Power and the Palace

Praise for
COURTIERS
'Illuminating . . . These figures have hovered in the backgrounds of the palaces over the years, clearing their throats like characters in Act II of Hamlet, and Low helpfully sorts them out and immortalises their moments of success or failure - or more often initial success followed by being cast into outer darkness'
The Times
'Low's enjoyable account . . . chronicles, and explains, the role of those courtiers whose role comes closest to public accountability . . . there are tantalising unattributed snippets from private interviews . . . Low's conclusion is a valuable one'
Telegraph
'This book is riveting. Extraordinarily well written, it canters along, packed with impeccable inside information. Low . . . is one of the exceptional minds writing about the British monarchy today'
Literary Review
'Courtiers is a suave history of the monarchy over the past century, seen through the prism of those who serve it . . . a remarkable insight . . . and an important addition'
Spectator
'Engaging and thoroughly researched . . . Low doesn't stint on insider gossip, thanks to his unprecedented access to royal households, and he has perceptive things to say about power and responsibility too'
Observer

Valentine Low is a writer and journalist who was for many years royal correspondent at The Times. He covered his first royal tour in 1994, when he accompanied Elizabeth II on her historic state visit to Russia. He has written about the royal family since 2008, and during that time has produced a number of exclusives, including the exposure of bullying allegations against the Duchess of Sussex which made headlines around the world. His last book, Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, was a Sunday Times bestseller. He lives in London.