King's Counsellor: Abdication and War: the Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles edited by Duff Hart-Davis

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The diaries of 'Tommy' Lascelles - as featured in the Netflix hit THE CROWN 'Brilliantly entertaining and historically priceless' Spectator 'Fascinating ... as much a contribution to royal legend as to the history of the war' Daily Telegraph As Assistant Private Secretary to four monarchs, 'Tommy' Lascelles had a ringside seat from which to observe the workings of the royal household and Downing Street during the first half of the 20th century. These fascinating diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's Coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published. This compelling account also includes Princess Margaret's relationship with Peter Townsend, and throws an intriguing new light on the way in which King George VI and Winston Churchill worked together during the Second World War. Lascelles was a fine writer - like most of the best diaries his are a delight to read as well as being invaluable history.

Tommy Lascelles, as he was known, was christened Alan. His uncle was 5th Earl of Harewood, whose son married George V's daughter, the Princess Royal. Won MC during WWI, served briefly in India, where he met his future wife Joan, the daughter of the Viceroy. In the 1920s served as asst private secretary to Edward, Prince of Wales, when he resigned, despairing of his character. Served in Canada as private secretary to the Governor-General, returned to London to become asst private secretary to George V. Served Edward VIII as asst private secretary, then held the same post for George VI, becoming Private Secretary in 1943. On George VI's death he continued in the same role for Queen Elizabeth until the Coronation.

Elegant and precise ... a revealing glimpse into the drawing rooms of the great during the years of crisis and victory ... Lascelles was an excellent judge of character, and posterity has almost always proved him right - EVENING STANDARD This fascinating volume is as much a contribution to royal legend as to the history of the war - DAILY TELEGRAPH Most - though by no means all - of the facts we know already: it is the angle from which they are viewed and the humour and intelligence of the observer which make these diaries both brilliantly entertaining and historically priceless - SPECTATOR Offers fascinating and hitherto unseen glimpses of some of the most significant figures of our age ... however, none emerges more engagingly than the diarist himself - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH Offers genuine insights into the role of the King's adviser - INDEPENDENT