated with FF, how would relations be now between the various families? I imagine that everyone would get on a lot better.

I agree with you.

That’s not what she wants though, as it means she has to continue meeting them and visiting them. She doesn’t want that. Not on any account.

I also got the feeling that while the other royals were discreetly dabbing eyes with tissues, however genuine her sadness, Meghan allowed that tear to sit on her eyelid long enough for her mascara start to run outside the church, because she knew it would make an iconic photo.

Yes I thought that too. I did wonder if I was being very uncharitable, but I did wonder.

Yes a very doe-eyed look.

I’ve previously defended M+H (not because I’m a fan particularly but couldn’t stand the way they were torn down) but these excerpts seem quite convincing. I don’t know what to think.

This popped up the other day.

Our neighbour is a second-generation Duchy tenant, and not a habitual forelock tugger, by any stretch of the imagination. He speaks warmly of Charles, who turns up in with just a protection officer other protection officers may not be visible to discuss the farm, agriculture, wildlife issues, etc. Neighbour says it's very much a two-way conversation, and they get a Christmas pudding every year. Will be interesting to see how or if William carries that low key personal involvement forward when he takes over the Duchy estates.

I think most people think the same. However much the pro Meghan's hate us for saying things like this, she definitely has form for it. Remember when she was smiling when she saw herself on camera at that last official church service when she was dressed in the green cape number.

Totally agree.

I do think the hand holding in public is a cultural thing, it is much more prevalent in US figures, very much "the norm".
It's just never been the norm within the RF while "on the job". Especially amongst Senior Royals.
That's why it's noticed.
It honestly doesn't bother me.