Scandals of the Royal Palaces: An Intimate Memoir of Royals Behaving Badly

by Tom Quinn

George Orwell once said that the British love a really good murder. He might have added that the only thing the British love more than a good murder is a really good scandal, and best of all are the sexual and political scandals that take place behind the gilded doors of Britain's royal palaces. From Edward II's intimate relationship with Piers Gaveston to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's dramatic exit from the royal family, the royal residences have seen it all.

This glorious romp of a book contains new information on well-known and not-so-well-known scandals, including those that have only recently been revealed through the release of previously secret official papers. Exploring surviving palaces such as Kensington as well as long‑vanished residences including Whitehall, Scandals of the Royal Palaces is the first in-depth look at the bad behaviour of not just the royals themselves but also palace officials, courtiers, household servants and hangers‑on.

Delving into the bitter hatreds that generations of King Georges nursed for their eldest sons, Queen Victoria's opium‑fuelled rages and Edward VII's near-miss perjury conviction, royal expert Tom Quinn reveals that scandal and the royal family have always been bedfellows. And if the behaviour of today's royals is anything to go by, the glittering palaces will continue to house intriguing, embarrassing and outrageous scandals for centuries to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[jonathan Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Tom Quinn complements a book published last year 'The Last Queen'. That book predicted the end of the British Monarchy. Tom Quinn's book reveals much more detail about misbehaviour by past Monarchs and also gives us some innuendo about alleged activity.
The long time rule of 'never complain, never explain' used by British Royals has now been cast aside with the trouble that Prince Andrew is in, where he may have to reveal private details in a US court room.
Perhaps the biggest indicator of what might happen is that the long serving Queen Elizabeth II has an approval rating in the UK of well over 80%, while her heir, Prince Charles has an approval rating of less than 50%

[Linda Edmonds Cerullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating history of the various English royal palaces and the somewhat scandalous events that took place in them. Beginning with the 14th century and Edward II's involvement with Piers Gaveston and ending with the current crises within the Royal Family involving Meghan and Harry and Prince Andrew's connection to Jeffrey Epstein, Tom Quinn recounts the disruptions caused and the dangers presented by royals run amok. A captivating romp through the past and into the present. Very interesting to compare days of old and current times and how the very resilient Royal Family managed to survive.

[Ursula Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is more of a guide to ancient royal scandals than current ones. More than half the book is set before the 1900s. Several kings are covered in excessive detail. We do spend some time with Wallis and Edward, and not nearly enough with Diana, Megan and Prince Andrew. Rather a slog to get through the earlier sections.

[Annie Booker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of scurrilous rumours without a lot of evidence without them. Mostly stuff that is already known and stuff that could be supposed and stuff without much foundation at all. Didn't enjoy it enough to read past about half way through.

[Heather G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

A fair inside look at both obscure and well-known misbehaviors of the royal family. Nothing overly critical but nothing ridiculously deferential either.

[Roseann · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Royal Snooze 👑

[Don Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story which will produce some giggles