A detailed and well-researched glimpse into the British Royal Family.
With her Sunday Times best-selling 2007 biography The Diana Chronicles, Tina Brown established herself as a stand-out authoritative voice in the sea of literature covering the British Royal Family. In 2018, Brown released The Vanity Fair Diaries, inspired by the journals she kept during her eight-year stint as the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. Now, she brings her signature investigative journalism skills to the fore once more with The Palace Papers, an in-depth behind-the-scenes look into the lives of the key players in the House of Windsor.
The book explores the journeys and relationships of several figures in the royal family, including Princess Margaret, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, their spouses and love interests, and of course, Queen Elizabeth II. Perhaps particularly to the delight of younger readers, the last quarter of the 800-page tome dives into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Though Brown mentions titbits and anecdotes from various points in the last century, the focus is on the years following the death of Princess Diana in 1997.
Brown adequately covers the events that have undoubtedly drawn the most public attention, from the relationship of Princes Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to Prince Andrew’s relationship with paedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, to what the press has termed Megxit: the stepping down of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as senior working royals and their relocation to the United States. The chapters finish with projections about what the next phase of the Windsor family will look like, once we have passed the second Elizabethan Age and the Prince of Wales becomes the sovereign.
The book is thoroughly researched from beginning to end, not skimping on a single detail. Brown has consulted countless sources, many of whom can’t be named, resulting in a rounded portrayal of each person and event. Though sometimes harsh, Brown treats all members of the family equally, covering their positive attributes as well as their flaws. Her objective commentary helps the reader to feel like they can trust her reporting and conclusions.
The writing itself is witty and flows well, and manages to remain fascinating throughout despite the book’s sizeable length. Not ideal for a total newbie with no prior understanding of the royals, the book would be well-suited to someone interested in the House of Windsor without necessarily knowing all the facts. Even for someone well-versed in the history of this famous family, the book serves as a captivating refresher.
Balanced, honest, and above all comprehensive, The Palace Papers offers a substantial look into the British monarchy with plenty of detail, a little humour, and not an ounce of fluff.
Reviewed by Vanessa Elle
Instagram: @vanessaellewrites
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not necessarily of Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: May 2022
RRP: $35
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