King's Counsellor: Abdication and War: the Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles edited by Duff Hart-Davis Paperback – September 14, 2021

After enjoying a second viewing of Peter Morton's brilliantly produced series, The Crown, I still wanted more, so I bought this book/audiobook. I'm so glad I did.Don't miss the audiobook version. It is read by the always delightful, Pip Torrens, who played Tommy Lascelles in The Crown. He reads with such wry amusement in his voice that he manages to convey the enjoyment of life that Lascelles must have felt. An astute observer with strong, and often endearing, opinions, Lascelles writes in the elevated English of the British aristocracy that holds the sharp edge of wit so well. Torrens' spot-on narration allows us the pleasure of luxuriating in that tone.It was no surprise to read that Lascelles was widely considered to be brilliant. Again, Pip Torrens conveys brilliance in The Crown and this audio reading. (How not?) But curiously enough, the book says that Lascelles also had a reputation for a great sense of humor and for lack of formality—virtually the opposite of how he appeared in Peter Morton's version in The Crown. I've been trying to imagine that portrayal differently ever since.If you enjoyed The Crown, this book will only enhance the experience.

This book is very enjoyable to anyone who is interested in The Royal Family. This book gives you a better insight into the character that is portrayed in The Crown. His insights into the abdication of Edward VIII are very interesting and shed a greater light on what was happening at the time. It was fascinating reading first hand his accounts of his family with his wife and children as well. This man was very dedicated to The Royal Family but to his own family as well.

Alan "Tommy" Lascelles served four British monarchs as Assistant Private Secretary or Private Secretary from 1935 until 1953. In these important roles, Lascelles would have contact with George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II. He kept a diary from early 1936 (about the time of George V's death) until after WWII in 1946. In these entries, the reader is given fascinating access to the activity around the British Monarch and the actions of Britain's leading political, social and cultural leaders in the period near and during WWII. Because of Britain's wartime alliances, Lascelles also shares his thoughts on FDR and Dwight Eisenhower and the US military leadership during the War. This is a very interesting work; my only regret is that Lascelles stopped the diary in 1946, so we miss the later years of George VI and his early service to Elizabeth II. We do get his unvarnished view of Edward VIII (which was very unfavorable) and his real regard for George VI. Highly recommended for those interested in the inner workings of the British monarchy and the operation of Britian's government during WWII.

Not a huge fan girl of the British royal family bu truly enjoyed this book. Lascelles was “in the room” as they say and his acute unvarnished observations as well as honesty about himself and his feelings are very engaging. Also the counter positioning of of the outcome of a historic battle, a silly anecdote about an aristocrat and fishing all in the same entry is so human and charming

This book was a bit of a chore to get through. I loved, really loved, Lascelles’s character in “The Crown,” and had been looking so forward to reading this. It ended up being tedious. I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, it’s a detailed diary with letters. I would give this two stars, but I’m feeling generous and going for three. Plus, again, I happen to really like Lascelles. He served four monarchs, and had many qualities that I admire, including love for his wife and children, loyalty to the monarchy, and clarity of mind. Every time I hear of another annoying news story about Meghan and Harry, I’m sure that he’s turning in his grave, although I believe he was cremated, but you get my drift.

A stellar view into an insightful and curious person. Any who are looking to improve their appreciation, or their vocabulary will find this a foundation. Some views and opinions are antiquated, to be sure, yet the open-mindedness that was a hallmark of his character invite one to assume that he would make haste to amend his view on any subject , when faced with the veracity and fecund nature of the subject.

Excellent narrative of behind-the-scenes during one of the most pivotal times in British and world history. Succinctly told, with a level of detail of personalities that it is hard to imagine finding elsewhere.

A very clear view of very complex times. Witty, balanced view. Very well written. Why are Lascelle's other writings not available on Kindle?