Read This Next with Emily Darlow
New releases, hidden gems and the classic must-reads you shouldn’t miss
Whether you are a devoted royal watcher, a memoir lover or simply someone who enjoys a well-told story, this week’s selection offers a rich mix of insight, drama, history and personality. Here are five books worth settling in with.
The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal & Survival – Robert Jobson
Robert Jobson delivers an absorbing and easy-to-follow overview of the modern monarchy, charting its path from the stability of Queen Elizabeth II through to the more transitional era of Charles and the future of William. Jobson’s decades of experience as a royal correspondent show in the depth and clarity of his analysis. He draws connections between past crises and the pressures the Windsors face today, exploring how the family has adapted to shifting expectations, intense media scrutiny and evolving public attitudes.
This is not a sensationalist book, nor is it overly academic. It sits comfortably in the middle, offering intelligent yet accessible commentary. For readers who enjoy the long view of royal history and how the institution continues to reinvent itself, this is a rewarding choice.
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Lady in Waiting: My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown – Anne Glenconner
Anne Glenconner’s memoir sparkles with personality. Her life has been one of extraordinary proximity to royalty, from serving as a maid of honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation to decades spent as Princess Margaret’s closest confidante. Her storytelling is candid, often very funny and surprisingly emotional.
Glenconner’s observations about Princess Margaret are among the most revealing available in print. She captures not just the glamour and sharp wit, but also the loneliness, expectations and pressures that shaped Margaret’s life. Woven between these royal encounters are Glenconner’s own remarkable experiences of love, loss and resilience. The result is a memoir that feels intimate, human and filled with genuine heart.
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Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York – Andrew Lownie
Andrew Lownie turns his attention to one of the monarchy’s most turbulent modern chapters, tracing the dramatic arc of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. His research is extensive and his narrative style is brisk and compelling. Lownie examines their early popularity, their missteps and ultimately the scandals that have overshadowed their public image in recent years.
This is an unflinching look at the consequences of power, misjudgement and privilege within a family that is constantly judged at close range. Readers who want a deeper understanding of how the Andrew saga became such a defining and damaging issue for the royal household will find this book both revealing and gripping.
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The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life in Royal Service – Grant Harrold
Grant Harrold offers a charming and unusually intimate perspective on royal life, seen through the eyes of someone who worked within the household rather than appearing on its balcony. His memoir is warm and engaging, filled with stories about etiquette, tradition and the everyday routines that hold the monarchy together behind the scenes.
Harrold writes with affection and humour, offering a respectful glimpse into life working for King Charles III, Queen Camilla and other senior royals. This is not a scandal-driven account, but rather a thoughtful exploration of loyalty, service and the human side of palace life. For readers who enjoy detail and atmosphere, it is a delightful and absorbing read.
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Power and the Palace: Inside the Monarchy and Downing Street – Valentine Low
For readers who prefer substance and depth, Valentine Low delivers a fascinating study of the complex relationship between the British monarchy and the UK government. His examination of how monarchs and prime ministers have shaped one another’s roles, influenced public events and navigated constitutional boundaries is both insightful and meticulously researched.
Low’s portraits of Elizabeth II and Charles III reveal two very different approaches to leadership and public duty. His exploration of crises, political tensions and the machinery of power offer a rare and compelling look behind the ceremonial façade. This is a thoughtful, intelligent book that rewards readers who enjoy understanding the structures beneath tradition. A great follow on from his earlier book Courtiers.
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Other book columns by Emily Darlow: https://startsat60.com/media/read-this-next-5-great-summer-treats
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