Reviews
Tommy Lascelles's diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's Coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published. The early part about Edward VIII is a damning profile; the bulk of the book is WWII as seen from a key courtier - Lascelles is first assistant and soon private secretary to the King and Queen. The last part, which Duff Hart-Davis, the editor, has headed 'Royal Crises', is post-war. Here is Queen Mary's concern over the marriage of her grandson George Harewood (Lascelles' 2nd cousin) and Princess Margaret's relationship with the equerry, Peter Townsend. There is one additional element: Winston Churchill. Lascelles shows the PM and the King and how they worked together. Nor did Churchill always get his own way. Lascelles was a fine writer - like most of the best diaries his are a delight to read as well as being invaluable history.
"What he has written might upset many of the royal inner circle, but is undeniably riveting reading."
THE RESIDENT
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