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  • Behind Closed Doors

  • By: Hugo Vickers
  • Narrated by: John Telfer
  • Length: 16 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (43 ratings)
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Behind Closed Doors

By: Hugo Vickers
Narrated by: John Telfer
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Summary

The life of the Duchess of Windsor came to an end in Paris on 24 April 1986. She was almost 90. Many people assumed that she had died years before, since she disappeared from public view for over a decade. Sebastian Faulks wrote in the Sunday Telegraph, ‘She is seen as no more than the star of an old romantic film that most French have forgotten.

’But the world did take note, describing her death as the final curtain on one of the greatest love stories of the twentieth century. The story of the Abdication was retold, embers of the feud between the British Royal Family and the Windsors in exile were fanned once more, and there was increasing speculation about the many historical treasures owned by the Duke and Duchess, in particular her jewels.

Hugo Vickers has followed the unfolding saga of this tragic couple since he was a young man. And, with the help of previously unpublished papers and personal testaments, he now brings a whole new perspective to the story. In particular, Vickers focuses on the last years of the Duchess of Windsor, revealing the cold truth about the ruthless exploitation of a vulnerable old woman by an unscrupulous French lawyer called Suzanne Blum.

Behind Closed Doors is a potent mixture of detective story and revelatory royal history. Hugo Vickers combines meticulous research with an intense fascination with his subject to tell a tale whose dramatic impact has only increased with time.

©2011 Hugo Vickers (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Behind Closed Doors

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Wallis

What a sympathetic and clear work on the Duchess of Winsor's life and decline after the death of the Duke. Most people see, and saw, her as a very tough and grasping woman. But this well crafted book shows another Duchess for whom the listener seen to have sympathy for, I must admit that I wanted to rush in at times to help rescue her.

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7 people found this helpful

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changed my belief

I like many others believed she was a status hunter thus book changed my view ,

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1 person found this helpful

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Wallis’ story

I only knew the basics of the story of the abdication and lives of the Windsors. This book covered every detail of the story making the characters real. I have more sympathy for the woman who was so vilified by just about everyone. I’m not sure she had the life she hoped for but she did make the best of it in a difficult situation. Edward’s character comes out worse and it seems he used his love for Wallis as a good excuse to get out of being King. I did feel that the author was a bit self important and cross that he assumes everyone speaks French.

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