Courtiers: Intrigue, Ambition, and the Power Players Behind the House of Windsor by Valentine Low

For its entire history, the British monarchy has relied on its trusted courtiers—the unseen advisers who handle both the forward public-facing activities of the royal family and its behind-the-scenes feuds and scandals. For better or worse, with their guidance and influence, they have been instrumental in some of the biggest events in British history.

In Courtiers, Valentine Low has given readers not only an in-depth examination into the reigns of King George and the unprecedented 70-year-long reign of Queen Elizabeth II, but we also gain insight into how the current courtiers of King Charles III and Prince William are working with them to shape the future of the monarchy in Britain.

Valentine Low has been a fixture in British journalism covering the royal family for the past fifteen years. Traveling on assignments with the late queen to Russia, with the now King Charles III to the Galapagos Islands, and with the new Prince and Princess of Wales to Bhutan, Low has gained the trust of both the monarchs and the courtiers and is sharing their stories of what it is like to work behind the gilded doors of Buckingham Palace. 

There is little doubt that most readers who pick up this book will grab it because of the ongoing drama between The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and The Prince and Princess of Wales. And that’s the publisher and author’s goal, to get the reader to grab the book thinking there will be a no-holds-barred account of the fights between warring factions of the Sussex team and then Cambridge team-- the cover of Courtiers has their photos on it even though they are only in the last 3-4 chapters of the book. It is worth noting that Valentine Low is the journalist who first broke the story of Markle’s abusive behavior toward her courtiers in May 2021 and a subsequent inquiry was conducted by Buckingham Palace, results of which have never been released. 

This is a fascinating look into court life for any British history buff, but sadly it will most likely only be read by those who want the dirt on Harry & Meghan and William & Catherine. 

 

3 out of  5 stars. It is a great book for a history buff, but most will read it for the scant coverage of the Sussex/Wales drama.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.