'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?

I think this is a good example of a personal attack.

Of course, whilst they're sat together in their throne-like chairs "working together"!

I actually posted on MN that there was going to be trouble and got blasted sky high 🙄
From the start something about MM just didn’t ring true. I very rarely take an instant dislike to someone (probably 4 or 5 times in my life? I’m 69) but she was one. Absolutely nothing to do with her colour, career, being American etc, just a visceral feeling.

Words about themselves or a third-party?

Words about themselves = no interest
Words about a third-party = even less interest
Conclusion = original opinion still applies

It’s funny that MM does edit Harry, since she is the one dropping them in it the most.

That's mightily convenient for you!

Nice try but I have not identified a specific person so it is not a "personal attack" 😁

Words about themselves = no interest
Words about a third-party = even less interest
Conclusion = original opinion still applies

If someone’s words about themself are of no interest, and their words about a third party are of less interest, I cannot for the life of me see what you’ll get out of Harry’s book, since I expect it will largely his words about third parties, interspersed with words about himself.

Convenient? 🤔😅

If I suggest it to my book club I reckon I will be thrown out !

So essentially, unless it's Harry saying how horrid everyone was to him and how awful his life was as a massively privileged prince, but then he met his incredible wife and had his 'adorable' kids and found freedom recording infomercials for a life coaching app, you don't care to know?

Convenient in that you don't wish to believe it of them so your excuse is that it's not a first-person account

Compassion in action yet again.

Who cares the thoughts, feelings and experiences of "the help"?

Oh, you've also read it. Wonderful. So it's gone thorough the production process already? The release date should near then. I wonder why it's not available on back order. Hmm! 🤔

Enablers are always the worst enemies of those whom they are fangirling.

Oh, you've also read it

No - but I am familiar with the general format of autobiographies, having read many! As I said, if they didn’t consist of words about third parties or the writer, they’d be picture books. 😀

I hope the memoir has pictures of the family. I think Meghan is stunning and we don't get to see the children very often.

At the idea of suggesting it to a book club! I may slide that in casually at the end after a few drinks and see what happens. 😂

That's great but this thread is about a book of which extracts have already been released.

Why are you so indifferent to people who found it traumatising to work for 'stunning' Meghan and her husband? Do you think only members of the royal family should be listened to?

If someone poster on mumsnet that their partner flies into rages, belittles people, attends their work presentations and they’re expected to
attend theirs, has beef with their family, and openly describes their dynamic as:
"You never move one without the other. That's me and xxx. We're like salt and pepper. We always move together."

Can you imagine the response

It's not our usual read but I think it will be interesting to discuss. After all H&M do get people talking, don't they?

Wonder why there's only one pigeon left?

Maybe she’s a tough old bird 😂

Who likes to dodge questions!

Too over zealous for the official M fan club maybe