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Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles
Few heirs to the throne have suffered as much humiliation as Prince Charles. Despite his hard work and genuine concern for the disadvantaged, he has struggled to overcome his unpopularity. After Diana’s death, his approval rating crashed to 4% and has been only rescued by his marriage to Camilla. Nevertheless, just one third of Britons now support him to be the next king.
Many still fear that his accession to the throne will cause a constitutional crisis. That mistrust climaxed in the aftermath of the trial of Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, acquitted after the Queen’s sensational ‘recollection’. In unearthing many secrets surrounding that and many other dramas, Bower’s book, relying on the testimony from over 120 people employed or welcomed into the inner sanctum of Clarence House, reveals a royal household rife with intrigue and misconduct. The result is a book which uniquely will probe into the character and court of the Charles that no one, until now, has seen.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2018
239 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bower
57 books182 followersFor the author of works on child development, see T.G.R. Bower
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 30, 2019
Update Prince Charles and the Plums. When Prince Charles goes to stay in Buckingham Palace, for breakfast he always has two plums, grown and bottled on his own estate. He only ever eats one, so the chef puts the other one back. One day the chef decides that he will only send one plum. Within moments of delivering the Prince's breakfast, the footman was back saying, "His Royal Highness says could he have two plums please?" And this is the guy who thinks he knows what the ordinary man wants! I just saw this on a tv programme and it fitted on this review.
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Two things the author reveals about Prince Charles almost immediately are that Charles does not believe in personal democracy, reasoned discussion, or seeing that there are always at least two sides to any question. He is always right. He is always to be obeyed. Any deviation from that from his servants and advisors means the chop. He has no real personal morality but is guided only by what he likes and wants and what he doesn't.
The other thing the author reveals is that Prince Charles believes very strongly in the power of publicity, spin, it doesn't have to be true, and in fact often is completely invented or manipulated. For this he needs advisors to whom he has to listen. His main aim, so far, is to make the very lazy, sociable only when she feels like it, rather slatternly Camilla into a glittering future queen who wears only the best couture and for whom people throw parties and invite to their yachts and private estates because she is so popular!
Well sah, this is going to be an interesting demolition job. I forsee much damning by faint praise.
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Two things the author reveals about Prince Charles almost immediately are that Charles does not believe in personal democracy, reasoned discussion, or seeing that there are always at least two sides to any question. He is always right. He is always to be obeyed. Any deviation from that from his servants and advisors means the chop. He has no real personal morality but is guided only by what he likes and wants and what he doesn't.
The other thing the author reveals is that Prince Charles believes very strongly in the power of publicity, spin, it doesn't have to be true, and in fact often is completely invented or manipulated. For this he needs advisors to whom he has to listen. His main aim, so far, is to make the very lazy, sociable only when she feels like it, rather slatternly Camilla into a glittering future queen who wears only the best couture and for whom people throw parties and invite to their yachts and private estates because she is so popular!
Well sah, this is going to be an interesting demolition job. I forsee much damning by faint praise.
March 4, 2023
I’ve always loved the British monarchy and love the Queen like you wouldn’t believe. Reading this only goes to further confirm how sad I feel about the state of the monarchy after she passes away. I’ve often wished that Anne was destined to be Queen rather than Charles being King. The British monarchy has usually thrived when there have been Queens and I believe that Anne would have been a far better fit than Charles. Regardless, I believe, or should I say, I hope, that when Charles become King, he will learn to listen to his advisors, although that’s something he doesn’t like to do. Hopefully, his reign won’t last for long, and there will be many years of William and Kate.
Tom Bowers is far too detailed and repetitive for my liking. His writing style isn’t my favorite, and this book isn’t the most readable. However, I am eagerly waiting with bated breath for the book that he’s currently working on, about Meghan Markle, whom I really don’t like. I saw someone mention that if you’re famous, hearing that Tom Bowers is about to write a book about you must be enough to ruin your day at the very least! Books like this are like junk food for me. Now and again, you just crave some Salt & Vinegar Chips/Crisps (as they’re called in the U.K.) or some good ‘ole Cheetos. There’s a tabloid element about it and sometimes it’s just fun to escape.
Tom Bowers is far too detailed and repetitive for my liking. His writing style isn’t my favorite, and this book isn’t the most readable. However, I am eagerly waiting with bated breath for the book that he’s currently working on, about Meghan Markle, whom I really don’t like. I saw someone mention that if you’re famous, hearing that Tom Bowers is about to write a book about you must be enough to ruin your day at the very least! Books like this are like junk food for me. Now and again, you just crave some Salt & Vinegar Chips/Crisps (as they’re called in the U.K.) or some good ‘ole Cheetos. There’s a tabloid element about it and sometimes it’s just fun to escape.
May 30, 2018
By heck, There's more skeletons in the palace walls than their is in the tower. Well documented and interesting read that I really enjoyed. There was an awful lot in this book that I knew but had forgotten and looking back thinking wow did this really happen.
Do I think Charles will be King and yes I believe he will but it won't be a popular reign.
Do I think Charles will be King and yes I believe he will but it won't be a popular reign.
January 31, 2022
Prince Charles will be King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland someday, if he outlives his mother. This is settled law and despite what the supermarket tabs say, the succession of the throne cannot be changed, even by Queen Elizabeth, to pass the crown to Prince William. That's not gonna happen; King Charles III will happen. In his new book, "Rebel Prince", Tom Bower gives an excellent look at the last 25 or so years in Charles' life and his influence on his country. He also looks at Charles and Camilla's relationship and that of Charles and his sons.
There are many biographies of the British royals out there. But almost every author, from Charles' champion Penny Junor to Diana savior, Andrew Morton, comes at their biographical subjects with decidedly subjective views. "Charles was a love rat; Diana was an innocent" and "Charles was duped by the menditious and crazy Diana" are two completely opposite angles on the same relationship - that of Charles and Diana. It's difficult to know what goes on behind closed doors and maybe that's a good thing...
Tom Bower is one of the very few writers of an objective bio of Charles. Charles is both very complicated emotionally and can only be understood by Camilla Parker Bowles AND he's a loutish, babyish, and money-grasping man. Bower posits both sides of Charles in his book, which is a refreshing change from either the iconography or the condemnation found in other biographies. Bower delves deeply into Charles' role as Prince of Wales, including the money and power he drives from it. He's long been interested in architecture and, in particular, the state of British architecture. His famous "carbuncle" statement in the early 1980's when referring to the planned addition to the National Gallery is still talked about. (Bower gives a drawing of the proposed addition and it really was terrible.) Charles also is concerned about "the people" and has maintained many charities devoted to helping others. Charles always seems to "mean well" in his public pronouncements but often comes across as bumbling and a bit out of it.
The most interesting part of the book is Bower's explanation of the Paul Burrell trial in the early 2000's. Burrell, Diana's butler and confident, was found to be holding many of her possessions after her death. These were jewelry Burrell said he was given, but even more interesting were Burrell's possession of letters and tapes. They were thought to compromise Charles and other members of the Royal family. After a farcical police and legal investigation, the trial was shortened when the Queen announced she had known about Burrell's handling of the things. Everyone involved came out looking bad and inept. The book is filled with juicy tidbits about people acting, if not "bad", at least "British".
I had to order my copy of the book from Amazon/Uk, but I think it will be sold in the United States soon.
There are many biographies of the British royals out there. But almost every author, from Charles' champion Penny Junor to Diana savior, Andrew Morton, comes at their biographical subjects with decidedly subjective views. "Charles was a love rat; Diana was an innocent" and "Charles was duped by the menditious and crazy Diana" are two completely opposite angles on the same relationship - that of Charles and Diana. It's difficult to know what goes on behind closed doors and maybe that's a good thing...
Tom Bower is one of the very few writers of an objective bio of Charles. Charles is both very complicated emotionally and can only be understood by Camilla Parker Bowles AND he's a loutish, babyish, and money-grasping man. Bower posits both sides of Charles in his book, which is a refreshing change from either the iconography or the condemnation found in other biographies. Bower delves deeply into Charles' role as Prince of Wales, including the money and power he drives from it. He's long been interested in architecture and, in particular, the state of British architecture. His famous "carbuncle" statement in the early 1980's when referring to the planned addition to the National Gallery is still talked about. (Bower gives a drawing of the proposed addition and it really was terrible.) Charles also is concerned about "the people" and has maintained many charities devoted to helping others. Charles always seems to "mean well" in his public pronouncements but often comes across as bumbling and a bit out of it.
The most interesting part of the book is Bower's explanation of the Paul Burrell trial in the early 2000's. Burrell, Diana's butler and confident, was found to be holding many of her possessions after her death. These were jewelry Burrell said he was given, but even more interesting were Burrell's possession of letters and tapes. They were thought to compromise Charles and other members of the Royal family. After a farcical police and legal investigation, the trial was shortened when the Queen announced she had known about Burrell's handling of the things. Everyone involved came out looking bad and inept. The book is filled with juicy tidbits about people acting, if not "bad", at least "British".
I had to order my copy of the book from Amazon/Uk, but I think it will be sold in the United States soon.
April 23, 2018
A totally exhaustive account of why this man is totally unfit to be head of anything.
There are two main elements to the book, both discussed in microscopic detail: a million reasons why Charles is an arse, and a million ways in which people try to bury their noses further up his colon.
You'd think those were mutually exclusive, but Bower never really explains the incongruity.
Only four stars for that, and for not going for the jugular - with overwhelming evidence that the prince is unconstitutionally involved in lobbying, tax dodging, as well as being woefully neglectful of his duties to the country - why not just make the case that this clown cannot be king?
There are two main elements to the book, both discussed in microscopic detail: a million reasons why Charles is an arse, and a million ways in which people try to bury their noses further up his colon.
You'd think those were mutually exclusive, but Bower never really explains the incongruity.
Only four stars for that, and for not going for the jugular - with overwhelming evidence that the prince is unconstitutionally involved in lobbying, tax dodging, as well as being woefully neglectful of his duties to the country - why not just make the case that this clown cannot be king?
April 8, 2018
“Rebel Prince” documents Prince Charles’ personal life including his relationships with women his family and his strange courtiers. The impression is that Charles has surrounded himself with poor advisers who are too afraid to challenge him. The book portrays Charles’ mindset as that of someone living in a feudal past where our rulers had a God given right to laud it over us without scrutiny.
Tom Bower gives us a tremendous amount of detail about Charles’ use of his position to raise money for his many charities and projects which have brought him into contact with several dubious characters. Several of Charles’ causes have also brought him into conflict with professional experts such as doctors, scientists and architects. With one of these causes, Homeopathy, Bowers tell us how Charles doggedly refused to pay any regard to the fact that no scientific evidence could be found to support its effectiveness. Bowers does give credit to Charles for being well meaning on issues such as the environment, however he also relates how Charles damages his credibility in this area by his profligate use of private jets to transport up and down the country and around the world at great expense and damage to the environment.
Bower’s “Rebel Prince” is someone who has failed to behave in a way expected of a constitutional monarch in waiting and who has been caught out repeatedly meddling in public policy making and then complaining when he has been found out and his opinions publicly challenged. Much of what Bowers has written is already very well known but he has collated it all together to give us the complete portrait to date of Charles the Rebel Prince.
Tom Bower gives us a tremendous amount of detail about Charles’ use of his position to raise money for his many charities and projects which have brought him into contact with several dubious characters. Several of Charles’ causes have also brought him into conflict with professional experts such as doctors, scientists and architects. With one of these causes, Homeopathy, Bowers tell us how Charles doggedly refused to pay any regard to the fact that no scientific evidence could be found to support its effectiveness. Bowers does give credit to Charles for being well meaning on issues such as the environment, however he also relates how Charles damages his credibility in this area by his profligate use of private jets to transport up and down the country and around the world at great expense and damage to the environment.
Bower’s “Rebel Prince” is someone who has failed to behave in a way expected of a constitutional monarch in waiting and who has been caught out repeatedly meddling in public policy making and then complaining when he has been found out and his opinions publicly challenged. Much of what Bowers has written is already very well known but he has collated it all together to give us the complete portrait to date of Charles the Rebel Prince.
April 19, 2021
Reads more like a somewhat biased anti opinion of the Prince of Wales than a factual biography. A fair amount of nameless sources and not a lot of proven facts.
July 16, 2022
I listened to this on audible and it was a good listen with good narration. The narrative of the book is different to follow as it's not in chronological order. It moves back and forward in time, highlighting some of the high profile events the royal family have been involved in.
I started off not knowing that much about Prince Charles. Having read this, I've decided I don't like him very much. The manipulation of the public/public opinion by the press is shocking. I'm not going to bother reading the news after this as it seems to lack all objectivity. The influence of advisors is also shocking.
The Queen clearly understands service. Charles doesn't. He is interfering, opinionated and ignorant as well as being obsessed with money and surrounding himself only with people who agree with him.
This is a good book but has left me feeling worried about what the reign of king Charles will bring.
I started off not knowing that much about Prince Charles. Having read this, I've decided I don't like him very much. The manipulation of the public/public opinion by the press is shocking. I'm not going to bother reading the news after this as it seems to lack all objectivity. The influence of advisors is also shocking.
The Queen clearly understands service. Charles doesn't. He is interfering, opinionated and ignorant as well as being obsessed with money and surrounding himself only with people who agree with him.
This is a good book but has left me feeling worried about what the reign of king Charles will bring.
April 2, 2021
An interesting take on Charles and his some what child-like selfish view of the world. The book does jump around quite a lot and isn't logical in its presentation but the tone Bower writers closes in on fiction. Foundation fundings, fights and complete lack in self evaluation, as of who he deals with and does get money from, does depict Charles in quite bad light or should I say the product of a completely out of touch childhood and royal world.
A must read to those who are interested in the royal life, toothers the book might turn uninteresting quite quickly.
A must read to those who are interested in the royal life, toothers the book might turn uninteresting quite quickly.
April 12, 2018
This book is worth reading if only because Tom Bower has assembled all the aspects of Prince Charles's life in one place which puts all his various faults and virtues into context. It is well written, lucid and coolly analytical about the life of Prince Charles and his relationship with Diana, various royal paramours and of course Camilla. For me as a mild republican (being an admirer of the present Queen), it confirms his unsuitability to succeed with his faults being aggravated by his present wife, despite the image that has been created for her as someone who mitigates them. The extravagance, selfishness, arrogance, utter self centredness and insensitivity to anything but his own position outweigh the occasional decency about green and organic matters. I rather suspect that poor Carlos the Bewitched will have a short and frustratedly unhappy reign
May 23, 2018
Prince of wails: the royal soap opera (more Ambridge than Albert Square) rumbles on, and a decent antidote to the emetic drivel in most of the media over the past week or so is this pleasurable stream of bile. Prince Charles: should he inherit the throne? The answer, concludes the narrator, is sadly no - that much is obvious. Deluded, entitled and disloyal, HRH appears incapable of irony (still less living within his means, being a decent father, or not dragging the House of Windsor into disrepute). It’s Camilla I’m starting to warm to - chain-smoking, gin-soaked and bone idle with apparently a nice line in bitchy put-downs (“At least I’m not working my way through the Life Guards” - in response to another of Diana’s outbursts), she is clearly the Lillian Bellamy of the piece and she’ll make a fabulous queen, not least because of the apoplexy it’ll induce among the cat stranglers, as the Old Bill term the more obsessive royal super fans. Elizabeth Tudor came to the throne and maintained her grip on power thanks to vigilant self-control exercised throughout her life. She was succeeded by a preening ninny with an exaggerated sense of his own importance and intellectual accomplishments, paving the way for religious strife and civil war. More Duchy Original herb tea, anyone? “A medieval environment, full of jealousies and intrigue, and backstabbing and plots.” Not the Jacobean court in the 1620s, but 21st century Highgrove. Thrilling!
May 12, 2018
Interesting and unsparing biography of the longest serving heir to the British throne, Prince Charles. Bower portrays the prince as a selfish, self-righteous meddler whose frosty relationship with his parents, and the utter disaster of his first marriage, act as millstones round his neck that he will never be able to rid himself of. Bower tries to balance his criticisms with some positive observations about the prince: his love of nature and architecture, his charitable causes, his interest in art and beauty. But overall Charles comes across as a confused hodgepodge of a man who has surrounded himself with a shadow court full of sycophants and flatterers. Bower spends a huge amount of time in the book chronicling the prince's fundraising enterprises, and the shady characters he has cultivated, which I found a bit repetitive after a while. The chapters dealing with his marriage, the PR campaign involving Camilla, and the Paul Burrell saga were by far the most engaging and contained the most, for me, new material. It was also a shame that Tom Bower didn't go into more detail about the prince's relationship with his sons and his three siblings, as there is obviously a big story to be told there. All in all, 'Rebel Prince' was a pretty comprehensive and oftentimes condemnatory look at the next (we think) King of England.
August 25, 2018
Blimey I thought I'd never get through it. Blah blah blah! For me it was over 300 pages of nitpicking and bitching. So he stands up for his beliefs, is anti GM foods and factory farming etc; is concerned about urban housing development and aesthetics of architecture within their surroundings; pro alternative medicine and therapies; concerned about the environment and overuse of plastics. Well just look where we are now!? It's a shame people didn't take him a bit more seriously before. Oh and trying to make out he was vain for making a fuss about his side profile on the coins, well you're not going to want a crappy one on there are you??? So he's a bit crap at managing his finances, but that's what accountants and financial advisors are for. Good for you ruffling a few feathers Sir.
One thing for sure came across, was that Paul Burrell was a total slimey self absorbed "barsteward" and should never have been allowed to get away with nicking all that stuff.
One thing for sure came across, was that Paul Burrell was a total slimey self absorbed "barsteward" and should never have been allowed to get away with nicking all that stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2018
I devour books about the Royal family and started this with enthusiasm. There are plenty of juicy titbits and a few surprises but if you’re a royal enthusiast then not much of this is new. However, have grown bored of the intense attention to detail and have started skimming, never a good sign. So I’ve parked it for now
December 2, 2018
This is a must read. I was sceptical I am not a great fan of Charles but this kept popping up and it really opened my eyes to the underhand dealings in the Establishment. Charles is little more than a spoilt child hiding behind his Mother's skirts albeit Camilla who takes that role. It focuses on his bumbling attempts at raising Camilla's profile, a lazy, untidy woman who loved her first husband who in turn was ashamed of her. The Burrell case in particular highlights lies and deceit no one came out of that smelling of roses. The emphasis on how money is spent and obtained is dreadful. The author is an investigative journalist who has been thorough, you dont have to like Charles to read this but it does add weight to the argument that the monarchy needs cutting back, I was gripped by the contents.
June 28, 2018
Astonishing book- extensive first hand research from so many people (120) who were personally involved in and burned by the Charles & Camilla circus. It makes the stories in the women's magazines about them look very tame. The truth is worse than I ever suspected. And yes, The Machiavellian Butler did it! I am struggling to enjoy fiction after reading about this bizarre establishment. Whatever you do, don't give them money!!
May 30, 2018
The mixed fortunes of the Prince of Wales
Well worth reading. Well researched with multiple sources.
The future doesn't look bright for the monarchy when the Queen dies.
Well worth reading. Well researched with multiple sources.
The future doesn't look bright for the monarchy when the Queen dies.
June 8, 2018
Very interesting. A whole side of Charles that is never heard about. God save the Queen!
July 7, 2024
At the end of the book, I regret ever starting it. It is chaotically written, jumps from one thing to another, introduces suddenly a lot of characters, and it reads more like a cheap tabloid investigation than a genuine biography.
The book is trying to dismantle all the work in which the then Prince of Wales was involved, providing accounts that are questionable in their truth (one example is Peter Mandelson and later Charles, crying on the phone which I think is utter rubish) and tries to mock Charles for literally anything. Is it such a shock that someone would have a varried field of interests and would try to use his resources and public profile to encourage change? Is it shocking, for example, for someone to dislike modern architecture? The buildings that were built in the past 50 years have more often than not been ugly, soulless atrocities that just make you feel like Orwell's 1984 dystopia is just around the corner. I am glad that someone had the courage to take on the investors and smug architects who think that they own the universal truth and want to demolish history and build without measure or restrain. I am glad that someone is standing up and acknowledges the importance of beauty in the places we are supposed live, which have become white boxes, borringly simple, lacking any kind of imagination, that make you feel more like living inside a hotel than a welcoming home.
The book attacks not only Charles but Camilla and William, reiterating stories that are hard to verify because the sources are anonymous. But most importantly, all the accusations and speculation have been proven to be a huge pile of stinking carbage since the accession of Charles to the throne. The coronation was a huge success, and people did not revolt when Camila was crowned Queen. Moreover, since the King has revealed his cancer diagnosis, Camila, and William have been front and centre, taking on most of the public duties and doing a great job thus disproving any accusation that they are lazy royals who shy away from work.
My conclusion after reading the book is that the author earns his living from writing questionable biographies that are only meant to denigrate people, full of stories that are next to impossible to prove because most people talk off the record and we, the readers, have to offer the forbearance that Mr. Bower seems to lack.
The book is trying to dismantle all the work in which the then Prince of Wales was involved, providing accounts that are questionable in their truth (one example is Peter Mandelson and later Charles, crying on the phone which I think is utter rubish) and tries to mock Charles for literally anything. Is it such a shock that someone would have a varried field of interests and would try to use his resources and public profile to encourage change? Is it shocking, for example, for someone to dislike modern architecture? The buildings that were built in the past 50 years have more often than not been ugly, soulless atrocities that just make you feel like Orwell's 1984 dystopia is just around the corner. I am glad that someone had the courage to take on the investors and smug architects who think that they own the universal truth and want to demolish history and build without measure or restrain. I am glad that someone is standing up and acknowledges the importance of beauty in the places we are supposed live, which have become white boxes, borringly simple, lacking any kind of imagination, that make you feel more like living inside a hotel than a welcoming home.
The book attacks not only Charles but Camilla and William, reiterating stories that are hard to verify because the sources are anonymous. But most importantly, all the accusations and speculation have been proven to be a huge pile of stinking carbage since the accession of Charles to the throne. The coronation was a huge success, and people did not revolt when Camila was crowned Queen. Moreover, since the King has revealed his cancer diagnosis, Camila, and William have been front and centre, taking on most of the public duties and doing a great job thus disproving any accusation that they are lazy royals who shy away from work.
My conclusion after reading the book is that the author earns his living from writing questionable biographies that are only meant to denigrate people, full of stories that are next to impossible to prove because most people talk off the record and we, the readers, have to offer the forbearance that Mr. Bower seems to lack.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2018
Few heirs to the throne have suffered as much humiliation as Prince Charles. Despite his hard work and genuine concern for the disadvantaged, he has struggled to overcome his unpopularity. After Diana’s death, his approval rating crashed to 4% and has been only rescued by his marriage to Camilla. Nevertheless, just one third of Britons now support him to be the next king.
Many still fear that his accession to the throne will cause a constitutional crisis. That mistrust climaxed in the aftermath of the trial of Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, acquitted after the Queen’s sensational ‘recollection’. In unearthing many secrets surrounding that and many other dramas, Bower’s book, relying on the testimony from over 120 people employed or welcomed into the inner sanctum of Clarence House, reveals a royal household rife with intrigue and misconduct.
I found this shocking to be honest. Prince Charles seems highly focussed on money raising and the source of that money has been, at times, extremely dubious. It's like selling the monarchy which does not sit well.
Charles is wedded to luxury and simply has a total disconnect with the lives and realities of those who would be his subjects. He is as high-maintenance as the Queen is not, relatively. Flying round the world on private jets to lecture on climate change and environmentalism, and being unaware, it seems, of any inherent contradiction in doing so.. The coming and goings of his advisers ,employees and private secretaries is like something from a Tudor court. Full of intrigue,back stabbing and a love of power and wealth. You cannot doubt his passion and his defiance however for me it's marred by selfish behaviour. In fact all those in privileged positions don't come out of this well. The way money is raised,squandered and corrupts leaves me with no words.
Many still fear that his accession to the throne will cause a constitutional crisis. That mistrust climaxed in the aftermath of the trial of Paul Burrell, Diana’s butler, acquitted after the Queen’s sensational ‘recollection’. In unearthing many secrets surrounding that and many other dramas, Bower’s book, relying on the testimony from over 120 people employed or welcomed into the inner sanctum of Clarence House, reveals a royal household rife with intrigue and misconduct.
I found this shocking to be honest. Prince Charles seems highly focussed on money raising and the source of that money has been, at times, extremely dubious. It's like selling the monarchy which does not sit well.
Charles is wedded to luxury and simply has a total disconnect with the lives and realities of those who would be his subjects. He is as high-maintenance as the Queen is not, relatively. Flying round the world on private jets to lecture on climate change and environmentalism, and being unaware, it seems, of any inherent contradiction in doing so.. The coming and goings of his advisers ,employees and private secretaries is like something from a Tudor court. Full of intrigue,back stabbing and a love of power and wealth. You cannot doubt his passion and his defiance however for me it's marred by selfish behaviour. In fact all those in privileged positions don't come out of this well. The way money is raised,squandered and corrupts leaves me with no words.
December 2, 2022
A real eye-opener
If you like a novel with tales of intrigue, espionage, deceit and double dealing then this book is for you. The only subjects missing are murder and kidnapping, or at least they are not mentioned here.
Charles seems to have genuine concern for people and causes and this is reflected in the number of charities he creates. His life appears to be centred around raising millions for his causes, and often he doesn't appear to be too fussy who some of his donors are.
Despite his good intentions, he is completely self absorbed, expecting unconditional loyalty from everyone around him, but none is returned in any way in any shape or form. He is surrounded by yes men, who at the slightest hint of dissent are immediately disposed of or ghosted without a second thought. Absolutely no consideration for anyone. The only exception to this is Michael Fawcett whom Charles describes as someone he cannot do without.
His extravagance is legendary. Despite his calls and passion for the environment, he insists on private jets and the royal train at huge cost. Helicopters for short hops. In that regard ha nad his brother Andy are a pair of bookends.
Interestingly, I recently read Angela Levin's book on Camilla. Tom Bower provides us with a somewhat different picture of the Queen Consort.
The book is an easy read, but because of the subject matter, there are lots of names cropping up and it's a bit difficult to always remember who is who and what they do.
Raises some questions about William. Given that his father is so passionate about so many things, even though that passion was misguided and even perhaps deluded on occasions, how is he going to fill his time now he is PoW? He has no interest in taking on any of his father's charities nor does he appear to be active in very much at the moment.
I found it all quite amazing.
If you like a novel with tales of intrigue, espionage, deceit and double dealing then this book is for you. The only subjects missing are murder and kidnapping, or at least they are not mentioned here.
Charles seems to have genuine concern for people and causes and this is reflected in the number of charities he creates. His life appears to be centred around raising millions for his causes, and often he doesn't appear to be too fussy who some of his donors are.
Despite his good intentions, he is completely self absorbed, expecting unconditional loyalty from everyone around him, but none is returned in any way in any shape or form. He is surrounded by yes men, who at the slightest hint of dissent are immediately disposed of or ghosted without a second thought. Absolutely no consideration for anyone. The only exception to this is Michael Fawcett whom Charles describes as someone he cannot do without.
His extravagance is legendary. Despite his calls and passion for the environment, he insists on private jets and the royal train at huge cost. Helicopters for short hops. In that regard ha nad his brother Andy are a pair of bookends.
Interestingly, I recently read Angela Levin's book on Camilla. Tom Bower provides us with a somewhat different picture of the Queen Consort.
The book is an easy read, but because of the subject matter, there are lots of names cropping up and it's a bit difficult to always remember who is who and what they do.
Raises some questions about William. Given that his father is so passionate about so many things, even though that passion was misguided and even perhaps deluded on occasions, how is he going to fill his time now he is PoW? He has no interest in taking on any of his father's charities nor does he appear to be active in very much at the moment.
I found it all quite amazing.
July 22, 2022
Well, to me personally this book was a game changer!
Generally I take very little interest in royal families beyond fashion and restaurant recommendations. Even then I’m generally drawn to articles about Kate Middleton, York sisters and Princess Mary of Denmark. This was a deep dive into the dirtier history of senior royals. This book heavily focuses on Charles, but the parts about Diana and Camilla are just as shocking. I see that I’ve had a way too fairytale idea of these people. There is no fairytale, just a bunch of spoiled, privileged people wining about their lives and others not doing exactly what they want and when they want it. Disgusting!
All in all I found that this book is more of a collection of many interviews and stories that were put together into a book to provide a character study of Charles at a specific period in his life. I just have to say that past page 50 I started to really dislike him which only intensified towards the end of the book. I think this book is good for those who have a general idea of royal family and their inner workings as there are very few explanations, mostly a bombardment of names, events and dirty dealings. Overall it’s an interesting read, especially if you are not particularly supportive of monarchy. I know that I am definitively not.
Generally I take very little interest in royal families beyond fashion and restaurant recommendations. Even then I’m generally drawn to articles about Kate Middleton, York sisters and Princess Mary of Denmark. This was a deep dive into the dirtier history of senior royals. This book heavily focuses on Charles, but the parts about Diana and Camilla are just as shocking. I see that I’ve had a way too fairytale idea of these people. There is no fairytale, just a bunch of spoiled, privileged people wining about their lives and others not doing exactly what they want and when they want it. Disgusting!
All in all I found that this book is more of a collection of many interviews and stories that were put together into a book to provide a character study of Charles at a specific period in his life. I just have to say that past page 50 I started to really dislike him which only intensified towards the end of the book. I think this book is good for those who have a general idea of royal family and their inner workings as there are very few explanations, mostly a bombardment of names, events and dirty dealings. Overall it’s an interesting read, especially if you are not particularly supportive of monarchy. I know that I am definitively not.
March 10, 2022
I was not a monarchist prior to reading this (although I will admit a fondness and admiration for Queen Elizabeth) but, after reading this, I am quite sure that Charles will leave the monarchy a shrunken vestige of its already token self. He sounds a self-absorbed, emotionally-needy, and insecure man whose entire life has been spent waiting for his mother to die so that he could take over the reins.
And, quite frankly, William doesn't sound all that clever either, so perhaps we should just skip to little George right now. Perhaps the whole lot of them should get jobs and stop sponging off the monarch.
The book is a palace insider's name-dropping delight; you won't be able to tell the players without a scorecard unless you subscribe to Country Life and Tatler magazines (or, I suppose, unless you are an English aristo or Russian oligarch.) The whole thing is depressing, sad, and infuriating in equal parts.
And, quite frankly, William doesn't sound all that clever either, so perhaps we should just skip to little George right now. Perhaps the whole lot of them should get jobs and stop sponging off the monarch.
The book is a palace insider's name-dropping delight; you won't be able to tell the players without a scorecard unless you subscribe to Country Life and Tatler magazines (or, I suppose, unless you are an English aristo or Russian oligarch.) The whole thing is depressing, sad, and infuriating in equal parts.
August 15, 2018
An incredibly well researched book but quite hard going reading because the huge number of names involved and the convoluted intrigues.
Persevere and the "story" becomes easier to follow though your opinion of the royal family and the relationships between their individual palaces and staffs may change greatly!
Even the author admits he was surprised by what he uncovered and that the book turned out very different from what he envisaged when he started the project.
Persevere and the "story" becomes easier to follow though your opinion of the royal family and the relationships between their individual palaces and staffs may change greatly!
Even the author admits he was surprised by what he uncovered and that the book turned out very different from what he envisaged when he started the project.
January 17, 2019
What a load of codswallop. It’s very anti-Islam, out to do a hatchet job on Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, is badly edited and factually wrong in many places. It is very unorganized and goes off on tangents that are not vital to the story. It reads like a tabloid or supermarket checkout “newspaper”. There are lots of much better books on Prince Charles.
May 5, 2020
Hard going book about Prince Charles
The relationship he has with his mother, father, siblings & sons
The saying the more you know about royalty the more you realise they are human
Prince Charles is a privileged spoilt son of the queen he seems to have no morals & expect what he wants normally for nothing
The relationship he has with his mother, father, siblings & sons
The saying the more you know about royalty the more you realise they are human
Prince Charles is a privileged spoilt son of the queen he seems to have no morals & expect what he wants normally for nothing
Read
October 11, 2018Prince Charles is a right dick
August 15, 2018
I read this book as a book club selection. The book is well-written, and I have no doubt that most of it is true. However, I found it an extremely painful read, and I am not even British. My reason for rating it only three stars is the painfulness of the subject matter and the fact that I would not recommend it to others.
Before reading this book I did not have a good impression of Charles, and now my impression is far worse. However, instead of commenting on any of his specific behavior or personality, I prefer to share my overall thoughts about what I learned from reading this very painful book.
Having spent my life in education, one of my overall strongest feelings is that Charles did not receive the right education, either to be a monarch, or to bring out the better aspects of his personality. To anyone interested, I recommend the book, "The Hare with The Amber Eyes," which is about the history of various branches of an upper class Jewish family of financiers scattered through various parts of Europe. The education they received as young children , older children, and in practical training for years, at their parents' side served them extremely well for the balance of their lives. Charles would have benefited greatly from an education like this. I think the boarding school education he received and the years of bullying he endured at school, under his father, and from negative people all around him turned him into an angry person who actually dislikes people in general (and prefers animals and the environment); who carries grudges, and takes revenge and who cannot tolerate advice or criticism. I believe the reason Charles is so drawn to Islam is his feeling of being a victim. Many Muslims don't really feel that they have control of their lives; instead they feel at the mercy of fate (a fate decided by God before their birth); nevertheless, this fate is not within their individual control; instead, they "submit to God's will."
Charles seems to see himself as a victim in life. His prolifigate spending and entitled behaviour indicate to me that emotionally, he is still an angry adolescent, acting out against his parents and their "frugal" values, as a way to Rebel and "throw it in their face." It's a shame that now in his 70's he's still stuck in this emotional turmoil of an adolescent, according to how this book depicts him.
The palace and domestic and foreign status-seekers all seem to behave obsequiously. Everyone seems to be competing for favour with the Royal Family in terms of photo opportunities and wanting to be seen with them, in order to enhance their own personal status, or to appear more socially acceptable if they are trying to revive lost reputations. Living in the palaces seems to be like living in an atmosphere of extreme sibling rivalry between all the employees who lie to each other and backstab each other as they complete to become the most favored.
I was extremely shocked about Charles and others seeming to be extremely tolerant of servants' stealing--that it's apparently "to be expected, in return for their low wages."
The book ends by quoting Prince Philip as saying that the reason he and the Queen are hanging on so long is to make sure Charles's reign is as short as possible in order to give him as little time as possible to do permanent damage to the monarchy.
I feel like this book was mostly accurate about what it reported, but I felt it must have left out a lot, perhaps positive things which would have left readers with an entirely different impression.
I can understand why monarchs in autocratic countries have laws against reporting on the royal family or criticizing the royal family. If Charles is going to be king anyway, what is the point of reporting all this, when it only leads to ill-will, dissension, and lack of confidence in the new monarch.
It was a painful book to read, and felt like I was reading an endless gossip tabloid. I had to force myself to get through it, not because it was poorly written, but because it was negative and depressing, and because I despise gossip, yet had to read this whole book of gossip. I would recommend this. Pol only to people who already hate Charles, to British citizens or Commonwealth members who are worried about Charles, or to people who really enjoy political intrigue (something I also hate).
Before reading this book I did not have a good impression of Charles, and now my impression is far worse. However, instead of commenting on any of his specific behavior or personality, I prefer to share my overall thoughts about what I learned from reading this very painful book.
Having spent my life in education, one of my overall strongest feelings is that Charles did not receive the right education, either to be a monarch, or to bring out the better aspects of his personality. To anyone interested, I recommend the book, "The Hare with The Amber Eyes," which is about the history of various branches of an upper class Jewish family of financiers scattered through various parts of Europe. The education they received as young children , older children, and in practical training for years, at their parents' side served them extremely well for the balance of their lives. Charles would have benefited greatly from an education like this. I think the boarding school education he received and the years of bullying he endured at school, under his father, and from negative people all around him turned him into an angry person who actually dislikes people in general (and prefers animals and the environment); who carries grudges, and takes revenge and who cannot tolerate advice or criticism. I believe the reason Charles is so drawn to Islam is his feeling of being a victim. Many Muslims don't really feel that they have control of their lives; instead they feel at the mercy of fate (a fate decided by God before their birth); nevertheless, this fate is not within their individual control; instead, they "submit to God's will."
Charles seems to see himself as a victim in life. His prolifigate spending and entitled behaviour indicate to me that emotionally, he is still an angry adolescent, acting out against his parents and their "frugal" values, as a way to Rebel and "throw it in their face." It's a shame that now in his 70's he's still stuck in this emotional turmoil of an adolescent, according to how this book depicts him.
The palace and domestic and foreign status-seekers all seem to behave obsequiously. Everyone seems to be competing for favour with the Royal Family in terms of photo opportunities and wanting to be seen with them, in order to enhance their own personal status, or to appear more socially acceptable if they are trying to revive lost reputations. Living in the palaces seems to be like living in an atmosphere of extreme sibling rivalry between all the employees who lie to each other and backstab each other as they complete to become the most favored.
I was extremely shocked about Charles and others seeming to be extremely tolerant of servants' stealing--that it's apparently "to be expected, in return for their low wages."
The book ends by quoting Prince Philip as saying that the reason he and the Queen are hanging on so long is to make sure Charles's reign is as short as possible in order to give him as little time as possible to do permanent damage to the monarchy.
I feel like this book was mostly accurate about what it reported, but I felt it must have left out a lot, perhaps positive things which would have left readers with an entirely different impression.
I can understand why monarchs in autocratic countries have laws against reporting on the royal family or criticizing the royal family. If Charles is going to be king anyway, what is the point of reporting all this, when it only leads to ill-will, dissension, and lack of confidence in the new monarch.
It was a painful book to read, and felt like I was reading an endless gossip tabloid. I had to force myself to get through it, not because it was poorly written, but because it was negative and depressing, and because I despise gossip, yet had to read this whole book of gossip. I would recommend this. Pol only to people who already hate Charles, to British citizens or Commonwealth members who are worried about Charles, or to people who really enjoy political intrigue (something I also hate).
October 15, 2018
Interesting insight into the future King of England Charles III. Having read 'Harmony' which I felt to be an interesting, thought provoking, albeit a little eccentric take on the world as Charles perceives it, I felt somewhat inclined to give him and his misdemeanours the benefit of the doubt. The Rebel Prince however gives us a more independent and balanced view of his strengths, weaknesses and suitability to be King.
On balance, there is much to admire in Charles, and much to sympathise. He has correctly, in spite of often being considered an eccentric, been largely vindicated in his views on nature, global warming, plastic bags, overuse of antibiotics and even dare I say architecture. He has also been masterful in his ability to generate huge sums of money for his many charities and good causes, often helping those most vulnerable.
Furthermore it may be fair to have some sympathy for him in the role, pressure and the extreme expectations placed upon him as a result of his birth (I would not wish to switch places with him). It is also reasonable to assume that his upbringing, love and nurturing was at best unnatural, and his loveless marriage to Diana 'forced'.
On the other hand the book also demonstrates his largesse, his insistence on luxury and being 'served' to an extreme degree. It depicts him as a selfish man, ungrateful and ruthless in following his own way, and having little time for the people who serve him other than those who fawn to the greatest degree, or indeed hold power over him. Whilst he claims to want to preserve the planet and 'green spaces', his frequent luxury travel and pursuit and mismanagement of money and profit would contradict this. He is largely hypocritical when faced with denying his own pleasures and whims, whilst his leadership style can only be described as autocratic and unbending.
He wishes to be considered altruistic, yet in essence he is above all else, self serving. Another example is his willingness to travel to parts of the world and the Commonwealth where he can extract the most funding and benefits and eschew those parts, such as Africa and the Caribbean, which would most benefit from his attendance.
Camilla is just another subject, lazy, irresponsible and selfish, once again questions the judgement of the future King.
In summary, the book left we me with a strong feeling and assertion to hope that the Queen continues to be the monarch for a very long time ahead. Maybe another 10-12 years may make the Charles as little wiser, more humble and less 'meddlesome'. I suppose we can also console ourselves that like a US President or even a Prime Minister, the tenure will not be excessive, indeed Charles III may well be crowned alongside Queen Camilla as 'octogenerians', with William and Kate in the 'wings'
On balance, there is much to admire in Charles, and much to sympathise. He has correctly, in spite of often being considered an eccentric, been largely vindicated in his views on nature, global warming, plastic bags, overuse of antibiotics and even dare I say architecture. He has also been masterful in his ability to generate huge sums of money for his many charities and good causes, often helping those most vulnerable.
Furthermore it may be fair to have some sympathy for him in the role, pressure and the extreme expectations placed upon him as a result of his birth (I would not wish to switch places with him). It is also reasonable to assume that his upbringing, love and nurturing was at best unnatural, and his loveless marriage to Diana 'forced'.
On the other hand the book also demonstrates his largesse, his insistence on luxury and being 'served' to an extreme degree. It depicts him as a selfish man, ungrateful and ruthless in following his own way, and having little time for the people who serve him other than those who fawn to the greatest degree, or indeed hold power over him. Whilst he claims to want to preserve the planet and 'green spaces', his frequent luxury travel and pursuit and mismanagement of money and profit would contradict this. He is largely hypocritical when faced with denying his own pleasures and whims, whilst his leadership style can only be described as autocratic and unbending.
He wishes to be considered altruistic, yet in essence he is above all else, self serving. Another example is his willingness to travel to parts of the world and the Commonwealth where he can extract the most funding and benefits and eschew those parts, such as Africa and the Caribbean, which would most benefit from his attendance.
Camilla is just another subject, lazy, irresponsible and selfish, once again questions the judgement of the future King.
In summary, the book left we me with a strong feeling and assertion to hope that the Queen continues to be the monarch for a very long time ahead. Maybe another 10-12 years may make the Charles as little wiser, more humble and less 'meddlesome'. I suppose we can also console ourselves that like a US President or even a Prime Minister, the tenure will not be excessive, indeed Charles III may well be crowned alongside Queen Camilla as 'octogenerians', with William and Kate in the 'wings'
March 5, 2019
Really a 3.5. Very informative and gives a detailed account of everything that went on and comes across as authoritative. Some parts very interesting and easy to read but other parts seem bogged down with the fine detail of who said what and to whom, like a text book. These parts drag somewhat and a bit tedious, and you tend to lose the plot a bit with the detail. Also at these times often the author starts a story, then diverges, then comes back, so you often have to re-read to get the gist. He does come across a passionate man who has some genuine concerns about modern life, architecture, social concerns and the environment but going with that are some really nutter beliefs such as homeopathy and the balance of the universe, etc etc. He appears well-meaning but lacks the intellect and self - discipline of a real genuine and innovative crusader. He is so openly contradictory with his self - indulgent extravagances going hand in hand with his appeals to save the environment. Going with his total unwillingness to assess scientific evidence objectively, he is overall a menace. But, in his own way he is admirable to for his persistent motivation to "improve" things, even if a delusion at times. The least sympathetic figure, surprisingly, in the book is Camilla, who does not come across well at all, overall. Scheming, lazy, self - indulgent, pushy, self - centred and not what I expected. Yes, she is a relaxing figure for him but I think Diana was largely right in what she said about her. Never thought it would be the case but overall unlikeable and repellant.
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