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The Unlikely Duke

Memoirs of an Eclectic Life - from Rock 'n' Roll to Badminton House

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About this listen

The 12th Duke of Beaufort, known to his friends as 'Bunter', inherited his Dukedom and Badminton House in 2017, at the age of sixty-five. But he is also a singer and songwriter with the rock group The Listening Device. Now he combines his responsibilities as Duke with his life as a rock performer.

In this lively and anecdote-filled memoir, Harry Beaufort takes us behind the scenes of his varied life: from playing poker with politicians, to partying on Ibiza with film stars to people watching with The Queen from a balcony at Windsor Castle. He offers an intimate portrait of aristocratic privilege and a lifetime filled with rock stars, royalty, eccentrics and jaw-droppingly unbelievable stories.

But Harry also offers a sensitive and perceptive insight into the worlds he has inhabited and the friendships and laughter that he has experienced along the way. This is the story of an ordinary man facing up to his extraordinary inheritance-the story of The Unlikely Duke.

©2023 Harry Beaufort (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Politics & Activism Royalty Celebrity Memoir

Critic reviews

'Beaufort chronicles his unusual and rarified world with flashes of Wodehousian genius'. --- Jools Holland

'So funny ... bristling with glamorous but eccentric characters'. --- Jilly Cooper

'Very funny and touching, gentle, wise and unpretentious. This is a book I absolutely loved.' --- Anne Glenconner
All stars
Most relevant
Very much enjoyed this book. Especially as I know some of the colourful characters in it (especially the political ones). Wonderful narration, which is what I would expect from a singer.

If the author is reading I’d recommend Woodhall Spa for a nice golfing weekend. The Hotchkin in the famous course but when I was a younger man (and member) I always preferred the Bracken.

Would recommend

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Wonderfully candid memoir by a “landowner, father, rock god and people person” as self described on Twitter. Also very very funny.

A cracking listen

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A highly amusing, witty (if somewhat, rose tinted/edited) view of Harry’s life. He’s left out some thoroughly entertaining bits which I do hope he follows up with in another book! Harry is wonderful company with a wild sense of humour and he is a much sought after party guest. He has led a privileged life but somehow has managed to keep a dignified lid on things! A lovely listen (or read) and highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Highly amusing a thoroughly entertaining read/listen!

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An entertaining story of aristocracy, beautifully read by its author with some hilarious ‘laugh out loud’ passages.

Brilliant Biography charmingly narrated

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Loved it all as it brought back many happy memories staying with your Dad thank you so much

Frankness

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