Listen free for 30 days
-
Game of Crowns
- Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne
- Narrated by: Simon Prebble
- Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Entertainment & Celebrities
People who bought this also bought...
-
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family
- By: Omid Scobie, Carolyn Durand
- Narrated by: Omid Scobie
- Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For the very first time, Finding Freedom goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan’s life together, dispelling the many rumours and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple’s lives as few outsiders can.
-
-
Boring
- By Marjory on 11-08-20
-
Battle of Brothers
- William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult
- By: Robert Lacey
- Narrated by: Tim Frances
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world has watched Prince William and Prince Harry since they were born. Raised by Princess Diana to be the closest of brothers, how have the boy princes grown into very different, now distanced men? From royal insider, biographer and historian Robert Lacey, this book reveals the untold details of William and Harry’s closeness and estrangement, asking what happens when two sons are raised for vastly different futures - one burdened with the responsibility of one day becoming king, the other with the knowledge that he will always remain spare.
-
-
Poor Harry is so hard done by
- By Amazon Customer on 23-10-20
-
Diana
- Her True Story - in Her Own Words
- By: Andrew Morton
- Narrated by: Caroline Langrishe, Michael Maloney, Andrew Morton, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A reissue of this classic title, updated with never-before-published material from the original taped interviews and with a new introduction by Andrew Morton that reflects on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the original publication of Diana: Her True Story. One of the world's best-known biographers, Andrew Morton's groundbreaking and controversial biography Diana: Her True Story changed the public's perception of the British monarchy and became an instant global best seller.
-
-
Very good start
- By Jan on 15-02-20
-
The Mountbattens
- Their Lives & Loves
- By: Andrew Lownie
- Narrated by: Andrew Lownie
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A major figure behind his nephew Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth II and instrumental in the royal family taking the Mountbatten name, Dickie Mountbatten's career included being Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia during World War Two and the last Viceroy of India. Once the richest woman in Britain and a playgirl who enjoyed numerous affairs, Edwina Mountbatten emerged from World War Two as a magnetic and talented charity worker loved around the world.
-
-
All detail..nothing of the man.
- By John on 09-09-19
-
17 Carnations
- The Windsors, The Nazis and The Cover-Up
- By: Andrew Morton
- Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story of the love affair between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, and his abdication in order to marry the divorcée, has provoked fascination and discussion for decades. However, the full story of the couple's links with the German aristocracy and Hitler has until now remained untold. Meticulously researched, 17 Carnations chronicles this entanglement, starting with Hitler's early attempts to matchmake between Edward and a German noblewoman.
-
-
History narrated at its most professional.
- By Ginger on 10-04-16
-
Nemesis
- The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle that Brought Down the Kennedys
- By: Peter Evans
- Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
- Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through extensive interviews with the closest friends, lovers, and relatives of Onassis and the Kennedys, longtime journalist Evans has uncovered the shocking culmination of the Kennedy-Onassis-Kennedy love triangle: Aristotle Onassis was at the heart of the plot to kill Bobby Kennedy. Meticulously tracing Onassis's connections in the world of terrorism, Nemesis presents compelling evidence that he financed the assassination - including a startling confession that has gone unreported for nearly three decades.
-
-
A conspiracy theory?
- By m. webster on 24-11-20
-
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family
- By: Omid Scobie, Carolyn Durand
- Narrated by: Omid Scobie
- Length: 10 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For the very first time, Finding Freedom goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan’s life together, dispelling the many rumours and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple’s lives as few outsiders can.
-
-
Boring
- By Marjory on 11-08-20
-
Battle of Brothers
- William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult
- By: Robert Lacey
- Narrated by: Tim Frances
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world has watched Prince William and Prince Harry since they were born. Raised by Princess Diana to be the closest of brothers, how have the boy princes grown into very different, now distanced men? From royal insider, biographer and historian Robert Lacey, this book reveals the untold details of William and Harry’s closeness and estrangement, asking what happens when two sons are raised for vastly different futures - one burdened with the responsibility of one day becoming king, the other with the knowledge that he will always remain spare.
-
-
Poor Harry is so hard done by
- By Amazon Customer on 23-10-20
-
Diana
- Her True Story - in Her Own Words
- By: Andrew Morton
- Narrated by: Caroline Langrishe, Michael Maloney, Andrew Morton, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A reissue of this classic title, updated with never-before-published material from the original taped interviews and with a new introduction by Andrew Morton that reflects on the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the original publication of Diana: Her True Story. One of the world's best-known biographers, Andrew Morton's groundbreaking and controversial biography Diana: Her True Story changed the public's perception of the British monarchy and became an instant global best seller.
-
-
Very good start
- By Jan on 15-02-20
-
The Mountbattens
- Their Lives & Loves
- By: Andrew Lownie
- Narrated by: Andrew Lownie
- Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A major figure behind his nephew Philip's marriage to Queen Elizabeth II and instrumental in the royal family taking the Mountbatten name, Dickie Mountbatten's career included being Supreme Allied Commander of South East Asia during World War Two and the last Viceroy of India. Once the richest woman in Britain and a playgirl who enjoyed numerous affairs, Edwina Mountbatten emerged from World War Two as a magnetic and talented charity worker loved around the world.
-
-
All detail..nothing of the man.
- By John on 09-09-19
-
17 Carnations
- The Windsors, The Nazis and The Cover-Up
- By: Andrew Morton
- Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story of the love affair between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, and his abdication in order to marry the divorcée, has provoked fascination and discussion for decades. However, the full story of the couple's links with the German aristocracy and Hitler has until now remained untold. Meticulously researched, 17 Carnations chronicles this entanglement, starting with Hitler's early attempts to matchmake between Edward and a German noblewoman.
-
-
History narrated at its most professional.
- By Ginger on 10-04-16
-
Nemesis
- The True Story of Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, and the Love Triangle that Brought Down the Kennedys
- By: Peter Evans
- Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
- Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Through extensive interviews with the closest friends, lovers, and relatives of Onassis and the Kennedys, longtime journalist Evans has uncovered the shocking culmination of the Kennedy-Onassis-Kennedy love triangle: Aristotle Onassis was at the heart of the plot to kill Bobby Kennedy. Meticulously tracing Onassis's connections in the world of terrorism, Nemesis presents compelling evidence that he financed the assassination - including a startling confession that has gone unreported for nearly three decades.
-
-
A conspiracy theory?
- By m. webster on 24-11-20
-
The Royals
- By: Kitty Kelley
- Narrated by: Jennifer Van Dyck
- Length: 20 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
They are the most chronicled family on the face of the globe. Their every move attracts headlines. Scores of books have tried and failed to penetrate the royal facade. Now Kitty Kelley has gone behind palace walls to provide the first three-dimensional, comprehensive, and evenhanded portrait of the men and women who make up the British Royal family.
-
-
More accurate than the media drivel!
- By Ann D on 02-08-14
-
Melania and Me
- The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady
- By: Stephanie Winston Wolkoff
- Narrated by: Stephanie Winston Wolkoff
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The former director of special events at Vogue and producer of nine legendary Met Galas, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff met Melania Knauss in 2003 and had a front row seat to the transformation of Donald Trump’s then girlfriend from a rough-cut gem to a precious diamond. As their friendship deepened over lunches at Manhattan hot spots, black-tie parties and giggle sessions in the penthouse at Trump Tower, Wolkoff watched the newest Mrs Trump raise her son, Barron, and manage her highly scrutinised marriage.
-
-
Compelling listening!
- By A. Dailly on 16-09-20
-
Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles
- By: Tom Bower
- Narrated by: Peter Noble
- Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Best-selling author Tom Bower reveals the power, passion and defiance of Prince Charles. Few heirs to the throne have suffered as much humiliation as Prince Charles. Despite his hard work and genuine concern for the disadvantaged, he has struggled to overcome his unpopularity. After Diana's death, his approval rating crashed to 4 percent and has been rescued only by his marriage to Camilla. Nevertheless, just one third of Britons now support him to be the next king.
-
-
Wow, God save the Queen
- By Maureen Weaver on 30-06-18
-
Princes at War
- The British Royal Family's Private Battle in the Second World War
- By: Deborah Cadbury
- Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King George V predicted that his son, Edward VIII, would destroy himself within a year of succeeding to the throne. In December 1936 he was proved right, and the world’s press revealed the king was abandoning his throne to marry Wallis Simpson. A life spent in the shadow of his charismatic elder brother left the new king, George VI, magnificently unprepared for the demands of ruling the kingdom and empire. Drawing on personal accounts from the royal archives, Deborah Cadbury uncovers the very private conflict.
-
-
Real people with public lives
- By Kl Love on 12-01-16
-
Shadows of a Princess
- By: Patrick Jephson
- Narrated by: Patrick Jephson
- Length: 19 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Reissued for the 20th anniversary of Diana's death, this sensational best seller is an explosive account of her life, from the man who was by her side throughout its most turbulent period. In 1981 Lady Diana Spencer was seen by many as a lifeline for the outdated Windsor line. But Diana didn't follow the script. Instead she brought a revolution. Patrick Jephson was Diana's closest aide and adviser during her years of greatest public fame and deepest personal crisis.
-
-
Story of a person who is like anyone else
- By PavLove on 28-05-18
-
...And What Do You Do?
- What the Royal Family Don't Want You to Know
- By: Norman Baker
- Narrated by: David Vickery
- Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
...And What Do You Do? is a hard-hitting analysis of the royal family, exposing its extravagant use of public money and the highly dubious behaviour of some among its ranks, whilst being critical of the knee-jerk sycophancy shown by the press and politicians. Baker also considers the wider role the royals play in society, including the link with House of Lords reform, and the constitutional position of the monarch, which is important given Prince Charles’ present and intended approach.
-
-
The tree that does not bend will be broken
- By papapownall on 30-04-20
-
That Woman
- By: Anne Sebba
- Narrated by: Samantha Bond
- Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of Britain's most distinguished biographers turns her focus on one of the most vilified woman of the last century. Historian Anne Sebba has written the first full biography of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, by a woman which attempts to understand this fascinating and enigmatic American divorcee who nearly became Queen of England. 'That woman', as she was referred to by the Queen Mother, became a hate figure for allegedly ensnaring a British king.
-
-
Compelling
- By Alison on 23-02-12
-
The Other Windsor Girl
- A Novel of Princess Margaret, Royal Rebel
- By: Georgie Blalock
- Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
- Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Diana, Catherine, Meghan...glamorous Princess Margaret outdid them all. Springing into post-World War II society, and quite naughty and haughty, she lived in a whirlwind of fame and notoriety. Georgie Blalock captures the fascinating, fast-living princess and her “set” as seen through the eyes of one of her ladies-in-waiting.
-
Elizabeth the Queen
- The Life of a Modern Monarch
- By: Sally Bedell Smith
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 21 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s most famous monarch? Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, acclaimed biographer Sally Bedell Smith pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II.
-
-
very thorough read, very enjoyable
- By Hayley McCoy on 07-12-17
-
The Crown in Crisis
- Countdown to the Abdication
- By: Alexander Larman
- Narrated by: Richard Trinder
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In December 1936, Britain faced a constitutional crisis that was the gravest threat to the institution of the monarchy since the execution of Charles I. The ruling monarch, Edward VIII, wished to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson and crown her as his queen. His actions scandalised the establishment, who were desperate to avoid an international embarrassment at a time when war seemed imminent. That the king was rumoured to have Nazi sympathies only strengthened their determination that he should be forced off the throne, by any means necessary.
-
-
Interesting but not without problems
- By E P on 17-07-20
-
Lady in Waiting
- My Extraordinary Life in the Shadow of the Crown
- By: Anne Glenconner
- Narrated by: Anne Glenconner
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anne Glenconner reveals the real events behind The Crown as well as her own life of drama, tragedy and courage, with the wonderful wit and extraordinary resilience which define her. Anne Glenconner has been close to the Royal Family since childhood. Eldest child of the 5th Earl of Leicester, she was, as a daughter, described as 'the greatest disappointment' by her family as she was unable to inherit. Her childhood home, Holkham Hall, is one of the grandest estates in England. Bordering Sandringham, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were frequent playmates.
-
-
Money doesn't make happiness
- By Rachel Redford on 31-10-19
-
Rake's Progress
- My Life in Politics
- By: Rachel Johnson
- Narrated by: Rachel Johnson
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rachel Johnson was born into what has been described by some as the UK’s most famous political family, and by others as ‘Poundshop Kennedys’. She was always keen to avoid the family business at all costs and plough her own furrow as a broadcaster, novelist and journalist. But, after the referendum to leave the EU in 2016, she felt the heavy hand of fate.
-
-
from a Brexiteer
- By Jackie on 23-03-20
Summary
The number-one New York Times best-selling author of William and Kate and The Day Diana Died takes a compulsively listenable look into the relationships and rivalries of Queen Elizabeth, Camilla Parker Bowles, and Kate Middleton.
One has been famous longer than anyone on the planet - a wily stateswoman and an enduring symbol of a fading institution. One is the great-granddaughter of a king's mistress and a celebrated homewrecker who survived a firestorm of scorn to marry her lover and replace her archrival, a beloved 20th-century figure. One is a beautiful commoner, the university-educated daughter of a self-made entrepreneur, a fashion idol, and wife and mother to two future kings.
Master biographer Christopher Andersen takes listeners behind palace walls to examine the surprising similarities and stark differences among three remarkable women - Queen Elizabeth; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; and Princess Kate. Andersen reveals what transpires within the royal family away from the public's prying eyes; how the women actually feel about each other; how they differ as lovers, wives, and mothers; and how they are reshaping the landscape of the monarchy in this addictive listen that will shock even those who are spellbound by the royal palace.
More from the same
What listeners say about Game of Crowns
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 07-10-20
Thoroughly enjoyable, interesting and informative.
I loved every listening minute of hearing how the Game of Crowns is played. Brilliant.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lynda
- 23-04-16
enjoyable
enjoyable but does not contain anything new. narration is soothing and easy to listen to
-
Overall

- Lady Margaret
- 27-04-16
A Well Reasoned Vision of the Future of the British Monarchy
This book is part biography, part analysis, of the highest ranking royals in Britain. It has its gossipy aspects, but what Mr Andersen does best in this book is provide us with a vision of the future of the monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth. He lays out his reasoning in straightforward terms that most of us would likely agree. As for myself, I have come to a wait-and-see attitude in terms of the rule of Charles III (in my opinion, a bad choice of name given the experience of those that took the name so very long ago). A very enjoyable and, at times, insightful read.
Mr. Prebble's reading was measured and hit just the right tone to perform this slightly gossipy prose. I especially enjoyed his impersonation of Prince Phillip, which caused me to laugh out loud.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- louise
- 28-04-16
Fun, interesting, love the narration
What made the experience of listening to Game of Crowns the most enjoyable?
Have really enjoyed the author's work on other stories - this is also fun.Simon Prebble - couldn't have chosen a better voice for this book.
What did you like best about this story?
Learned a lot about the history and expectations of the British royal family
What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
Fabulous voice - have enjoyed him in the Winemaker Detective Series - elegant
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes - really ruined all my plans for the week-end! Couldn't stop listening!
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Godwillen
- 21-05-16
Trashy Fun
What made the experience of listening to Game of Crowns the most enjoyable?
A slightly more literate version of the Daily Mail
What did you like best about this story?
Gossip par excellence
Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Always the Best - reading the phone book, or anything else
Any additional comments?
Wish it could have gone on twice as long!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jill
- 27-05-16
Didn't care for it.
The narrator was wonderful and I enjoyed his voice, will look up some of his other books and have a listen! The content of this book didn't hold my attention very well and I stopped listening about half way through.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Peter
- 28-04-16
An excellent listening experience.
From the first chapter to the last, the listener becomes well versed in the shady but redeeming experiences of love lost, infidelity, power and when compromise is your only way out you take it at Buckingham Palace.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Florence
- 04-07-16
OK! magazine in book form
I'm slightly ashamed that I read this. It's a gossipy long form article, that is quite enjoyable. (Not that I'd ever admit that I've either read it or enjoyed it).
I wasn't expecting any new insights, and I didn't get any. Christopher Andersen saved me the trouble of gathering together every piece of gossip on the royals, as he did it for me quite neatly.
I learned nothing new. I was guiltily amused.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Brenda
- 19-05-16
Disappointing
It was very disappointing and poorly put together. There were some parts that felt like they were copied word for word from Paul Burrell's book about Diana. Very badly done. I would not recommend this to anyone.
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 09-04-18
Much more Gossip than I Expected
I thought this would be less titillating and more biographical, especially regarding Camilla and Catherine. There was a little bit of new information, mainly about various scandals and shortcomings. The narrator was the best part of the book for me.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Toni Adeleke
- 07-03-18
Great book to listen to!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Since the arrival of Megan Markel on the royal family, I have been more interested in them. It’ll be interesting to hear this authors take on MM joining the family. I listen to this book in one day.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rosemary
- 04-08-16
Nothing New or Exciting Here
A very dull rehash of Royal info. Boringly read by the usual great Simon Prebble.
3 people found this helpful