'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 bet MM was squirming when she had to be in the close personal company of the people she had issued that veiled threat to from The Cut interview just days before when they were mourning their mother / grandmother.

At the walkabout, which presumably was the first time she had seen Catherine or William since they fled, C gave her a hard look as they gathered in front of the car and she literally ran backwards to cling to Harry who stepped forward to shield her. And as they approached the public her knees were visibly knocking as she half hid behind Harry. Lucky for her most of the public apparently took the view this was about HMQ and olive branches and gave them a friendly reception.

Credit where credit is due, it was brave of her - I'd have cried off sick.

Though one does wonder if she had given any thought at all to when she might meet her in laws again, or might need to, as she sat in her marshmallowy mansion lobbing grenades across the Atlantic.
It wouldn't take Nostradamus to predict a funeral and a coronation at some point in the not too distant future. And I'm sure they will want to be seen at the coronation of the King even if they don't think much of the monarchy. 🤷‍♀️

You mean in The Cut article?

I've read that, but haven't listened to the podcast. I know there were apparently some things said in that which raise a few eyebrows, but I didn't think it was threats.

Obvs, not saying Harry's a closet Nazi I don't think he ever had any political opinions at all unpleasant or otherwise He's always been foolish, immature and easily led it turns out.

Always had the impression that Kate was a good friend to him for nearly 20 years and I think one of the links says that she was the peacemaker who could negotiate between the two brothers when needed. They looked like they enjoyed each other’s company and were respectful. Maybe that’s money in the emotional bank that can be drawn on when the time is right.

I'd have to look back to check but she said that she hadn't signed any NDAs and she could say anything until she didn't or words to that effect.

Thanks to those who let me know they found the share tokens for The Times articles useful. Appreciate you taking the time to let me know🙂

If there are any other Times articles anyone would like to read, I'd be happy to generate and provide the share token.

The extracts have been landing around 6pm-7pm, nothing new today so far. However there is a report from the same author (Valentine Low) on William and Catherine's visit to Wales today.

Though one does wonder if she had given any thought at all to when she might meet her in laws again, or might need to, as she sat in her marshmallowy mansion lobbing grenades across the Atlantic.

I also thought she was brave given I think neither of them ever imagined that they would be coincidentally in the UK when the Queen died. Having to front out several days worth of family and public appearances rather than just flying in a couple of days before the funeral was probably not something either of them had ever considered would happen!

Thanks @goldierocks !

I have a Times subscription but it was certainly helpful to me to have all the extract links put on here in order by you.

I do wonder what was said in the car with Sophie, if anything. Both Kate and Sophie are in a position to know how hurt and upset the Queen may have been by all of H and Ms shenanigans.

I also remember the hard look Sophie gave M at the Commonwealth service as M was admiring herself up on the big screen. They’ve got her number alright. I’m sure Camilla does too.

Going by the glacial body language in the Windsor 'walkabout', I very much doubt that. Kate is normally good at putting on her diplomatic face, but she looked really resentful at having to appear alongside Harry and Meghan. William was at least trying to seem civil, but Kate looked totally over it all, and I don't blame her.

Besides, why is it her responsibility? I don't think there will be any 'negotiation' involved because, if what Valentine Low writes is correct, there is no pleasing Harry. Sometimes adult siblings fall out and there's really not much that can be done about it.

@goldierocks Thank you, all the shares are much appreciated.

I'd have to look back to check but she said that she hadn't signed any NDAs and she could say anything until she didn't or words to that effect.

From the conclusion of th interview in The Cut:

“It’s interesting, I’ve never had to sign anything that restricts me from talking,” Meghan says. “I can talk about my whole experience and make a choice not to.(When asked why not she responds, “Still healing.”)

“I think forgiveness is really important. But it takes a lot of effort to forgive. I’ve really made an active effort, especially knowing that I can say anything,” she says, her voice full of meaning.

And then she is silent. She breathes in and smiles and breathes out and says, ‘I have a lot to say until I don’t. Do you like that? Sometimes, as they say, the silent part is still part of the song.’”

I've just skimmed the last article you linked to goldie

One thing that I always admire and sympathise with the Royal ladies for is them having to squat down in heels to talk to small children. I couldn't bloody do it for that long with such ease. Do you think the courtiers make them practice that before they let 'em loose on walkabouts?

I agree. She looked terrified at that walkabout. Well done to her for fronting it out. Also at the funeral service, the family completely blanked them. It would have hit her like a ton of bricks the over whelming emotion felt by the public. The pomp and ceremony. Joe Biden wasn't front and centre. Commonwealth leaders, clergy and the military were given more important positions. Absolutely exhausting.

Thank you Serenster for finding that, I'd obviously got confused between her podcasts and the the article in The Cut. I remember at the time thinking how spiteful she sounded!

Maybe they thought that getting Scobie to announce they were both coming meant the family at Balmoral would have no choice but to go along with it as a fait accompli?

If they did that intentionally and publicly in those deeply painful hours for the family - then they really are despicable.

Thank you from me too @goldierocks

Perhaps Kate took "the silent part is still part of the song" seriously in her demeanour on the walkabout! (Sorry)

I do think Meghan showed some guts to undertake it but I don't see that they could seriously expect undiluted warmth, affection and trust from the rest of the family, who must themselves have been feeling pretty tired and raw from the whole experience around the Queens death on top of the H and M history.

Full of threat. Quite chilling really.

Regarding the dash to Balmoral, there is absolutely no doubt that the Queen's staff were acting on clear instruction regarding who could/could not attend and most likely with her direct approval. It wasn't an agonizing decision for the rest of them to make on the hoof. The death plan existed for around twenty years and became ever more elaborate as the family dynamics changed. Meghan couldn't argue with it's contents because it would have been the Queen's own instruction.

Kate was probably allowed to attend but had to pull out due to the unforeseeable clash with the first day at a new school.

The Cut article was... extraordinary.

It so was and I think spectacularly backfired on her because she really showed the world who she was!

I think it was obvious from that article that Sunshine Sachs are no longer representing them. I don't think they would ever have allowed an article which showed their client in such a poor light to go to press.

I honestly don't think it was appropriate for Kate to go either. There was no need for lots of people there.