On Duty with the Queen

by Dickie Arbiter

In this wonderful and honest book, former press secretary to the royal family Dickie Arbiter reveals the inner-workings of everyday life in side Buckingham Palace, and what it's really like to be on duty with the Queen. With four decades of experience covering royalty as a journalist and as one of Her Majesty's press secretaries, Dickie Arbiter has had unprecedented access to the inner circle of some of the most intriguing news stories over the years, and is the only royal commentator to have witnessed the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and covered her Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilees. Appointed a press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, Dickie was immediately catapulted into the media circus surrounding the world s most famous and divisive family. From sailing in the Royal Yacht Britannia, escorting Prince Charles on far-flung trips across the globe and the Commonwealth, and joining Her Majesty for washing-up duties following a picnic in Balmoral Castle, to becoming one of Princess Diana s most trusted confidantes before briefing the world's media of her untimely death, Dickie was at the forefront of the decision-making at the Palace during the most turbulent decade in the monarchy's reign. Open, entertaining, enlightening, and surprising, On Duty with the Queen is a wonderful account of a once-in-a-lifetime job and a truly unique service to the crown.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Royalty, History, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Audiobook

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2014

About the author

The best known of all the former press secretaries to HM The Queen, Dickie Arbiter is the man the world’s press always call on to offer credible insight when the Royals are in the news for whatever reason be it weddings, deaths, births, celebrations, overseas visits, scandals, incidents and general interest stories.

Reviews

[farmwifetwo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a memoir who's claim to fame was that he was part of the palaces press Corp during the Diana years. Was he well respected by "the firm". Yes. Beyond that it's nothing that you haven't already read from other sources .

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Dickie Arbiter on television for many years and always enjoyed his broadcasts I thought I would try 'On Duty with the Queen' to read some inside stories. It was a good decision for the book gives an excellent insight into the royal duties of a pressman, and Dickie had a variety of roles while employed at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.

After some years in the acting profession in South Africa, he fine-tuned his broadcasting skills working for the Rhodesia Broadcasting Corporation (he had moved to Bulawayo as a youngster) and then on return to England he worked for LBC in London in its early days and his career blossomed.

At LBC he was afforded many a novel experience, such as in 1986 climbing the stairs to the top of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square to interview the man responsible for cleaning the naval hero and abseiling from the ceiling of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre during the AM breakfast show. But he was also the royal correspondent and he covered such as Derby Day at Epsom, Royal Ascot and every ceremonial event on the Royal calendar, including Charles and Diana's wedding in 1981.

It was perhaps no surprise, therefore, when he was head-hunted by Buckingham Palace and he left LBC one day, 30 June 1988, and he walked into the Palace the following day, 1 July, as a press secretary. Due to his royal duties at LBC he was not unfamiliar with the Palace and some of the people who worked there but his new role meant that he was to be one of those responsible for managing how the Royal family was presented.

As a new boy he was told that he had an invitation to Balmoral to meet the Queen so, in trepidation he went up to Scotland - the first time he had crossed the border despite his widespread travelling - and he had the surprise of his life when the Queen took him in her Land Rover to a cottage where she and Prince Philip had provided a picnic so as to have time to get to know him. From then on he developed quite a friendly relationship with Her Majesty and his stories of her are really interesting.

Later on he became press secretary to Charles and Diana and became very friendly with the pair, and subsequently their children. This sideways move entailed him moving into Kensington Palace so he was constantly close to the couple and he became particularly friendly with Diana. His duties meant that he travelled the world with the couple and he tells fascinating stories of their times abroad, particularly when they visited India and the Wales's marriage was under threat.

Naturally he was devastated when Diana died in the Paris car accident and he was heavily involved in the actions regarding bringing her body home and the subsequent funeral. After that sad event he became press secretary for the Royal Collections and of this time he also has some entertaining stories to tell, particularly of the devastating fire at Windsor Castle and its aftermath.

He retired from the Palace at 60 and immediately began work for the BBC, who did not waste any time in taking him on because of his Royal experience. And they used him in that capacity. In one amusing story he relates how he returned to Buckingham Palace and was spotted by the Queen, who he says has a marvellous sense of humour, who, presumably tongue-in-cheek asked him, 'What are you doing here?' Apparently they both laughed at the incident.

And throughout all the anecdotes of the Royals, he seamlessly interweaves memories of his own early life into the story so that the reader has a good picture of Dickie Arbiter the man as well as Dickie Arbiter the press secretary. It is a most enjoyable and fascinating read, giving an insight into a world never to be seen by most of us.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book and it's very interesting detailed memoir about both is personal life and as a press secretary for the Royal family in England. I didn't know much about the Royal family so this was a good start. Found it very easy to listen to and never gets dull in my opinion. Might want to read more about the royal family in the future but I think I like this kind of perspective the most as it doesn't try to shine a bad light on them.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Royal adjacent biographies are my guilty pleasure. Listened to the audiobook. It was good, interesting, but nothing groundbreaking.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although of course it was fascinating to read about Arbiter's switch from newsman to court insider, what really held my interest was Dickie Arbiter's personal voyage. His family background, his passion for ice skating, all of his travels (particularly in Africa), made a powerful impression. One can't help but admire the brilliance of opening the doors of the courtier ranks to men and women from a variety of backgrounds--and press secretary Arbiter is a perfect example.

There were many details about Arbiter's interaction with various royals--catnip for a reader who is fascinated by Britain's royal family. One story in particular, the devastation of the Windsor Fire and the work that Arbiter and others did behind the scenes to restore and renovate, captured my interest. Our interest in the royals goes beyond scandals and triumphs and weddings and births--it is anchored by the legacy of the royal castles.

I enjoyed Arbiter's thoughtful, serene perspective--and would recommend it to readers who are interested in a royal read that is definitely a little outside the box. Unconventional in a convincing way.

Review copy provided by the author.

[Furrawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Balanced and fair.

Dickie takes us behind the scenes with honesty and restraint. He tells us new things (No, I’ll wash) and gives a lot of background information on familiar stories/histories.
I found myself liking him immensely.

I read this book in one sitting which says exactly how enjoyable it is.

The bits about Princess Diana were revelations. They also reinforced one’s impression of Diana as a woman of immense kindness and heart.

It’s amazing how much effort goes into the Monarchy and how many people are part of it.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Воспоминания пресс-секретаря Елизаветы II, который за свои 12 лет на службе в Букингемском дворце успел поработать и на Королеву, и на Чарльза с Дианой, и над другими проектами, имеющими отношение к королевской семье (например, открытие Букингемского дворца для посещения публикой в 1993 году). Рабочие истории о БКС переплетены с личными воспоминаниями детство-отрочество-юность-дочка-работа, рабочими моментами "зачем тебе бюджет, сделай все сам", воспоминаниями о самых трагических моментах (он участвовал в организации похорон Дианы).
Очень интересная книга для тех, кто в теме.
От души советую!

[Sue Fitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free on Audible. Read by the author who reads in a very proper English manner, thereby making for a rather tedious listen.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This shows in depth exactly what the job of royal correspondants and press officers is like and it is pretty hard work from what I read here. The press spokesman in particular has an early start, has to deal with planning and executing the royal diary each day, planning overseas royal tours and debating with the royals, the Palace and the host country what should or should not be in the tour itinerary. He also had to deal with frequent requests about the state of Charles and Diana's relationship as well as serious breaking news events like the Windsor Castle fire and the death of Diana. I was fascinated by the detail about how he worked during the death and funeral of Diana-the discussions between the families and government, the fights over flying the flag at half mast, the dreadful press coverage aimed at the Queen and the way Tony Blair's government tried to take the credit for everything, which doesn't surprise me.

Don't expect a lot of royal gossip as this man was a loyal servant to the Queen and refuses to discuss gossip about the royal marriage, merely stating how he performed his job during that time. I enjoyed hearing of his minor spats with Diana and the party she threw for his birthday. I liked the story of his first trip to Balmoral and how informal things were with the Queen, washing and drying dishes together. It was an interesting book about royal service and a fairly quick read but certainly enjoyable if you have an interest in Diana and the royal family.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dickie Arbiter has a pretty neat background history. He was born in 1940 in an air raid shelter while German planes were bombing London. His parents were German-Jewish, and had fled Germany to escape Nazi persecution. I can't imagine what his parents went through, and I certainly can't imagine giving birth in an air raid shelter while being bombed. That's a dramatic start to life. Arbiter began a career in journalism, eventually landing a job as press spokesman for Queen Elizabeth II from 1988 to 2000. He and his daughter are well known media commentators on the Royal Family.

I generally love a good memoir, and I picked this one up when I was at the local library looking for something else that they didn't have. I am glad that I tried it out, because it was an interesting behind the scenes account of how life works behind the palace doors. He worked for the Queen during a really rough point in her reign, with the death of Princess Diana and other issues. I am sure that it was quite difficult to be a press spokesman during those times, and I valued the personal account of that. The only real issue that I had with it, was that I got the feeling that he has told some of these stories a million times over the years. It was a fine book, especially since I didn't spend any money on it. (Support your libraries, friends.)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dickie Arbiter was the press spokesman for the Queen during some of the most challenging years of her reign- the 1992 Annis Horriblis for example and the death of Princess Diana. This is an interesting autobiography discussing his life as a journalist, spokesman for the queen, and then back to being a journalist- ending in 2014. Most interesting were his discussions of the inner workings of everyday life in Buckingham Palace, and what it was like to work under the media spotlight with the royal family. He also talks about his own story beginning with his parents’ departure from Germany as Jewish refugees of Hitler. I love books about the royal family and this one was straightforward and to the point, not filled with malicious gossip but instead including forthright observations of the family, their relationships, and their place in history.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unapologetically admiring of Queen Elizabeth II, yet pragmatic in this 2014 telling of his professional and personal relationships with members of the Royal Family, this memoir is a valuable document. Arbiter describes in detail his roles within the Royal Household. Especially poignant are his chapters about Diana, Princess of Wales. She was not perfect; but he respected and very much liked her. This memoir provides insight into logistics, responsibilities and rewards of service. I also appreciated his intermingling, albeit discreet, of his own personal story with the stories of his work with the Queen and Diana. His epilogue is eerily prescient when he describes the nature of the relationship between Princes William and Harry with the press.

[Jane Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dickie Arbiter's Excellent Adventure.

What a wonderful life Mr. Arbiter has had. From a decidedly rocky and often lonely childhood to working closely with two of the world's most fascinating women, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Diana, Princess of Wales. He tells revealing and often humorous stories both of the mechanics of royal life and his personal interactions with members of the royal family.
I loved this book and was surprised that I couldn't put it down. Mr Arbiter tells his story well.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting listen! If you paid attention to royal reporting at all in the last 3 decades, you will know who Dickie Arbiter is- sometimes it felt like he WAS the entire field. Knowledgeable (having worked for the Palace for many years) and a good speaker, I would really recommend listening to the audiobook. He narrates it, and it works perfectly for his memoirs. I did find it a tad confusing in the first quarter, when he would jump chronologically, but you get used to it (and it does mimic how most of us would tell a story!). A must-listen/read for any royal watcher!

[James Tidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author gives a fascinating insight into what it's like to be a media correspondent with varying members of the Royal Family. He works alongside the then Prince and Princess of Wales as their marriage is ending. He is part of the team that deals with the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992 and gives a first-hand account of how he dealt with not only the media, but explains events, in the wake of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997. He also gives his readers answers, such as why there was no flag flying at half mast at Buckingham Palace.

[Surena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful in the inner workings on the firm, but he remains discreet on the private lives and his interactions with the members of the Royal Family, which is a strong testimony of his integrity - he did not unveil anything more to what he has said in various documentaries in which he appeared.
It is a rather interesting book to catch a glimpse of how works the firm and notably the press office.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say except this is a simply fabulous book. The topic of discussion is one I find extremely enlightening and provides a real insight in the the PR workings of the Royal Family. Whilst on the whole much of the content is that which is already public knowledge to see the others side of some pivotal moments in history in very enlightening. I also found it fascinating to find out about the journey from Journalist to PR officer and then full circle.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A not very interesting ‘autobiography’ which seems to concentrate on the royal family more than Mr Arbiter. I’d have liked far more detail about his young life as he has a fascinating family history - and I’d have liked more about his passion for ice skating too.
Strangely he adds the epithet ‘infamous’ to Paul Burrell but doesn’t add it to himself after supposedly inflaming the ire of the Prince of Wales for writing this book.
I listened to this on audiobook read by the author

[Nancy Loe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand that he doesn’t want to blot his copybook with the RF or jeopardize his talking head gigs. But my goodness this is one very dull book. Although ringside at the dissolution of the Wales’s marriage, he clearly is very keen not to spill any remotely interesting, let alone new.

His actual upbringing is more interesting than the ever-so-fawning accounts of being so very lucky to work around the clock on royal tours and events. Skip this one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book much more than I anticipated. I've never been a fan of this gentleman, but have changed my mind about that after reading the few chapters about his personal story. He deals with some pretty heavy issues in a matter-of-fact, no-nonsense way, with little trace of self-pity.

Most of his stories about his 10 or so years in the palace as well as years covering the royals have been covered elsewhere, but there were some new details.

[Joanne Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

Being fascinated by all things historical, especially the monarchy, this was a such a quick and insightful read.
Light, interesting, and inforrmative, an insider's account of a private life lived in a very public world. Well written by someone who clearly enjoyed his job.
Well done👐

[Esther* · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of the world of a British royal press officer during the turbulent years of the 80s and 90s. This autobiographical account is a warm, respectful and honest look behind the scenes of the Windsors, and gives us an insight into the difficult decisions that constantly need to be made in the middle of their personal crises.

[Deb Stratas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dickie Arbiter was press secretary to HM, Queen Elizabeth II for 12 years so there are a lot of stories about her & the royal family. The history of Prince Charles and Diana is included, with some insider details about Diana’s death and the aftermath. A good read.

[Maureen Farrell Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable

Really enjoyable,read. I finished the book in two days and could have gone on reading,pity he had to end it!
Its a book i would recommend to anyone. I will be reading it again!,thanks dickie.

[Patricia Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating.

Without betraying confidentiality, this book is fascinating.

Nice to go behind the scenes and learn about the nuts and bolts of handling the press, around the royal family.

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting autobiography with lots of intriguing bits about life behind the scenes with the Royal Family as well as lots about his own very fascinating life. I love Dickie as a commentator and now I love him as an author as well.

[Andrea Cover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

Wonderfully written, informative book, which I really enjoyed reading.
A must read for anyone interested in the royal family from a very well known and respected journalist.

[Neil Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good with a glass of white

A few interesting insights by it if you're looking for gossip/scandal there isn't any. He also tells us a bit about his own life pre working for the royals which is interesting in parts.
An easy read but not a page turner.

[Adrienne Cullen-Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish and read it in two sittings. A beautifully written factual book about the Royals which I thoroughly enjoyed. For anyone interested in the Monarchy this is the book for you.

[Rae Livsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be enjoyable. It was easygoing and quite interesting. Arbiter shared intimate stories of his encounters with The Firm along with stories from his personal life and experiences. He wove the stories from both together in a way that explained how he related to the royals.