I love your compassion for everyone involved here, the way you recognize everyone’s humanity you’re never nasty like some other TH-camrs, never change ❤
I think Diana’s interview with bashier backfired. Then queen elizabeth said no more you will divorce each other. I believe Dianna was floored because she wanted to remain in the marriage despite her unhappiness. She was even quoted as saying she did not want a divorce..she loved all the attention as his wife
After hearing this book I can see how miserable she made Charles and I was always on her side. She hid all her temper tantrums and did not seem to even try to get his love. I am amazed he never talked mean about her as she did him. Not many men would have put up with her as much as he did
It's difficult enough getting 'laid off' when you only worked in business premises during office hours and never met your boss let alone spoke to him or her. How much more would you take it to heart when you have worked in their home in a senior role, shared many private moments and emotions, interacted with them and their kids, to be dismissed in such an impersonal way. Though it probably wasn't meant to be, it strikes me as insulting that the housekeeper was relegated to a back room out of sight and out of mind. The elite are often indifferent, or maybe unaware, of the feelings and dignity of those they consider their social inferiors.
@@newtexan1 because of her dysfunctional childhood, the abandonment by her mother, violent, abusive, alcoholic, father, immaturity and her borderline personality disease, Diana was a complete nightmare to be married to.
@@cindygarrison6338 Harry has put the 'real Diana' into the spotlight for those who were too young to remember the shenanigans. He has done his Mum a great disservice !
What a crazy household. One day she’s in a flood of tears because her husband is giving his mistress a more expensive gift. Then she’s happy and a good mom paying attention to her sons and behaving nicely to the staff. Then it’s over and the staff is sacked in a not so nice way. Crazy! To be a staff member in that household must have been so confusing.
Wow. After all her bad behaviour, affairs and spiteful actions by using the children as ammunition against Charles, the disgraceful book and the dreadful interview (duped or not, her words were hers. Her own choice. I don't understand why she was surprised by the gifts. She and Charles should have divorced quietly long before they did. Imho. Sad but true
Yeah, she was so caught up in her moods and being the victim that she didn’t think that her terrible actions would have terrible consequences. Not only when she attacked Charles personally but then she went after his suitability as King. A real low blow. Yeah she’s lucky if she got even fake jewellery from Charles. It must’ve been very hard for him to stomach her after all of that. And maybe the fake jewellery was very suitable. But who does that conduct/ delusion remind me of? Harry. He’s so upset and feels put upon by the royal family, he’s gone to the media and said all kinds of terrible things at every opportunity, and then he is surprised if people /family aren’t feeling sorry for him and shocked they don’t treat him like before.
Sounds like Harry is mirroring all of his Mother's moods, temperament, demands, lack of control on the media ,as Diana dug/Harry digging themselves deeper and deeper. Yes Charles and Diana should have divorced quietly and H&M should have gone off to live 'quietly! IMO
It would have been better to divorce quietly, but this shows how important a sound marriage for a royal can be. The security for the entire monarch was shaken by this divorce and the implications for the future looked unstable. This could be the reason Queen Elizabeth stayed on the throne for so long, so she could deliver the monarchy to the people in a stable condition away from the violent personal tragedies...only for Harry and Meghan to attack it again.
@@ajune583They never should have married in the first place and wouldn't have in most any other scenario. They couldn't divorce until QEll approved it and she was trying to maintain the structural integrity of the Monarchy. In hindsight, I'm sure even she realized she held out too long.
@@swissuz I think Queen Elizabeth would have stayed to the end as that was what she promised all those years ago but it sure helped. And yes, the dastardly duo sure did their best to destroy her legacy. Fortunately there are many same people who see through them and the monarchy is in good hands
You don’t know how much more that should bring up his mum to him. Or maybe H didn’t see as much as William prince of wales. Diana used to run over to Eton and pull W out of school to tell him the latest between Diana and his dad.
No wonder the royals tried to ban this book, it does not paint a pretty picture of Diana. I always felt she should never have married Charles, they were obviously mismatched, but I felt she was in love with the idea of being Queen one day and the adulation she received from the press and public.
I have never accepted, even prior to this book (which is a corker), that Diana, after her older sister stopped dating Charles because of Camilla, didn't know EXACTLY what she was doing when she married him!
Her older sister was dropped by Charles because she was indiscrete and talked to the press about their relationship. Diana was young when she married but NEVER naive. She announced when very young that she wanted to be the Princess of Wales, she chased him, lied to him and pretended to like the things he like, and then bragged to her sister that she had married better than her.@@elizabethskolnick7753
I remember watching their engagement interview and thinking, ' don't do it Charles she doesn't see you as a man but as a position' they really had very little in common, he liked country, she liked town, different music etc. A match made in hell
Totally agree . . . I'm well old enough to recall Diana, and even her ex-school colleagues, spoke about the young Diana having a photo of Prince Charles by her bed and announcing that one day she would marry him. Diana did not do well at school, had a part-time job (2 or 3 days a weeks), as a "nursery assistant" at a Nursery School although the press often referred to her before the marriage as a "pre-school teacher" .A short working week left her plenty of time for "upper crust" socialising. Part-time work hours was and possibly still is, typical of many well-connected "society" young women, allowing them long weekends to socialise and seek out opportunities to make connections with equally "well-bred young men".
@@lynnetteross995 true. I can still remember the Debutant Seasons. You really had to have a lot of free time to attend all the events and nurse the hangover the following day😁
I was living in the UK during this time. I was never a big fan of Diana because I always felt that she planned all (or most) of her photos to look so 'pitiful' and guaranteed to generate sympathy.
@@PAULINEC-y1o one can plainly see the Spencer traits, the whinging brother at his sisters funeral, he even used that occasion to Lancaster the Queen, when, had it not been for his sisters marriage to Prince Charles he wouldn’t be sitting in his ancestral home, they would have had to sell it. Diana whinging , panda eye makeup crumpled tissue, poor me! And Harry whinges about things which he has no recollection of.
Poor Wendy. I know how it feels to be a loyal, longtime, worked-up-from-junior-to-senior staff member, only to be left high and dry by my former employers.
@@stephenluke2347Me too. Lawyers said I had a case, but I was too sick to fight them. No problem, I'm richer than when working. Although sickness remains a heavy burden. My life is better without unkind employment. 😊
I think it was made worse by Diana's over sharing her personal life & 'courting' them as she did during the last weekend. How many of us had that added to our business life prior to termination?
Yes! I'm watching Cheere Denise review The Real Diana and between that book and Shauna reviewing The Housekeeper's Diary, my jaw is on the floor! Even if I take everything with a giant, boat sized grain of salt... it's very troubling. She would freeze people out and that would make them quit because she didn't want to deal with them or ALLOW Charles to have staff from before they were married. It's the insane, her need to control everything about her life, her husband, her kids and her staff AND what the press was writing about her. Wow... Harold and M have Diana's behaviors down! It's a miracle William turned out as compassionate, smart and careful to make decisions and listens to advisors, like he does considering the instability of Diana and her treating him like a mini therapist after she refused to get professional help even though the RF wanted her to find a therapist. It's all such a damn mess.
Wendy wrote a corker of a book! For mother & son there's the same mental instability couple with enough self awareness if not calculation to construct an opposite public image (at least for a while). I'm reminded of watching Harry happily chortling & saying 'there's a lot more of my mother in me than people knew'. Well, yes...unfortunately., @@OsloTime
@@OsloTime I am also watching Real Diana, and like you i’m shocked. Both of these books reveal a side of Diana that I never knew existed. Although Charles has problems, most from the way he was raised, I feel so sorry for him after reading these two books, I hope that he has peace now. For how the press and the public viewed him for so many years, he deserves it.
This should not have come at a surprise to anyone...including the staff. Sandbagging Prince Charles with that book was unforgivable. That was Diana's vengeful DNA that Harry inherited. The devastation on the boys must have been horrendous and it would have been a slow drip of pain in their lives that was revealed more intensely as they grew up. Diana did not think about the aftermath and what it would do to her children. Harry and Meghan's children have this very same scenario facing them...their parents destructive behavior laid out in the history books. To think Charles has had this done to him twice in his life is more than any person should have had to deal with. The time line in this book has been completely revealing.
I'm afraid that the fact it happened TWICE to him was very much down to Queen Elizabeth, someone I genuinely respect& value. But she was wrong about Charles' marriage from the beginning, not just continuing it. I would be stunned if during her last letter to him ALL the money (&responsibility of Andrew et al) wasn't left to him along with strictures to leave Harry in line of succession (& suffer his attacks in silence) because that's what was done with the Duke of Windsor. It's not going to lead to a good future result as we see by the health issues now before them.
@@elizabethskolnick7753 Unfortunately we will never know. That would be unfortunate for Charles if the Queen tied his hands after she passed away. There may be a time when Charles has to break free and make changes regardless of those familial bonds. He can't change how the money was left, but he can govern how Harry and Andrew are handled. The question is if he can do it during a healthcare crisis. The publicity of Harry's behavior in the courts in the UK and the US along with other publicity must be at an all time stressful level. There is no way for him to avoid it. Hopefully, Camilla is a steadying hand.
@@swissuz H is a complete disaster as a son, a Prince and as a human being. He must be removed from the Line of Succession along with his imaginary children because he will continue to be a scandal year after year. The titles do not matter too much but the people of Sussex do not deserve to be saddled with the burden of this pair of publicity hounds and Keir Starmer should give the King the assistance he needs when required.
I really feel for Mary. How shabbily she was treated at the end. What an appalling way to treat loyal staff. I feel quite disgusted! Sip and cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
I can understand why William decided to date Catherine for a long period before they got engaged. After watching and being in the middle of his parents devastating relationship for years, he probably had at the front of his young mind that he did t want to repeat the mistakes of the past by jumping into a relationship that wasn’t built on a strong foundation.
Hiya Shauna ~ I’ve just watched the playlist. Tomorrow is the last chapter, I wanted it all to be fresh. I do wish my eyesight was good enough to read. Back in the late 90’s, early ‘00, I had retired from teaching & took the library director’s job, at our local, public library. It’s was a small library but I enjoyed it. I did it all, acquisitions, book keeping, creating children’s programs, etc. I loved teaching high school social studies but the library job was my bliss. It wasn’t work at all. I imagine myself reading “The Housekeeper’s Diary.” Today, I binged it on TH-cam tv. I really can’t thank you enough for doing it! Patty fm Philly.
This has been such a good review. I can’t help thinking that there is one person looming large over the drama of the last 4 years and it is Diana herself. We are only learning more about this complex and troubled woman as the years have gone by so these books that were not available to read in the UK fill in the gaps. Thank you for bringing the book to life but my word, no wonder Harry is emotionally scarred.
Thanks Shauna for dragging out the pleasure. It's like eating the last chocolate in the box, and you find one under the sofa. 😆 Damn my darling Charles for his crass behaviour towards his poorly paid staff with nowhere to go. Also we got to have another book after this one. You choose, it doesn't have to be royal, because you will make it fun 🎉
If she wasn't ready to retire, I'm sure the staff would have gotten good reviews from Charles, let alone the clout they would bring from working with the future king of England. Charles is just like that!
Didn't Shauna say somewhere that she had to give up the profits in return for not being sued? Think of the precedent if they all did the same thing & got to keep the money. I think Wendy was probably satisfied that she wrote it (being a natural writer) and just as a reminder to her employers that when they were looking at her, there was a real person looking back at them. I have too a strong sense that Wendy was a humorous person that got a LOT of fun out of that particular job at their expense. Letting the cat out of the bag may have had more value to her than owning the cat.
Agree with this! I’ve certainly enjoyed this up-close view of a couple that has always fascinated me-but I can also understand better why the Queen Mother reacted so strongly to the (reportedly) innocuous and rose-tinted memoir about the Little Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret. I can understand how it would be perceived by Wendy’s employers as an invasion of their privacy.
If Wendy Berry or her son are still alive please please consider doing an interview with one,or both or them! It would be absolutely fascinating and juicy for sure because I get the distinct feeling no matter how much tea she spilled in this book Wendy still held back and didn’t say everything. I really have enjoyed this book and your takes on the whole situation at Highgrove. Very entertaining and illuminating. Thank you so much.
Waiting from Canada, I can’t wait for this episode. Thank you for creating this wonderful channel. You make my day each episode just like belonging to a book club.
Diana really failed at anything of substance or consistency. Don‘t hate me for saying that. She did do a lot by putting her name on causes like AIDS, but as a mother… well, we now have Harry.
@@iamamolecule8194 Harry is 'mirroring his Mother in moods, temperament, demands, and lack of control of the media. No need for Meghan to act like Diana as Harry is doing it himself!
William got Diana good qualities, and Harry got the bad ones. I think Charles did his best, but he was busy plus he had Diana undermining him all the time, by making it clear William was her favourite and badmouthing Charles to both of them. Of course Harry would turn out the way he did, jealous of William and blaming Charles and Camilla when really it was Diana that caused most of the problems
I don’t think we have to choose sides, I really love how you show empathy and/or irritation to both depending on the circumstances. Charles and Diana were just human, we make mistakes and sometimes need to do better…but do the best we can at that moment.
Charles had been willing to stay married and live somewhat separate lives. Diana was so emotionally unstable that it was not possible for Charles to have a happy marriage with her. He had only gone back to Camilla after the marriage was completely broken. He would have been willing to stay married but the only way he could survive was by what he did.
That's not true. Charles was involved with Camilla right from the get-go of their marriage. You don't remember the Fing cufflinks engraved with "CC"? Diana and Charles were definitely not compatible but there's one thing "the Crown" did get right in that Charles was INFATUATED with Camilla and made many trips with MR. & MRS PARKER-BOWLES all under the guise that they were the best of friends who like to travel together, hunt together and play polo! Charles had the chance to put his foot down and say he didn't want to marry a young girl that the Queen Mum and Diana's grandmother were hatching, all for the sack of optics! Charles NEVER had ANY intention of having a wife who actually cared about being loved by him and I certainly don't blame her for the immature antics she pulled because she was only 19 when her fairy tale romance to him began! Sorry, but I blame that petulant entitled wuss of a prince who ALWAYS got what HE WANTED. The onus was on her and NOT HIM!
@@lizzysherwood8607 It always take 2 to tango. It's true Charles always love Camilla, but it didn't mean its an automatic doomed. Many arranged marriage able to overcome that hurdle and learned to care with each other. I believe, Charles would be able to stay marriage with Diana if she was not so emotionally labile and looking for revenge constantly. It's hard to constantly battling or trying to soothe a person who is unpredictable with their emotion and like to hold grudges! I dealt with few of them, and after awhile, you learn to stay away from the constant drama. One thing speak poorly of Diana' character was her constant used of her children (especially William) to spite Charles. Neither Charles and the boys deserved that! My mom divorced, but not once did she ever speak badly about my dad - and I appreciate that. My husband also divorced from his ex, but they have a peaceful relationship with one another for the sake of their son. There is never a good reason to be that vindictive!
@@lizzysherwood8607 that has been debunked so many times. Particularly the CC cufflinks M , they were Chanel given to him by his Uncle Louis Mountbatten but fed into Diana’s over developed paranoia , if you attach ANY credence to The Crown you have much to learn, it’s a complete parody.
@@jackieporter5323 Wow. A Camilla fan. Whether or not it was eithe/or Charles was screwing Camilla when he shouldn't have been and actually your "debunk" was the very 1st time I've ever heard that. Camilla did give him a personalized gift as to whether it was cufflinks or not it doesn't matter. The woman was invited to his wedding for Christs sake. So defend all you want. Charles is a wimpy-ass creep.
@@lizzysherwood8607 FACT. On the day of the wedding , Lt. Col. Andrew Parker Bowles , who was Chief of Staff Army Veterinary Services, all his fellow officers in the Blues and Royals AND their wives were invited to the wedding by none other than her late Majesty, the Hon. Commander in Chief of his regiment. As to the rest of your rant your arrogance is superseded only by your ignorance and your foul mouth.
Regardless of how they felt about Wendy, why treat her disrespectfully. Did they believe she would remain the dutiful servant after she had been sacked? Even if she hadn’t planned a tell all during her time at Highgrove, their treatment of her at that time must surely have given her the impetus to write a tell all.
"Staff is probably seen as the same word as 'furniture' by the Royals that are forced to live EVERY part of their lives from birth in front of them. With 6 months severance & for most of them reassignment among the family, pensions (darling Nanny) and real status to use in applying for other jobs, they probably fare better than most. For sensitivity, we would probably have to look to Diana, on one of those days when she could be bothered & wasn't actively abusing them. I think Wendy was a natural writer, I would LOVE to see her complete book!
Either she was planning to write the book and kept meticulous notes or she had a truly fantastic memory... I think she was planning it all along. No one could remember all these situations, let alone the time lines.
@@honeym210Well it must have been tempting from day 1 to observe and record what was happening. I think she probably decided to publish after she noticed how much documentation she had created .
From other books I’ve read, they have such a rarified view of THEMSELVES as though staff are ‘blessed and lucky’ to be near them. Charles certainly said as much by ‘selling’ seating near him for 💰💰.
Lord knows how much Paul Burrell might have thrown poor Wendy under the bus as well! Would not surprise me in the least. He looks out only for himself!
@@StacieMo I agree about Paul Burrell absolutely. There is something very murky about him. His whole relationship with Diana shift to being something more than it was with every passing year, he makes so much more of his position , too. New recollections appear with ever more intimate content. Diana was a snob, staff were staff , there is no way the closeness he alludes to ever existed.
Im not sure if even royal can just sack someone, but if they let someone go they have to pay redundancy by law and based on length of service and wage. Thats why they paid to the following July, it wasn't nice of them it was probably law. Listening to Diana and her reaction to Charles she was very unstable, even desturbed. To be honest she should maybe have spend a bit of time in hospital trying to sort herself out, she should never ever of treated those boys differently they both should of had there meals with her in her room, no wonder that aweful man is blaming his brother for everything and thinks his married to his mother. Yuk.
Your readings and commentary have been so good I borrowed this book from the library (only one in the whole system - I lucked out!) and read it cover to cover. I’m excited for these last two chapters and your interpretation. Cheers from Vermont, USA!
The worry Wendy must of been going through is hellish. To find that you not only lose your job but your home too is horrible and even though she is being paid till July those months can go flying by. When I left the RAF I was living in a Married Quarter with my daughter and the Families officer would come down to my home weekly to get me out but of course as long as the rent was being paid they couldn't push it. I can imagine exactly how Wendy felt and can sympathise with her on why she did end up writing her book. I look forward to the last chapter
Charles must of had good restraint to be married to a temperamental person like Diana. She had serious issues long before Charles came along. I’m happy that Charles finally got to be with the woman he loved and has so much more in common with. Diana would have been another nobody in the world of aristocrats had she not married Charles.
I think that Charles and Diana in the media at the time were presented as very one dimensional and this book and other insights have fleshed them out making them more complex and flawed.
As I recall the Queen suggested the Burrells go to Highgrove for the opportunity to raise their sons in the country. Clearly Maria found Highgrove a good place. Cruel, cruel, cruel to put Wendy in a side room.
I've always felt for poor Maria, to be married to spineless Paul who was so "in love" and enchanted by Diana she could do nothing wrong. So much so that he would have buried bodies for her. Poor women...
If the RF wanted to stop the stories from coming out they would rethink sacking the staff and keep them comfortable until they pass. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Not very strategic.
Yeah, If they got paid till death and it was contingent on them keeping everything private, I bet that would’ve worked. It might’ve been worth it for a few these people because they saw the worst. Charles was worth so much money. He could easily paid for that just from the interest from some of his investments every year.
Remember it's one side of the story. As in business, it's generally understood by Royal household staff your service ceases if the position becomes defunct or the master passes/other. As followed after QEll's death, severance if not attempts to find a new placement are usually generous. They had their reasons and suspicions as Shauna has sensed. Public personas don't want any more people around than necessary exactly because of the Barry and Burrell blabbermouth types. Look at Grant Harrold. He worked primarily at Highgrove for several years and accepted when the position became unnecessary. He was offered Royal housing and still speaks well of the family to this day.
Gosh, I laughed when you said I'm floored, you're flawed. I could just hear Oprah handing out "prizes"... you get a flaw, and you get a flaw, and you get a flaw..😂😂😂
Six months pay does not make up for being let off so close to retirement. And having been underpaid for years. And loyalty must be earned. The rich and the privileged aren't the best bosses.
Of course, I don't know neither King Charles, Queen Camilla nor the Kate Princess Diana personally... But as far as I'm concerned, the then young Prince of Wales seemed to be somehiw shy and unsecure and hid this fact behind his title. He was in need of a supportive partner. While Diana was young, naiv and manipulative and always 'on top of the world, or in the depth of despair'! A personality which is very stressfull to live with even for a selfconfident person... In a documentary, Annabel Elliot, the sister of Queen Camilla, describes her sibling as so. without much highs and lows .. This must have been so relaxing for Prince Charles! Plus, she really seems to adore him and is very supportive. Why are so many still surprised about hus choice??😘😘
No one better reading a story and giving enjoyable commentary than you! You seem like such a great, fun friend! Your sense of humor and balance is much appreciated. Cheers! 🤗💐
Vintage Reader, thank you for a vibrant and engaging discussion of Wendy Berry’s book! Your comments about Diana’s behavior being extremely “good” when she was on, and “bad” beyond Richter Scale 10 when she was off are spot on. She certainly lacked maturity in the early years of her marriage, and seemed to be driven by a deep fear of rejection and childhood pain. “Hurt people, hurt people,” played out as a theme in her life with Charles, and her friends, lovers, and staff. My heart sympathizes with everyone involved! Sadly, Harry seems too much like Diana in a negative way, and lacks the maturity she gained in her later years. He has hurt so many people in his family, and remains oblivious.
I so do not want this to end. Shauna, your sharing this book with us has been an absolute joy and pleasure. I’ve downloaded all episodes and will definitely be rewatching. I just wish I could get a copy of the book because that would be the icing on the cake but alas that’s not meant to be. 👎
I remember thinking Diana was acting and being ridiculous in Korea; over-dramatic long face and refusing to engage when Charles was nearby, and then suddenly becoming all animated when he moved on. All for the press of course. She was an embarrassment to our country. Ridiculous and self-centred. I did not believe it was genuine at all but only showed the way she could turn it on and off. They were on an official visit for goodness’ sake, diplomatic work and she used it to get her point across. I thought she couldn’t behave any worse. But she did get a whole lot worse. Still winds me up!
It's been fascinating to evaluate the present through the prism of the past. Your thoughtful and carefully considered review has brought a greater understanding of the Wales's marriage, its lead players and extras. Thank you. How Harry can choose to live with a histrionic wife in floods of tears... And live in a vengeful and vindictive environment all over again must be a measure of his troubled soul. He is, to his mind, the disempowered Spare.
Wow, Shauna, this has been just great! I'm sorry the book is coming to an end! I wonder about how Wendy pulled this off... you'd think she had an ironclad NDA. I just love your delivery and manner! So enjoyable!
I now know where Harry’s wife learnt the flood of tears reaction I cannot feel sympathy She Luke Harry grown adult. She made bad choices but her in the end. She didn’t think about her children on her road for revenge on Charles. She made the public feel that Charles was an absent father. She wanted adoration and vilifies Charles. I don’t know what she thought the Queen was going to do
She thought (wrongly) that the Queen and Phillip would provide emotional and psychological support for her. That is one of the major complaints in Andrew Morton's book. But they are not therapists.
Strange that Maria claimed "we're all so happy here at Highgrove." Really? It sounds like the staff were often on tip-toes from Diana's behaviour and outbursts combined with Charles' moods. Keeping schtum about the affairs. Concern for the boys' welfare and behaviour. Maria must have meant they were happy times at Highgrove when Charles and Diana were away.
Oh, Shauna, this has been a wonderful book to follow along with you on. I'm only sorry it's drawing to a close! Ah, well... I'm sure your next choice will be just as interesting. edit: Thanks so much to you for your style and humour.💫💛💫
I imagine that the major legal, emotional and media dramas happening between Charles and Diana would have driven them into a highly personalised focus. The functioning of the various homes and staff would have been taken out of their control and dealt with by the HR department of THE FIRM. The machinery of the RF stepping in over the top of the personal. Individuals such as Wendy are lost within the process. Such a hugh change to their lives does not allow for a personal contact to remain. The small moments on the go cart weekend was probably Diana’s moment of goodbye with the staff. Many of the people surrounding Diana and Charles were the collateral damage in the breakdown of their manage.
I see so many parallels with Harry's current situation in all this -- create major problems in your life through ill-advised and irrational decisions and then become an emotional wreck when the consequences come down. I agree - the sheer magnitude of the press attention would be extremely difficult. But her manipulative victim schtick is a bit much - hurling dramatic insults about cheating husbands while working her way through #3 or #4 side piece herself. Exhausting. This has given me even more empathy for Charles
Hi Shauna,new subscriber here! Just really enjoyed this episode i am going to go back and enjoy all the other chapters! I enjoy the snarky snippets so much too! Your humour and accent are amazing. I'm not a huge reader so it's lovely that you can give us all the details. Diana was well loved i remember driving to Tetbury church ( next to Highgrove) and leaving flowers when she died. However, in hindsight (and before mobiles & social media) the public didnt know the full story. To Charles' detriment. ❤❤ from 🇬🇧
Howdy, Shauna 🌞 King Charles & Princess Diana’s arranged marriage certainly created issues all around ☹️Your book review has shed so much light for me in the 5 main players: Charles, Diana, Camilla, Willam & Harry. Had Diana been older and had more life experience as well as partnership relationships, she may not have resorted to so much “immature, petty, vindictive…”behavior in retaliation for feeling her “fairytale love” was rejected. Charles refrained from negative comments regarding Diana because of being taught “Never complain, Never explain….. in public.
I'm hooked on your videos. I have noticed the Duchess Chronicles videos started popping up when searching for your videos. 😮 You do an excellent job of breaking down facts and timelines.
Hi Shauna I've been watching old TH-cam vids on Diana and it's hilarious some of the comments/opinions from Royal experts about her and Harry, especially about what we know from the housekeepers diary. Would you consider watching and giving your opinion? Quote "Harry is going to be a great support for William 😂
NO, HIS ROLE WAS TO STEP IN AND BE KING IF WILLIAM COULD NO OR REFUSED TO BE KING. HENCE THE "ONE PLANE CRASH FROM THE MONARCHY" QUOTE FROM MEGAN@@whatsinaname3561
Why should Charles give her any gift at all. How many people can behavior like Diana did, get separated and then receive a gift for.. .. she should not have gotten anything!!!!
Hiya Shauna ~ Thanks for this. I’ve just watched it with my Sunday morning coffee. Sip. I went onto Amazon yesterday, I think, when they don’t have the book, people with it can list it to sell. It’s listed for $99!! I’m hoping that makes you smile!!😃
Wendy was right to write the book. It was the first time I found some sympathy for the mess Charles was in. Because of Diana's unhappiness. Innocent staff punished. Just not good enough.
May I suggest that you read Gyles Brandeth's, Portrait of the Queen. It is very good and shows the late Queen and Philip to be very kind, devoted to each other, their family and their duties.
🇬🇧🏴 I really enjoyed that. Thank you. I can’t believe that people can devalue someone so easily. Quite sad. Really looking forward to the next part. ❤❤xx
I clearly remember the announcement by the PM. I was driving on my way to work in the morning. (west coast of Canada) It took me by surprise and I had a foreboding feeling of what was to come.
There are parallels between Diana's scorched earth actions and Harry's behavior now. I didn't like the way she behaved, but it was humiliating to be treated the way she was and to know the aristocracy supported Charles.
Prince Phillip actually befriended Diana during the initial disruptions because he knew very fiercely what it was to be an outsider coming into the fold. However, she became so toxic that he finally had to tell her that it wasn't "all about her!" Queen Elizabeth had to intervein many times due her public antics. Charles seemed aloof because of his silence. They are raised to never discuss private matters in public...a rule he still honors.
For the sake of the children, her late Majesty stayed on good terms with both Diana and Sarah, hosting them often for private lunches, according to Gyles Brandeth's book about the Queen. Philip was empathetic to Diana in the early years but grew to find her behaviour to be manic-hysteria most of the time.
@@swissuzI do not think Charles confided in his parents .The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh did not know what Charles had coped with and if they had they might have been more sympathetic.
@@annewalden3795 I think that is partly true,however the Queen was very shrewd,there was not much that got past her, her trusted secretary Robin Fellowes , who was Diana’s brother in law( she didn’t like him ) was the Queens eyes and ears, he knew more about Diana’s exploits than anyone and reported all to his boss. Diana made a habit if simpering to the Queen with her petty “ poor me” attitude , But when Diana broke all protocol and made the tv broadcast, that was the last straw, betrayal in its very core. Perhaps King Charles , knowing what life with a seriously psychologically flawed spouse can be like, maybe he has a greater understanding of Harry than he is given credit for and I further believe that when the split between Harry and Meghan arrives he will be taken back with the strictest of conditions , Charles is a compassionate man , he has been pilloried for long enough he deserves for the truth of his horrendous first marriage to be told. The public were fooled by Diana
I decided to put it up at the usual time as a premiere Saturday as that is the time most people are used to. I have published other videos on every other day so it seems silly to crowd people's notifications with several videos all at once. :)
..it's really good that your going over this book..it kinda reminds us all of some of the things that had been going on at the times..and not just what harry 'says'..it is really ugly but better the truth than 'conspiracy'...
Hi Shauna. I'm going to miss this book when it ends. Such great commentary from you with wicked fun thrown in. It's been something I've looked forward to watching in bed before sleep. The next book I'll be waiting with baited breath. Thanks 🎉❤
48mins…..I loved watching you review this book….I love all the reviews you do! I usually watch on my tv, so I don’t get to give a ‘Like’. Thank you for a great channel…very entertaining, I love it ❤
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I will really miss this book when it is done. You brought Wendy’s story to life very well.
I love your compassion for everyone involved here, the way you recognize everyone’s humanity you’re never nasty like some other TH-camrs, never change ❤
I think Diana’s interview with bashier backfired. Then queen elizabeth said no more you will divorce each other. I believe Dianna was floored because she wanted to remain in the marriage despite her unhappiness. She was even quoted as saying she did not want a divorce..she loved all the attention as his wife
She wanted to be Queen. And I guess the reaction in Parliamemt when the possibility was explained, was surely a surprise
Like mega
She was going to be Queen some day. She tried to force him to love her. Sadly no one can force this.
After hearing this book I can see how miserable she made Charles and I was always on her side. She hid all her temper tantrums and did not seem to even try to get his love. I am amazed he never talked mean about her as she did him. Not many men would have put up with her as much as he did
@@judithryle2113I would suggest you read Lady C book on Diana, it's an eye opener.
It's difficult enough getting 'laid off' when you only worked in business premises during office hours and never met your boss let alone spoke to him or her. How much more would you take it to heart when you have worked in their home in a senior role, shared many private moments and emotions, interacted with them and their kids, to be dismissed in such an impersonal way. Though it probably wasn't meant to be, it strikes me as insulting that the housekeeper was relegated to a back room out of sight and out of mind. The elite are often indifferent, or maybe unaware, of the feelings and dignity of those they consider their social inferiors.
The elite are often unaware ...
Not just the elite. All PEOPLE can be unaware ...or aware.. even the very same person depending whats going down
and having to lose your accommodation too, which came with the job, and was some compensation for such low pay.
I dislike her. I do not blame Prince Charles at all for being happy with a nice mentally stable woman.
You’re out of your mind.
Agreed. I hate that they cheated on their spouses, but I'm glad they can be happy.
@@newtexan1 Why? Just because you don' t share the same opinion?
@@newtexan1 because of her dysfunctional childhood, the abandonment by her mother, violent, abusive, alcoholic, father, immaturity and her borderline personality disease, Diana was a complete nightmare to be married to.
Really just such a past Lordy so sneaky
I’m absolutely loving this detailed Review of The Housekeeper’s Diary…you have me hooked.
Great!
Has turned me off completely. I was a big fan.
@@cindygarrison6338 Harry has put the 'real Diana' into the spotlight for those who were too young to remember the shenanigans. He has done his Mum a great disservice !
@cindy: what a great insight!
What a crazy household. One day she’s in a flood of tears because her husband is giving his mistress a more expensive gift. Then she’s happy and a good mom paying attention to her sons and behaving nicely to the staff. Then it’s over and the staff is sacked in a not so nice way. Crazy! To be a staff member in that household must have been so confusing.
Wow. After all her bad behaviour, affairs and spiteful actions by using the children as ammunition against Charles, the disgraceful book and the dreadful interview (duped or not, her words were hers. Her own choice. I don't understand why she was surprised by the gifts. She and Charles should have divorced quietly long before they did. Imho. Sad but true
Yeah, she was so caught up in her moods and being the victim that she didn’t think that her terrible actions would have terrible consequences. Not only when she attacked Charles personally but then she went after his suitability as King. A real low blow. Yeah she’s lucky if she got even fake jewellery from Charles. It must’ve been very hard for him to stomach her after all of that. And maybe the fake jewellery was very suitable.
But who does that conduct/ delusion remind me of? Harry. He’s so upset and feels put upon by the royal family, he’s gone to the media and said all kinds of terrible things at every opportunity, and then he is surprised if people /family aren’t feeling sorry for him and shocked they don’t treat him like before.
Sounds like Harry is mirroring all of his Mother's moods, temperament, demands, lack of control on the media ,as Diana dug/Harry digging themselves deeper and deeper. Yes Charles and Diana should have divorced quietly and H&M should have gone off to live 'quietly! IMO
It would have been better to divorce quietly, but this shows how important a sound marriage for a royal can be. The security for the entire monarch was shaken by this divorce and the implications for the future looked unstable. This could be the reason Queen Elizabeth stayed on the throne for so long, so she could deliver the monarchy to the people in a stable condition away from the violent personal tragedies...only for Harry and Meghan to attack it again.
@@ajune583They never should have married in the first place and wouldn't have in most any other scenario. They couldn't divorce until QEll approved it and she was trying to maintain the structural integrity of the Monarchy. In hindsight, I'm sure even she realized she held out too long.
@@swissuz I think Queen Elizabeth would have stayed to the end as that was what she promised all those years ago but it sure helped. And yes, the dastardly duo sure did their best to destroy her legacy. Fortunately there are many same people who see through them and the monarchy is in good hands
'Floods of tears' seems to have been Diana's default position. She must have been severely dehydrated.
Like meg lol😂
Maybe that’s why Megraine is always "in floods of tears on the floor". She’s being Diana again.
@@maggiedavies5312I would imagine that’s what it’s about.
Yes, always in floods of tears, just like Meghan.
You don’t know how much more that should bring up his mum to him.
Or maybe H didn’t see as much as William prince of wales. Diana used to run over to Eton and pull W out of school to tell him the latest between Diana and his dad.
No wonder the royals tried to ban this book, it does not paint a pretty picture of Diana. I always felt she should never have married Charles, they were obviously mismatched, but I felt she was in love with the idea of being Queen one day and the adulation she received from the press and public.
I have never accepted, even prior to this book (which is a corker), that Diana, after her older sister stopped dating Charles because of Camilla, didn't know EXACTLY what she was doing when she married him!
Her older sister was dropped by Charles because she was indiscrete and talked to the press about their relationship. Diana was young when she married but NEVER naive. She announced when very young that she wanted to be the Princess of Wales, she chased him, lied to him and pretended to like the things he like, and then bragged to her sister that she had married better than her.@@elizabethskolnick7753
I remember watching their engagement interview and thinking, ' don't do it Charles she doesn't see you as a man but as a position' they really had very little in common, he liked country, she liked town, different music etc. A match made in hell
Totally agree . . . I'm well old enough to recall Diana, and even her ex-school colleagues, spoke about the young Diana having a photo of Prince Charles by her bed and announcing that one day she would marry him. Diana did not do well at school, had a part-time job (2 or 3 days a weeks), as a "nursery assistant" at a Nursery School although the press often referred to her before the marriage as a "pre-school teacher" .A short working week left her plenty of time for "upper crust" socialising. Part-time work hours was and possibly still is, typical of many well-connected "society" young women, allowing them long weekends to socialise and seek out opportunities to make connections with equally "well-bred young men".
@@lynnetteross995 true. I can still remember the Debutant Seasons. You really had to have a lot of free time to attend all the events and nurse the hangover the following day😁
I was living in the UK during this time. I was never a big fan of Diana because I always felt that she planned all (or most) of her photos to look so 'pitiful' and guaranteed to generate sympathy.
Absolutely agree.
@@PAULINEC-y1o one can plainly see the Spencer traits, the whinging brother at his sisters funeral, he even used that occasion to Lancaster the Queen, when, had it not been for his sisters marriage to Prince Charles he wouldn’t be sitting in his ancestral home, they would have had to sell it. Diana whinging , panda eye makeup crumpled tissue, poor me! And Harry whinges about things which he has no recollection of.
Poor Wendy. I know how it feels to be a loyal, longtime, worked-up-from-junior-to-senior staff member, only to be left high and dry by my former employers.
I’m sorry! That’s hard x
ME TOO. Retired early they said BUT DUMPED NEVERTHELESS
@@stephenluke2347Me too. Lawyers said I had a case, but I was too sick to fight them. No problem, I'm richer than when working. Although sickness remains a heavy burden. My life is better without unkind employment. 😊
I think it was made worse by Diana's over sharing her personal life & 'courting' them as she did during the last weekend. How many of us had that added to our business life prior to termination?
I would have been reluctant to have a conversation with Diana, never knowing which personality you were going to get.
She only had one personality, bad, and bad, acting nice to get her way. But I understand what you're saying. Such a bad person to deal with.
"Conversation' probably wasn't what you ever had with Diana. Suspect 'sucking up' or commiseration more like it!
Yes! I'm watching Cheere Denise review The Real Diana and between that book and Shauna reviewing The Housekeeper's Diary, my jaw is on the floor! Even if I take everything with a giant, boat sized grain of salt... it's very troubling. She would freeze people out and that would make them quit because she didn't want to deal with them or ALLOW Charles to have staff from before they were married. It's the insane, her need to control everything about her life, her husband, her kids and her staff AND what the press was writing about her. Wow... Harold and M have Diana's behaviors down! It's a miracle William turned out as compassionate, smart and careful to make decisions and listens to advisors, like he does considering the instability of Diana and her treating him like a mini therapist after she refused to get professional help even though the RF wanted her to find a therapist. It's all such a damn mess.
Wendy wrote a corker of a book! For mother & son there's the same mental instability couple with enough self awareness if not calculation to construct an opposite public image (at least for a while). I'm reminded of watching Harry happily chortling & saying 'there's a lot more of my mother in me than people knew'. Well, yes...unfortunately., @@OsloTime
@@OsloTime I am also watching Real Diana, and like you i’m shocked. Both of these books reveal a side of Diana that I never knew existed. Although Charles has problems, most from the way he was raised, I feel so sorry for him after reading these two books, I hope that he has peace now. For how the press and the public viewed him for so many years, he deserves it.
This should not have come at a surprise to anyone...including the staff. Sandbagging Prince Charles with that book was unforgivable. That was Diana's vengeful DNA that Harry inherited. The devastation on the boys must have been horrendous and it would have been a slow drip of pain in their lives that was revealed more intensely as they grew up. Diana did not think about the aftermath and what it would do to her children. Harry and Meghan's children have this very same scenario facing them...their parents destructive behavior laid out in the history books. To think Charles has had this done to him twice in his life is more than any person should have had to deal with. The time line in this book has been completely revealing.
I'm afraid that the fact it happened TWICE to him was very much down to Queen Elizabeth, someone I genuinely respect& value. But she was wrong about Charles' marriage from the beginning, not just continuing it. I would be stunned if during her last letter to him ALL the money (&responsibility of Andrew et al) wasn't left to him along with strictures to leave Harry in line of succession (& suffer his attacks in silence) because that's what was done with the Duke of Windsor. It's not going to lead to a good future result as we see by the health issues now before them.
@@elizabethskolnick7753 Unfortunately we will never know. That would be unfortunate for Charles if the Queen tied his hands after she passed away. There may be a time when Charles has to break free and make changes regardless of those familial bonds. He can't change how the money was left, but he can govern how Harry and Andrew are handled. The question is if he can do it during a healthcare crisis. The publicity of Harry's behavior in the courts in the UK and the US along with other publicity must be at an all time stressful level. There is no way for him to avoid it. Hopefully, Camilla is a steadying hand.
@@swissuz H is a complete disaster as a son, a Prince and as a human being. He must be removed from the Line of Succession along with his imaginary children because he will continue to be a scandal year after year. The titles do not matter too much but the people of Sussex do not deserve to be saddled with the burden of this pair of publicity hounds and Keir Starmer should give the King the assistance he needs when required.
I really feel for Mary. How shabbily she was treated at the end. What an appalling way to treat loyal staff. I feel quite disgusted! Sip and cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
I can understand why William decided to date Catherine for a long period before they got engaged. After watching and being in the middle of his parents devastating relationship for years, he probably had at the front of his young mind that he did t want to repeat the mistakes of the past by jumping into a relationship that wasn’t built on a strong foundation.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this whole series, especially recalling when some of these events happened decades ago.
❤i don't want it to end!!!
Hiya Shauna ~ I’ve just watched the playlist. Tomorrow is the last chapter, I wanted it all to be fresh. I do wish my eyesight was good enough to read. Back in the late 90’s, early ‘00, I had retired from teaching & took the library director’s job, at our local, public library. It’s was a small library but I enjoyed it. I did it all, acquisitions, book keeping, creating children’s programs, etc. I loved teaching high school social studies but the library job was my bliss. It wasn’t work at all. I imagine myself reading “The Housekeeper’s Diary.” Today, I binged it on TH-cam tv. I really can’t thank you enough for doing it! Patty fm Philly.
This has been such a good review. I can’t help thinking that there is one person looming large over the drama of the last 4 years and it is Diana herself. We are only learning more about this complex and troubled woman as the years have gone by so these books that were not available to read in the UK fill in the gaps. Thank you for bringing the book to life but my word, no wonder Harry is emotionally scarred.
Thanks Shauna for dragging out the pleasure. It's like eating the last chocolate in the box, and you find one under the sofa. 😆
Damn my darling Charles for his crass behaviour towards his poorly paid staff with nowhere to go.
Also we got to have another book after this one. You choose, it doesn't have to be royal, because you will make it fun 🎉
That last chocolate covered with lint? And a bit stale. Nope, none of that with this book or review!
If there was one under the sofa - certainly one of the cats would have licked or even sat on it 😂
What in the world did Diana expect? How strange.
My two cents worth opinion. Poor Wendy. Hope she made enough money writing the book to retire comfortably.
If she wasn't ready to retire, I'm sure the staff would have gotten good reviews from Charles, let alone the clout they would bring from working with the future king of England. Charles is just like that!
Didn't Shauna say somewhere that she had to give up the profits in return for not being sued? Think of the precedent if they all did the same thing & got to keep the money. I think Wendy was probably satisfied that she wrote it (being a natural writer) and just as a reminder to her employers that when they were looking at her, there was a real person looking back at them. I have too a strong sense that Wendy was a humorous person that got a LOT of fun out of that particular job at their expense. Letting the cat out of the bag may have had more value to her than owning the cat.
Agree with this!
I’ve certainly enjoyed this up-close view of a couple that has always fascinated me-but I can also understand better why the Queen Mother reacted so strongly to the (reportedly) innocuous and rose-tinted memoir about the Little Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret.
I can understand how it would be perceived by Wendy’s employers as an invasion of their privacy.
I agree with you. There's a difference between an _excuse_ and a _reason._
Oh my, great chapter. Can't wait for the next😊
I'm glad you like it
If Wendy Berry or her son are still alive please please consider doing an interview with one,or both or them! It would be absolutely fascinating and juicy for sure because I get the distinct feeling no matter how much tea she spilled in this book Wendy still held back and didn’t say everything.
I really have enjoyed this book and your takes on the whole situation at Highgrove. Very entertaining and illuminating. Thank you so much.
Waiting from Canada, I can’t wait for this episode. Thank you for creating this wonderful channel. You make my day each episode just like belonging to a book club.
It is! I love it too 😊💗🤗
Diana really failed at anything of substance or consistency. Don‘t hate me for saying that. She did do a lot by putting her name on causes like AIDS, but as a mother… well, we now have Harry.
Interestingly, earlier in the book it mentioned Charles had a special bond with Harry. Very sad in light of what’s happened.
@@audreypietrucha5706 True… but look at how Harry behaves. Like there‘s no tomorrow and rules don‘t apply. I can‘t imagine he got that from Charles.
@@iamamolecule8194 Harry is 'mirroring his Mother in moods, temperament, demands, and lack of control of the media. No need for Meghan to act like Diana as Harry is doing it himself!
William got Diana good qualities, and Harry got the bad ones. I think Charles did his best, but he was busy plus he had Diana undermining him all the time, by making it clear William was her favourite and badmouthing Charles to both of them. Of course Harry would turn out the way he did, jealous of William and blaming Charles and Camilla when really it was Diana that caused most of the problems
@@graphiquejack Well said!
I don’t think we have to choose sides, I really love how you show empathy and/or irritation to both depending on the circumstances. Charles and Diana were just human, we make mistakes and sometimes need to do better…but do the best we can at that moment.
Charles had been willing to stay married and live somewhat separate lives. Diana was so emotionally unstable that it was not possible for Charles to have a happy marriage with her. He had only gone back to Camilla after the marriage was completely broken. He would have been willing to stay married but the only way he could survive was by what he did.
That's not true. Charles was involved with Camilla right from the get-go of their marriage. You don't remember the Fing cufflinks engraved with "CC"? Diana and Charles were definitely not compatible but there's one thing "the Crown" did get right in that Charles was INFATUATED with Camilla and made many trips with MR. & MRS PARKER-BOWLES all under the guise that they were the best of friends who like to travel together, hunt together and play polo! Charles had the chance to put his foot down and say he didn't want to marry a young girl that the Queen Mum and Diana's grandmother were hatching, all for the sack of optics! Charles NEVER had ANY intention of having a wife who actually cared about being loved by him and I certainly don't blame her for the immature antics she pulled because she was only 19 when her fairy tale romance to him began! Sorry, but I blame that petulant entitled wuss of a prince who ALWAYS got what HE WANTED. The onus was on her and NOT HIM!
@@lizzysherwood8607 It always take 2 to tango. It's true Charles always love Camilla, but it didn't mean its an automatic doomed. Many arranged marriage able to overcome that hurdle and learned to care with each other. I believe, Charles would be able to stay marriage with Diana if she was not so emotionally labile and looking for revenge constantly. It's hard to constantly battling or trying to soothe a person who is unpredictable with their emotion and like to hold grudges! I dealt with few of them, and after awhile, you learn to stay away from the constant drama.
One thing speak poorly of Diana' character was her constant used of her children (especially William) to spite Charles. Neither Charles and the boys deserved that! My mom divorced, but not once did she ever speak badly about my dad - and I appreciate that. My husband also divorced from his ex, but they have a peaceful relationship with one another for the sake of their son. There is never a good reason to be that vindictive!
@@lizzysherwood8607 that has been debunked so many times. Particularly the CC cufflinks M
, they were Chanel given to him by his Uncle Louis Mountbatten but fed into Diana’s over developed paranoia , if you attach ANY credence to The Crown you have much to learn, it’s a complete parody.
@@jackieporter5323 Wow. A Camilla fan. Whether or not it was eithe/or Charles was screwing Camilla when he shouldn't have been and actually your "debunk" was the very 1st time I've ever heard that. Camilla did give him a personalized gift as to whether it was cufflinks or not it doesn't matter. The woman was invited to his wedding for Christs sake. So defend all you want. Charles is a wimpy-ass creep.
@@lizzysherwood8607 FACT. On the day of the wedding , Lt. Col. Andrew Parker Bowles , who was Chief of Staff Army Veterinary Services, all his fellow officers in the Blues and Royals AND their wives were invited to the wedding by none other than her late Majesty, the Hon. Commander in Chief of his regiment. As to the rest of your rant your arrogance is superseded only by your ignorance and your foul mouth.
Regardless of how they felt about Wendy, why treat her disrespectfully. Did they believe she would remain the dutiful servant after she had been sacked? Even if she hadn’t planned a tell all during her time at Highgrove, their treatment of her at that time must surely have given her the impetus to write a tell all.
"Staff is probably seen as the same word as 'furniture' by the Royals that are forced to live EVERY part of their lives from birth in front of them. With 6 months severance & for most of them reassignment among the family, pensions (darling Nanny) and real status to use in applying for other jobs, they probably fare better than most. For sensitivity, we would probably have to look to Diana, on one of those days when she could be bothered & wasn't actively abusing them. I think Wendy was a natural writer, I would LOVE to see her complete book!
Either she was planning to write the book and kept meticulous notes or she had a truly fantastic memory... I think she was planning it all along. No one could remember all these situations, let alone the time lines.
@@honeym210Well it must have been tempting from day 1 to observe and record what was happening. I think she probably decided to publish after she noticed how much documentation she had created .
From other books I’ve read, they have such a rarified view of THEMSELVES as though staff are ‘blessed and lucky’ to be near them. Charles certainly said as much by ‘selling’ seating near him for 💰💰.
@@judywright4241 Charles probably donated the money to charity and he did not force people to part with money for very little you know.
Lord knows how much Paul Burrell might have thrown poor Wendy under the bus as well! Would not surprise me in the least. He looks out only for himself!
@@StacieMo I agree about Paul Burrell absolutely. There is something very murky about him. His whole relationship with Diana shift to being something more than it was with every passing year, he makes so much more of his position , too. New recollections appear with ever more intimate content. Diana was a snob, staff were staff , there is no way the closeness he alludes to ever existed.
Im not sure if even royal can just sack someone, but if they let someone go they have to pay redundancy by law and based on length of service and wage. Thats why they paid to the following July, it wasn't nice of them it was probably law.
Listening to Diana and her reaction to Charles she was very unstable, even desturbed. To be honest she should maybe have spend a bit of time in hospital trying to sort herself out, she should never ever of treated those boys differently they both should of had there meals with her in her room, no wonder that aweful man is blaming his brother for everything and thinks his married to his mother. Yuk.
Not Williams fault she favored him. It was Diana but Harry is too full of jealousy of William to see it
That's true...a months pay per year of service is the more/ minimum so the November to July date makes sense.
Your readings and commentary have been so good I borrowed this book from the library (only one in the whole system - I lucked out!) and read it cover to cover. I’m excited for these last two chapters and your interpretation. Cheers from Vermont, USA!
The worry Wendy must of been going through is hellish. To find that you not only lose your job but your home too is horrible and even though she is being paid till July those months can go flying by. When I left the RAF I was living in a Married Quarter with my daughter and the Families officer would come down to my home weekly to get me out but of course as long as the rent was being paid they couldn't push it. I can imagine exactly how Wendy felt and can sympathise with her on why she did end up writing her book. I look forward to the last chapter
Charles must of had good restraint to be married to a temperamental person like Diana. She had serious issues long before Charles came along. I’m happy that Charles finally got to be with the woman he loved and has so much more in common with. Diana would have been another nobody in the world of aristocrats had she not married Charles.
I think that Charles and Diana in the media at the time were presented as very one dimensional and this book and other insights have fleshed them out making them more complex and flawed.
Morning Shauna 🙋🏼♀️ Eeeeekkkkkk CANNOT WAIT for this episode!!!!!!👏👏👏💯 sending much love & cwtches (hugs)🤗 from Wales 🏴, UK 🇬🇧
Hugs back ! 😂❤
As I recall the Queen suggested the Burrells go to Highgrove for the opportunity to raise their sons in the country. Clearly Maria found Highgrove a good place.
Cruel, cruel, cruel to put Wendy in a side room.
I've always felt for poor Maria, to be married to spineless Paul who was so "in love" and enchanted by Diana she could do nothing wrong. So much so that he would have buried bodies for her. Poor women...
If the RF wanted to stop the stories from coming out they would rethink sacking the staff and keep them comfortable until they pass. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Not very strategic.
Yeah, If they got paid till death and it was contingent on them keeping everything private, I bet that would’ve worked. It might’ve been worth it for a few these people because they saw the worst. Charles was worth so much money. He could easily paid for that just from the interest from some of his investments every year.
Remember it's one side of the story. As in business, it's generally understood by Royal household staff your service ceases if the position becomes defunct or the master passes/other. As followed after QEll's death, severance if not attempts to find a new placement are usually generous. They had their reasons and suspicions as Shauna has sensed. Public personas don't want any more people around than necessary exactly because of the Barry and Burrell blabbermouth types. Look at Grant Harrold. He worked primarily at Highgrove for several years and accepted when the position became unnecessary. He was offered Royal housing and still speaks well of the family to this day.
@@honestea1828 Good points. But we have heard so much from Diana all these years. I don’t feel she is particularly misrepresented.
I’ve got my coffee, ready to sip with you all from Philly.
Love Philly! My son lives in Conshohocken 🙂
Gosh, I laughed when you said I'm floored, you're flawed. I could just hear Oprah handing out "prizes"... you get a flaw, and you get a flaw, and you get a flaw..😂😂😂
😂🤣💗
😂❤😂
🤣❤🇨🇦
Six months pay does not make up for being let off so close to retirement. And having been underpaid for years. And loyalty must be earned. The rich and the privileged aren't the best bosses.
Of course, I don't know neither King Charles, Queen Camilla nor the Kate Princess Diana personally... But as far as I'm concerned, the then young Prince of Wales seemed to be somehiw shy and unsecure and hid this fact behind his title. He was in need of a supportive partner. While Diana was young, naiv and manipulative and always 'on top of the world, or in the depth of despair'! A personality which is very stressfull to live with even for a selfconfident person... In a documentary, Annabel Elliot, the sister of Queen Camilla, describes her sibling as so. without much highs and lows .. This must have been so relaxing for Prince Charles! Plus, she really seems to adore him and is very supportive. Why are so many still surprised about hus choice??😘😘
i do love the way you narrate the story and add your thoughts. It was such a shame the fall out hit the loyal hard working staff like it did
I love when your videos pop up in my feed.
Glad you like them!
No one better reading a story and giving enjoyable commentary than you! You seem like such a great, fun friend! Your sense of humor and balance is much appreciated. Cheers! 🤗💐
Glad you enjoyed it! 💗
Oooh ! Can't wait for next chapter, you certainly keep us enthralled with the goings on at Highgrove !
morning Shauna from a cold wet scotland counting the hours ⏳
Vintage Reader, thank you for a vibrant and engaging discussion of Wendy Berry’s book! Your comments about Diana’s behavior being extremely “good” when she was on, and “bad” beyond Richter Scale 10 when she was off are spot on. She certainly lacked maturity in the early years of her marriage, and seemed to be driven by a deep fear of rejection and childhood pain. “Hurt people, hurt people,” played out as a theme in her life with Charles, and her friends, lovers, and staff. My heart sympathizes with everyone involved! Sadly, Harry seems too much like Diana in a negative way, and lacks the maturity she gained in her later years. He has hurt so many people in his family, and remains oblivious.
Thank you so much for this series on the book. I love your analysis and enthusiasm!
Thanks! I really appreciate that 😊💗
I so do not want this to end. Shauna, your sharing this book with us has been an absolute joy and pleasure. I’ve downloaded all episodes and will definitely be rewatching. I just wish I could get a copy of the book because that would be the icing on the cake but alas that’s not meant to be. 👎
That scene in Love Actually was so sad, especially since it was Alan Rickman , who I had a crush on!
It was! I cry everytime!
@@thevintageread I always wondered what happened to that marriage after that
@@sue8344 The very end scene when Alan's character returns suggests that they were going to be fine. We can make up our own ending!
Alan Rickman’s diaries have just been published. I have the book but not opened it yet.
@@suew000 I have it as well but I’m already reading 3 other books so it will have to wait 😀
YEAH, 2 EPISODES. THANKYOU SHAUNA.😊😊
I’m going to miss your review of this book Shauna, it explains a lot & your telling of it is excellent. Bring on the last chapter.😱😱😱😂👏👏
I just love these readings thank you 😊😊
I remember Charles and Diana being called “The Glums” on the Korea tour.
I remember thinking Diana was acting and being ridiculous in Korea; over-dramatic long face and refusing to engage when Charles was nearby, and then suddenly becoming all animated when he moved on. All for the press of course. She was an embarrassment to our country. Ridiculous and self-centred. I did not believe it was genuine at all but only showed the way she could turn it on and off.
They were on an official visit for goodness’ sake, diplomatic work and she used it to get her point across. I thought she couldn’t behave any worse. But she did get a whole lot worse. Still winds me up!
It's been fascinating to evaluate the present through the prism of the past. Your thoughtful and carefully considered review has brought a greater understanding of the Wales's marriage, its lead players and extras. Thank you.
How Harry can choose to live with a histrionic wife in floods of tears... And live in a vengeful and vindictive environment all over again must be a measure of his troubled soul. He is, to his mind, the disempowered Spare.
Diana taught him that was the norm. He felt at home! He's said it so many times and Meghan played that part well.
Wow, Shauna, this has been just great! I'm sorry the book is coming to an end! I wonder about how Wendy pulled this off... you'd think she had an ironclad NDA. I just love your delivery and manner! So enjoyable!
Thank you so much!
I now know where Harry’s wife learnt the flood of tears reaction I cannot feel sympathy She Luke Harry grown adult. She made bad choices but her in the end. She didn’t think about her children on her road for revenge on Charles. She made the public feel that Charles was an absent father. She wanted adoration and vilifies Charles. I don’t know what she thought the Queen was going to do
She thought (wrongly) that the Queen and Phillip would provide emotional and psychological support for her. That is one of the major complaints in Andrew Morton's book. But they are not therapists.
How hideous it must be to work for these posh pricks. Good for her for writing this book. I hope she made a lot of money.
Thanks for your reading of this book Shauna.🥰
Strange that Maria claimed "we're all so happy here at Highgrove." Really? It sounds like the staff were often on tip-toes from Diana's behaviour and outbursts combined with Charles' moods. Keeping schtum about the affairs. Concern for the boys' welfare and behaviour. Maria must have meant they were happy times at Highgrove when Charles and Diana were away.
Highgrove was their home, not just an office or place of work... And to go to London if you love the country is big
Your voice and presence are so soothing and cheerful. ❤
🥰waiting from the US .....SIP ☕
Oh, Shauna, this has been a wonderful book to follow along with you on. I'm only sorry it's drawing to a close! Ah, well... I'm sure your next choice will be just as interesting.
edit: Thanks so much to you for your style and humour.💫💛💫
I imagine that the major legal, emotional and media dramas happening between Charles and Diana would have driven them into a highly personalised focus. The functioning of the various homes and staff would have been taken out of their control and dealt with by the HR department of THE FIRM. The machinery of the RF stepping in over the top of the personal. Individuals such as Wendy are lost within the process. Such a hugh change to their lives does not allow for a personal contact to remain. The small moments on the go cart weekend was probably Diana’s moment of goodbye with the staff. Many of the people surrounding Diana and Charles were the collateral damage in the breakdown of their manage.
I see so many parallels with Harry's current situation in all this -- create major problems in your life through ill-advised and irrational decisions and then become an emotional wreck when the consequences come down. I agree - the sheer magnitude of the press attention would be extremely difficult. But her manipulative victim schtick is a bit much - hurling dramatic insults about cheating husbands while working her way through #3 or #4 side piece herself. Exhausting. This has given me even more empathy for Charles
Diana had at least 10 lovers - not 3 or 4!
Thank you Shauna.
I have loved the review of this book. Thank you so much.
Hi Shauna,new subscriber here! Just really enjoyed this episode i am going to go back and enjoy all the other chapters! I enjoy the snarky snippets so much too! Your humour and accent are amazing. I'm not a huge reader so it's lovely that you can give us all the details. Diana was well loved i remember driving to Tetbury church ( next to Highgrove) and leaving flowers when she died. However, in hindsight (and before mobiles & social media) the public didnt know the full story. To Charles' detriment. ❤❤ from 🇬🇧
I am going to rewatch this whole series-it was that good.( wish we could press "like" a 2nd time.We need a " love" button.Thanks Shauna.
Howdy, Shauna 🌞
King Charles & Princess Diana’s arranged marriage certainly created issues all around ☹️Your book review has shed so much light for me in the 5 main players: Charles, Diana, Camilla, Willam & Harry. Had Diana been older and had more life experience as well as partnership relationships, she may not have resorted to so much “immature, petty, vindictive…”behavior in retaliation for feeling her “fairytale love” was rejected. Charles refrained from negative comments regarding Diana because of being taught “Never complain, Never explain….. in public.
Your series on this book are so good. Thank you, Shauna.
I'm hooked on your videos. I have noticed the Duchess Chronicles videos started popping up when searching for your videos. 😮
You do an excellent job of breaking down facts and timelines.
Hi Shauna I've been watching old TH-cam vids on Diana and it's hilarious some of the comments/opinions from Royal experts about her and Harry, especially about what we know from the housekeepers diary. Would you consider watching and giving your opinion? Quote "Harry is going to be a great support for William 😂
Diana didn’t raise him to be a support for William, she raised him as William’s equal, and as free range and consequence free as her childhood was.
I think my last few videos on the Hulu doco etc made my opinions known 😂❤ It is interesting all the different perspectives!
But wasn't Harry's sole purpose to be "spare parts" for William! 😂😂
NO, HIS ROLE WAS TO STEP IN AND BE KING IF WILLIAM COULD NO OR REFUSED TO BE KING.
HENCE THE "ONE PLANE CRASH FROM THE MONARCHY" QUOTE FROM MEGAN@@whatsinaname3561
Why should Charles give her any gift at all.
How many people can behavior like Diana did, get separated and then receive a gift for.. .. she should not have gotten anything!!!!
Yah! So glad you have recorded the final two chapters separately!!
Hiya Shauna ~ Thanks for this. I’ve just watched it with my Sunday morning coffee. Sip. I went onto Amazon yesterday, I think, when they don’t have the book, people with it can list it to sell. It’s listed for $99!! I’m hoping that makes you smile!!😃
Wendy was right to write the book. It was the first time I found some sympathy for the mess Charles was in. Because of Diana's unhappiness. Innocent staff punished. Just not good enough.
There is not excuse to treat staff the way that Diana did.
May I suggest that you read Gyles Brandeth's, Portrait of the Queen. It is very good and shows the late Queen and Philip to be very kind, devoted to each other, their family and their duties.
Here is the video I did: ELIZABETH By Gyles Brandreth: REVIEW & Philip’s Advice For Young Royals!
th-cam.com/video/Dx4Z2TQHK1c/w-d-xo.html
@@thevintageread - Thank you. I really enjoyed the book and wasn't aware of you back when you posted this. Am a fan now though.
🇬🇧🏴 I really enjoyed that. Thank you. I can’t believe that people can devalue someone so easily. Quite sad. Really looking forward to the next part. ❤❤xx
I clearly remember the announcement by the PM. I was driving on my way to work in the morning. (west coast of Canada) It took me by surprise and I had a foreboding feeling of what was to come.
You seem like such a nice lady, I love watching your videos, you’re a wonderful presenter and narrator
Diana, seems to have a split personality, depending on what side of the bed she gets out of. How wrong was John Major.
She was always nasty - even as a child but managed to pretend to be a saint.!
❤ oh that 2as brilliant but so sorry we are so near the end 😢 can't wait though ❤
Excellent !
Thank you! Cheers!
I binge listened to your videos all day today, cant wait for the last one!
I don’t want this book to end, it’s been so entertaining!
There are parallels between Diana's scorched earth actions and Harry's behavior now. I didn't like the way she behaved, but it was humiliating to be treated the way she was and to know the aristocracy supported Charles.
I think the palace was quite tolerant of her since she had affairs first and so many of them. It was humiliating her behavior
Prince Phillip actually befriended Diana during the initial disruptions because he knew very fiercely what it was to be an outsider coming into the fold. However, she became so toxic that he finally had to tell her that it wasn't "all about her!" Queen Elizabeth had to intervein many times due her public antics. Charles seemed aloof because of his silence. They are raised to never discuss private matters in public...a rule he still honors.
For the sake of the children, her late Majesty stayed on good terms with both Diana and Sarah, hosting them often for private lunches, according to Gyles Brandeth's book about the Queen. Philip was empathetic to Diana in the early years but grew to find her behaviour to be manic-hysteria most of the time.
@@swissuzI do not think Charles confided in his parents .The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh did not know what Charles had coped with and if they had they might have been more sympathetic.
@@annewalden3795 I think that is partly true,however the Queen was very shrewd,there was not much that got past her, her trusted secretary Robin Fellowes , who was Diana’s brother in law( she didn’t like him ) was the Queens eyes and ears, he knew more about Diana’s exploits than anyone and reported all to his boss. Diana made a habit if simpering to the Queen with her petty “ poor me” attitude , But when Diana broke all protocol and made the tv broadcast, that was the last straw, betrayal in its very core. Perhaps King Charles , knowing what life with a seriously psychologically flawed spouse can be like, maybe he has a greater understanding of Harry than he is given credit for and I further believe that when the split between Harry and Meghan arrives he will be taken back with the strictest of conditions , Charles is a compassionate man , he has been pilloried for long enough he deserves for the truth of his horrendous first marriage to be told. The public were fooled by Diana
I have thoroughly enjoyed this, listening to you and I am going to watch them all in sequence once you finish Chapter 19. Thank you so much.
Aww, I hate that there’s only one more chapter. I have enjoyed this book summary immensely!!!
Come on, dear, don’t leave us hanging. It’s been 3 days. Bring on the final chapter. ❤
I decided to put it up at the usual time as a premiere Saturday as that is the time most people are used to. I have published other videos on every other day so it seems silly to crowd people's notifications with several videos all at once. :)
@@thevintageread Thank you for replying. I enjoy ALL your videos & especially look forward to Saturday’s wrap up.
..it's really good that your going over this book..it kinda reminds us all of some of the things that had been going on at the times..and not just what harry 'says'..it is really ugly but better the truth than 'conspiracy'...
Hi Shauna. I'm going to miss this book when it ends. Such great commentary from you with wicked fun thrown in. It's been something I've looked forward to watching in bed before sleep. The next book I'll be waiting with baited breath. Thanks 🎉❤
48mins…..I loved watching you review this book….I love all the reviews you do! I usually watch on my tv, so I don’t get to give a ‘Like’. Thank you for a great channel…very entertaining, I love it ❤
When wasn't Diana crying?
Enjoying your reading of this book!
Have you done a review of Lady Cs The Real Diane. I think your insight would be wonderful after this review which has had me hooked
Not yet…
@@thevintageread Could that mean you may do 🤔🥰
I have asked the same 😊..
It would be amazing.. it should be the last updated version..👍 I think it is from 2004 ..
@@3_times_mum520
Yes. I believe the updated one is dropping in May?
@@flyonthewall8122 is there a new one version coming out??
Interesting listening thank you 😊
I love your book summaries, very well done Ma’am.