What do you think?
Rate this book
Palace Rogue
Kim is not your average member of Her Majesty’s palace staff – but then he shouldn’t be on the staff at all. He’s in fact a Sun staff reporter who’s wormed his way into Buckingham Palace to pick up every bit of dirt and gossip that he can lay his hands on. Along the way, Kim is faced with many surprising aspects of Palace life that even he didn’t see coming. Based on the true story of the tabloid hack who became a Queen’s footman, Palace Rogue is a charming, uplifting and utterly outrageous story of love and secrets – all of it set in the heart of one of the world’s most famous houses.
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2023
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
William Coles
17 books4 followersI am a journalist; and a writer of love stories.
I am currently embroiled in an epic series of love stories, which, with luck, will comprise at least 12 novels. Two of these novels are already out - The Well-Tempered Clavier and The Woman Who Made Men Cry - with another two due to be published by Thames River Press later this year. The next one in the series will be The Woman Who Knew What She Wanted, out in May.
The premise of these love stories is quite simple. The hero, or perhaps anti-hero, is a journalist called Kim. He is a man in his mid-forties, who is looking back at the various loves of his life. Each of his past loves has her own bitter-sweet tale - for, like all stand-out love affairs, they have a very great tendency to turn out badly.
I've been a journalist for over 20 years, including stints as the New York Correspondent and Political Correspondent of The Sun. I've also written for The Wall Street Journal, the Daily Mail, the Express, The Mirror and the Scotsman.
For the past five years, I've been an editorial consultant with a number of newspaper groups including Media 24 in South Africa and DC Thomson in Scotland. This media coaching has formed the basis for my first non-fiction book, "Red Top", which is also due out later this year.
Apart from the love-stories, I have written two other mainstream novels - 'Lord Lucan: My Story' (2009) and 'Mr Two-Bomb' (2010), as well as two satires, 'Dave Cameron's Schooldays' (2010) and 'Simon Cowell: The Sex Factor' (2011).
I am currently embroiled in an epic series of love stories, which, with luck, will comprise at least 12 novels. Two of these novels are already out - The Well-Tempered Clavier and The Woman Who Made Men Cry - with another two due to be published by Thames River Press later this year. The next one in the series will be The Woman Who Knew What She Wanted, out in May.
The premise of these love stories is quite simple. The hero, or perhaps anti-hero, is a journalist called Kim. He is a man in his mid-forties, who is looking back at the various loves of his life. Each of his past loves has her own bitter-sweet tale - for, like all stand-out love affairs, they have a very great tendency to turn out badly.
I've been a journalist for over 20 years, including stints as the New York Correspondent and Political Correspondent of The Sun. I've also written for The Wall Street Journal, the Daily Mail, the Express, The Mirror and the Scotsman.
For the past five years, I've been an editorial consultant with a number of newspaper groups including Media 24 in South Africa and DC Thomson in Scotland. This media coaching has formed the basis for my first non-fiction book, "Red Top", which is also due out later this year.
Apart from the love-stories, I have written two other mainstream novels - 'Lord Lucan: My Story' (2009) and 'Mr Two-Bomb' (2010), as well as two satires, 'Dave Cameron's Schooldays' (2010) and 'Simon Cowell: The Sex Factor' (2011).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 8, 2023
Palace Rogue is based on the true story of the tabloid hack who got a job as a Queen's footman at Buckingham Palace. As a former journalist at The Sun himself, William Coles writes authentically from the point of view of Kim, who infiltrates the palace to obtain a massive scoop and ends up causing a huge security scandal and working in close proximity to Her Majesty. This fictionalised version is absolutely hilarious as Kim doesn't have that much to lose and doesn't always toe the deferential line that a Queen's footman ought to. Tales of ventriloquism featuring the Queen's beloved corgis had me giggling out loud and some of the staff and their dealings with Kim were hilarious.
I loved the below stairs (or in this case, above stairs) feel of the story too, with raucous parties, gin-quaffing and all sorts going on between the staff. Buckingham Palace sounds like quite the place to work and I also liked the finer details of life as a member of staff. Kim's subterfuge forms part of the story but the other part is that of palace maid, Campion, a particular favourite of the Queen. Feisty, fun and quick-witted, Campion is a brilliant character whose story takes quite a turn. The two strands intertwine to make this is a fantastic read which satisfied my love of royalty and scandal. Unsurprisingly, there's one member of the royal family who doesn't come out of it too well (I'll give you one guess) and tales of what went on behind their door were a bit hair-raising to say the least.
This is such a fresh and funny read, with an unexpected thread of romance running through it. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but what I got was a book that had a quite mischievous feel to it, was sharp and different, and which I found utterly compelling. I was pleased to see it's the first in the Rogue series and I very much hope the next book is as good as this one.
I loved the below stairs (or in this case, above stairs) feel of the story too, with raucous parties, gin-quaffing and all sorts going on between the staff. Buckingham Palace sounds like quite the place to work and I also liked the finer details of life as a member of staff. Kim's subterfuge forms part of the story but the other part is that of palace maid, Campion, a particular favourite of the Queen. Feisty, fun and quick-witted, Campion is a brilliant character whose story takes quite a turn. The two strands intertwine to make this is a fantastic read which satisfied my love of royalty and scandal. Unsurprisingly, there's one member of the royal family who doesn't come out of it too well (I'll give you one guess) and tales of what went on behind their door were a bit hair-raising to say the least.
This is such a fresh and funny read, with an unexpected thread of romance running through it. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but what I got was a book that had a quite mischievous feel to it, was sharp and different, and which I found utterly compelling. I was pleased to see it's the first in the Rogue series and I very much hope the next book is as good as this one.
December 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this story! It was hilarious and heart warming.
I know this is a fictionalised version of the events but it is still crazy to imagine that a reporter actually managed to get a job at the Palace. Some of the facts such as Prince Andrew's teddy bears eww so weird again crazy to imagine.
While the main plot was about Kim the highlight for me was Campion and Mason I adored them they are adorable. I love Campion she is sassy and I loved her relationship with the Queen. Mason is sweet I was immediately rooting for him and I smiled when they brought up the Queen's Dad regarding his stutter I'm glad that connection was made that was my initial first thought when I discovered Mason's stutter. I enjoyed reading Mason and Campion's journey and growing relationship and how she brought him out of his shell it was a joy seeing his confidence grow. The both of them warmed my heart.
I like Kim he was funny it was amusing to read his adventures at the Palace his mouth having a habit of getting him into trouble lol and of course I thank him for playing matchmaker however even though I like him he is after all a Sun reporter and like the Queen I despise the Sun and what he did was wrong. So Kim you are a conflicting one for me lol.
I loved the Corgis moments!! Omg it was so cute and hilarious. The ventriloquism, the hide and seek. Just the image of them doing this made me laugh out loud.
I love how the Queen was written in this story I can imagine her like this. While reading I was also quite sad as well the Queen God bless her soul she is still missed :(
I agree with the reviews that I can imagine this as a film a light hearted family film. If they did make it into a film I would definitely watch it. :D
I know this is a fictionalised version of the events but it is still crazy to imagine that a reporter actually managed to get a job at the Palace. Some of the facts such as Prince Andrew's teddy bears eww so weird again crazy to imagine.
While the main plot was about Kim the highlight for me was Campion and Mason I adored them they are adorable. I love Campion she is sassy and I loved her relationship with the Queen. Mason is sweet I was immediately rooting for him and I smiled when they brought up the Queen's Dad regarding his stutter I'm glad that connection was made that was my initial first thought when I discovered Mason's stutter. I enjoyed reading Mason and Campion's journey and growing relationship and how she brought him out of his shell it was a joy seeing his confidence grow. The both of them warmed my heart.
I like Kim he was funny it was amusing to read his adventures at the Palace his mouth having a habit of getting him into trouble lol and of course I thank him for playing matchmaker however even though I like him he is after all a Sun reporter and like the Queen I despise the Sun and what he did was wrong. So Kim you are a conflicting one for me lol.
I loved the Corgis moments!! Omg it was so cute and hilarious. The ventriloquism, the hide and seek. Just the image of them doing this made me laugh out loud.
I love how the Queen was written in this story I can imagine her like this. While reading I was also quite sad as well the Queen God bless her soul she is still missed :(
I agree with the reviews that I can imagine this as a film a light hearted family film. If they did make it into a film I would definitely watch it. :D
May 6, 2023
Palace Rogue by William Coles
Based loosely on the story of when a tabloid hack became a Queen’s footman. I remember this news story breaking.
I was a little bit sceptical about reading this book. I didn't want a bashing of the Royal family nor to see a tabloid journalist as 'the good guy'.
I found it a very enjoyable read and quite funny. With a snippet of life from both upstairs with the Royals but mainly downstairs with the staff.
Throughout the book is a slow build romance when two people, who shouldn't be together, do the 32 steps to fall in love.
I absolutely loved how the Queen was portrayed. Even with some artist licence, I could easily imagine her to be how she appears in the book.
There was a storyline involving one member of the family that didn't show them in a good light. But, to be fair, it could have been a lot worse.
The tabloid journalist was actually quite nice during his time in the Palace, but before and after, he reverted back to stereotypical, red top (swear word deleted)
The star of the books has to be the talking corgis, I hoped this happened! On the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun, lighthearted, fictionalised read.
Based loosely on the story of when a tabloid hack became a Queen’s footman. I remember this news story breaking.
I was a little bit sceptical about reading this book. I didn't want a bashing of the Royal family nor to see a tabloid journalist as 'the good guy'.
I found it a very enjoyable read and quite funny. With a snippet of life from both upstairs with the Royals but mainly downstairs with the staff.
Throughout the book is a slow build romance when two people, who shouldn't be together, do the 32 steps to fall in love.
I absolutely loved how the Queen was portrayed. Even with some artist licence, I could easily imagine her to be how she appears in the book.
There was a storyline involving one member of the family that didn't show them in a good light. But, to be fair, it could have been a lot worse.
The tabloid journalist was actually quite nice during his time in the Palace, but before and after, he reverted back to stereotypical, red top (swear word deleted)
The star of the books has to be the talking corgis, I hoped this happened! On the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun, lighthearted, fictionalised read.
May 18, 2023
With thanks to Legend Press for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Based on a true story Palace Rogue is a light-hearted and humorous tale of life upstairs and downstairs in a royal household.
It tells the story of a newsroom reporter who secretly secures a job as trainee footman at Buckingham Palace. Friendships develop between the reporter Kim, alias Lawrence, his mentor equerry,Mason and maid Campion.
There are several amusing episodes in the novel which neatly come together to make this an entertaining and lively book, perfect for a holiday read.
Based on a true story Palace Rogue is a light-hearted and humorous tale of life upstairs and downstairs in a royal household.
It tells the story of a newsroom reporter who secretly secures a job as trainee footman at Buckingham Palace. Friendships develop between the reporter Kim, alias Lawrence, his mentor equerry,Mason and maid Campion.
There are several amusing episodes in the novel which neatly come together to make this an entertaining and lively book, perfect for a holiday read.
June 5, 2023
A funny fact based book based on the real life scandal of a tabloid reporter getting a job as a footman at Buckingham Palace. Although this is a work of fiction, there is an authenticity about the scenarios and interactions that made me feel like I really was a fly on the wall both “upstairs” and “downstairs”. I love the authors notes explaining the true story of what had occurred during the real reporter’s undercover journey into the royal family as this was an added layer of interest to the plot. My favourite anecdotes were the “talking corgis” and “the monkey”-once read never forgotten!
July 12, 2023
A really enjoyable read, based partly on the author’s experience as a journalist and the true story of a Mirror hack who worked at the Palace for 2 months. probably a little far-fetched in places but for the everyday commoner it will be difficult for us to unpick fact and fiction. The Queen is portrayed as an extremely likeable character and her corgis’ exploits are funny. Also exposes the raging snobbery (are we surprised, really) and some latent racism (which has overtones of similar allegations from an overseas-based Duchess)… good all round tale 4* from me
Read
June 5, 2023A fictionalised account of life below stairs at Buckingham Palace, where it seems, the staff have a high old time, while the gin flows freely. There is a Cinderella-type love story added to the plot, but the basics read surprisingly real. This happened in 2003 and was just prior to George Bush visiting the Queen. The Queen come across as a surprisingly human employer and would have been delighted with the ventriloquism which made the corgis appear to talk!
August 16, 2023
Really lovely, well-written book, a joy to read and very funny!
February 15, 2024
very funny book!! there were lost of typos in it though, which has me wondering about the thoroughness of the proof-reading before publication
July 4, 2024
This was a jolly little story. Not a fan of the endless drinking, but perhaps it is realistic.
December 3, 2024
This is a charming fiction story based on a true story of a hack journalist who managed to get hired as a footman at Buckingham Palace. Lots of fun to read.
October 27, 2025
For me, it was a fun read, but nothing great or extraordinary
May 16, 2024
This is an excellent light read - a caper through the workings of Buckingham Palace, with a neat love story thrown in. I really enjoyed it. Without wishing to spoil the anticipation, I positively wept with laughter when Kim practised his ventriloquist's skills. Simply hilarious
December 8, 2023
Palace Rogue is based on the true story of the tabloid hack who got a job as a Queen's footman at Buckingham Palace. As a former journalist at The Sun himself, William Coles writes authentically from the point of view of Kim, who infiltrates the palace to obtain a massive scoop and ends up causing a huge security scandal and working in close proximity to Her Majesty. This fictionalised version is absolutely hilarious as Kim doesn't have that much to lose and doesn't always toe the deferential line that a Queen's footman ought to. Tales of ventriloquism featuring the Queen's beloved corgis had me giggling out loud and some of the staff and their dealings with Kim were hilarious.
I loved the below stairs (or in this case, above stairs) feel of the story too, with raucous parties, gin-quaffing and all sorts going on between the staff. Buckingham Palace sounds like quite the place to work and I also liked the finer details of life as a member of staff. Kim's subterfuge forms part of the story but the other part is that of palace maid, Campion, a particular favourite of the Queen. Feisty, fun and quick-witted, Campion is a brilliant character whose story takes quite a turn. The two strands intertwine to make this is a fantastic read which satisfied my love of royalty and scandal. Unsurprisingly, there's one member of the royal family who doesn't come out of it too well (I'll give you one guess) and tales of what went on behind their door were a bit hair-raising to say the least.
This is such a fresh and funny read, with an unexpected thread of romance running through it. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but what I got was a book that had a quite mischievous feel to it, was sharp and different, and which I found utterly compelling. I was pleased to see it's the first in the Rogue series and I very much hope the next book is as good as this one.
I loved the below stairs (or in this case, above stairs) feel of the story too, with raucous parties, gin-quaffing and all sorts going on between the staff. Buckingham Palace sounds like quite the place to work and I also liked the finer details of life as a member of staff. Kim's subterfuge forms part of the story but the other part is that of palace maid, Campion, a particular favourite of the Queen. Feisty, fun and quick-witted, Campion is a brilliant character whose story takes quite a turn. The two strands intertwine to make this is a fantastic read which satisfied my love of royalty and scandal. Unsurprisingly, there's one member of the royal family who doesn't come out of it too well (I'll give you one guess) and tales of what went on behind their door were a bit hair-raising to say the least.
This is such a fresh and funny read, with an unexpected thread of romance running through it. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but what I got was a book that had a quite mischievous feel to it, was sharp and different, and which I found utterly compelling. I was pleased to see it's the first in the Rogue series and I very much hope the next book is as good as this one.
May 14, 2023
A rollicking read that will keep you smiling, while being most informative of the lives and loves of palace flunkies during the reign of late, lamented Queen. Great story, great pace, and doesn't stray from being entertaining. And making a tabloid journalist loveable - pure fiction!
March 26, 2024
3.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews