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King's Counsellor

Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles

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About this listen

The diaries of 'Tommy' Lascelles - as featured in the Netflix hit The Crown.

As Assistant Private Secretary to four monarchs, 'Tommy' Lascelles had a ringside seat from which to observe the workings of the royal household and Downing Street during the first half of the 20th century.

These fascinating diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's Coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published.

This compelling account also includes Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, and throws an intriguing new light on the way in which King George VI and Winston Churchill worked together during the Second World War.

Lascelles was a fine writer - like most of the best diaries his are a delight to listen to as well as being invaluable history.

©2020 Duff Hart-Davis (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group 20th Century Diaries & Journals Memoirs, Diaries & Correspondence Military Modern Royalty War Winston Churchill Thought-Provoking Inspiring

Critic reviews

"Brilliantly entertaining and historically priceless." (Spectator)

"Fascinating...as much a contribution to royal legend as to the history of the war." (Daily Telegraph)

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A truly great tale of a great man and superbly narrated by the actor who played Tommy Lascelles in the Netflix series 'The Crown'.

Fascinating

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Absolutely fascinating. Informative, honest, well read. It’s as dull as uncooked potato’s if not interested in the subject,(s). Turning in his grave at my gramma. 😂😂

Kings Counsellor

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I seldom review books but this was tremendous and essential reading. I will be listening to it again I'm sure.

First class

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I found this riveting to listen to. Having as a narrator the actor who played the role of the author in the Crown really made it feel like one already knew the author

Hugely enjoyable

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Wonderful narrative, tremendous recall, a different Britain, different world. Beautifully read by PIP Torrens.

What a much maligned man. A triumph.

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