Battle of Brothers: You’ve heard from one side – now read the full, true story of the royal family in crisis
£5.70£19.00 (-70%)
The Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller
‘THE ROYAL BOOK OF THE YEAR … You’ve read their side of the story, now read the real story’ Daily Mail
THIS CRISIS IS AS BIG AS THE ABDICATION – SAYS LACEY, HISTORICAL ADVISOR TO THE CROWN.
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 expert and bestselling author Robert Lacey, this book is an unparalleled insider account of tumult and secrecy revealing the untold details of William and Harry’s early closeness then estrangement. It asks 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.
How have William and Harry each formed their idea of a modern royal’s duty and how they should behave? Were the seeds of damage sowed as Prince Charles and Diana’s marriage painfully unraveled for all the world to see? In the previous generation, how have Prince Charles and Prince Andrew’s lives unfolded in the shadow of the Crown? What choices has Queen Elizabeth II made in marshalling her feuding heirs? What parts have Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle played in helping their husbands to choose their differing paths? And what is the real, unvarnished story behind Harry and Meghan’s dramatic departure?
In the most intimate vision yet of life behind closed doors, with the family’s highs, lows and hardest decisions all laid out, this is a journey into royal life as never offered before.
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Additional information
| Publisher | William Collins (15 Oct. 2020) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 400 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0008408513 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0008408510 |
| Dimensions | 15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm |
by mrm
purchased as a present. Not my type of read
by Kindle Customer
A well considered, objective account of the issues surrounding the two brothers. Lacey displays an excellent knowledge of the lives of the royal family, and the workings of the systems that support them. He is also very well connected to those people who shared and witnessed the events that he outlines. He has, therefore, provided very detailed accounts and analysis of the events that has led to the divisions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the family.
He provides detailed analysis of the brothers’ personalities and the events that shaped them. I certainly was provided with insights into their characters that I was not really aware of before, or events that I had forgotten. For example, I had forgotten how William, as a young child, has been quite naughty and difficult at times. How indulgent Charles and, particularly, Diana had been with him and how it was Harry who was the more hesitant, quiet child. I think most people, today, would say that they believed it was probably the other way around.
Lacey shows that things are not always quite as they seem. He highlights events and actions by both brothers that makes us question our beliefs. He shows the power of the tabloid press and media platforms, in the presentation of the events and the brothers themselves. He shows how the brothers have, to a certain degree, been stereotyped and these stereotypes have been reinforced over the years. The book has certainly made me re-evaluate the character and actions of William, in certain respects.
The marketing of the book suggests that it would be presenting ‘the other side of the story’, with regards to the royal rift. Harry and Meghan have presented their side, now we would hear the other side. However, that is not the case. The book outlines both sides. It is an objective analysis of the events and clearly discusses the points of view of all parties. It’s for the reader to decide where their sympathies lie.
Personally, I find it all very sad. Obviously, things changed drastically when Harry married Meghan. It’s just a shame that they couldn’t work things out to accommodate everyone. I can see how both brothers feel that their actions are the right ones, for different reasons, so I cannot really see things being resolved.
by OJG
Let me start with a couple of disclaimers. First, I am one of the last people on Earth who should be reviewing this book. Sure I bought it, but only at the request of my nan rather than me – I have not read this. Second, I’m in no way a supporter of the Royal Family. I don’t care about them as people whatsoever, and only ever end up talk about them because they’re so inescapable.
While I find the monarchy extremely outdated, I bare none of the Royals ill will and the same goes to this book’s author, Robert Lacey. I know very little about him, and although this book is not for me whatsoever, I’m not going to be the kind of twit to leave a negative review for no good reason. Have four stars on me Robert! That being said, to me personally this book does just seem to be the kind of speculation and gossip that you can read about in literally any UK newspaper, so I don’t know what exactly the point would be of reading this.
But hey, maybe I’m wrong and I don’t really have anything more to say. So, have a lovely day and abolish the monarchy.
by Fashaholic
Being a huge monarchist I was interested to read about the royal family and what caused the family fallouts, particularly between William and Harry, which having two sons of a similar age, I find very sad. I would be heartbroken if my boys never spoke to each other again. I couldn’t put the book down and the slightly sarcastic tone it was written in made me chuckle at times. It gives a good insight and confirmed my thoughts that, on the whole, they are just like any other family when it comes to clashes of personality, opinions and emotions. Of course they do have a privileged life having all their staff to look after them and huge wealth, which surely acts as a cushion against all their upset. Loved it.
by lizzy way
I have been right through this book. Predictable matter on Charles & Diana & Camilla. How they could of not seen what Meghan/Rachel Zane coming is beyond me. To have retained the 3A’s, put all of her gear in storage in Canada – that’s another source that is usually right, just happened upon Harry, etc etc – seriously – my thoughts are they planned this together from the early stage of their relationship thinking the Queen would give them everything they wanted, or she set out to get what she thought she would get. Charles – setting up a bar for 2 teens – i hope the tax payer paid £0 toward that. Diana & Charles – both should of been ashamed of their behaviour. I went into this with an open mind. Glad the pair of them have gone – and lets hope Harry made a very tight pre-nupt. An utter disgrace regarding Xmas this year – a woman who has served her Country & Philip 99 yrs old – it is beyond cruel & I am sure the rest of the family would of played ‘happy families’ just to keep the peace. The pair of them should be paying back the costs of the wedding and any money they have had during this 12 month ‘trial period’. It was good to hear that William & Spencer tried to make him see sense. Kates face said it all at the Common Wealth Service – well done Kate – I should imagine not much goes past Kate. Would like to ask the author some questions. Well worth a read even if you are not a Royal Fan – I am not a fan but understand that the concept is good for the UK. Lets always remember that privately they are beyond rich and doubt they will stress over the heating bill this year etc but they are human. Harry what an utter mug – good grief the woman was dressing up in outfits very similar to Diana – that is creepy odd behaviour