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  • Charles III

  • New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
  • By: Robert Hardman
  • Narrated by: Robert Hardman
  • Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (139 ratings)

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Charles III

By: Robert Hardman
Narrated by: Robert Hardman
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Summary

Read by the author, Robert Hardman.

By acclaimed royal biographer and author of Queen of Our Times, Robert Hardman, Charles III is a brilliant account of a tumultuous period in British history, full of intriguing insider detail and the real stories behind the sadness, the dazzling pomp, the challenges and the triumphs as Charles III sets out to make his mark.

How would – or could – he fill the shoes of the record-breaking Elizabeth II? With fresh debates about the monarchy, political upheavals and a steady flow of damning headlines unleashed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Charles could not afford to put a foot wrong. Hardman draws on unrivalled access to the Royal Family, friends of the King and Queen, key officials and courtiers, plus unpublished royal papers, to chart the transition from those emotionally charged days following the death of the late Queen all through that make or break first year on the throne.

This book also reveals how Charles III is determined to move ahead at speed, the vital role played by Queen Camilla, the King’s relationships with his sons and the rest of his family, his plans for reforming the monarchy and how he is taking his place on the world stage.

Charles III is a fascinating portrait of a hard-working, modern monarch, determined to remain true to himself and to his Queen, to make a difference, to weather the storms – and, what’s more, to enjoy it.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Robert Hardman (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited
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Critic reviews

He did it with Elizabeth II and now he has done it again with Charles III. Robert Hardman is the unsurpassed grand master when it comes to the inside story of the modern monarchy. Full of surprises and glorious detail (Andrew Roberts, author of George III: The Life and Reign of Britain's Most Misunderstood Monarch)
A superb, fascinating account of the new King, his court and the first year of his reign. Elegantly written by the most authoritative of royal historians writing today, it is deeply researched, impeccably sourced and filled with scoops and new details. This is the definitive book (Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Romanovs)
With impressive access to the royal family, Robert Hardman offers an insider account of the first year of King Charles III’s reign (The Independent)

What listeners say about Charles III

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting account

An interesting account of the first year of King Charle’s reign. A bit of unnecessary padding out with forensic details of the Coronation (who sat in which row etc) and going over old ground of Elizabeth II’s coronation. But worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Bought out of curiosity

Firstly - is this good? It's not overly sycophantic, snide remarks about Prince Andrew (I'm not familiar with Mr Hardman's journalism, but somehow I doubt he would have been quite so snide pre Epstein), snide remarks about D&D of Sussex (as a Daily Mail journalist given recent judgement in the UK High Court, a risky thing to do) it's rather cheap and smarmy. If you are in the mood for a positive take on HMK - then this is a positive take. In fairness to HMK there is a lot to be positive about, the charity work, the organic farming and so forth. Dumfries House. Mr Hardman knows a lot about the Household of HMK, who does what and their respective CV's.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Strictly for the dedicated Royalist.

I did enjoy this book although there was very little here that I didn’t already know. It is mainly about the Coronation, both that of the late Queen and Charles. My only criticism is that the tone is almost entirely sycophantic and seems to be at pains not to offend any member of the Royal Family who have apparently contributed to it. For example, the most banal and trite throwaway remarks by one of the hallowed family are reportedly greeted with reverent wonder and laughter whenever and wherever they are uttered. Still, it is well written and researched.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I might, I gleaned information that I didn’t know which is always good, I wish their Majesties well in the coming years. Only time will tell.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting

Fantastic book, read perfectly by the author. First rate biography, which was so interesting throughout.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Respect

I really enjoyed this book, to be honest it has given me so much more respect for the Royal Family. The first few chapters had me hooked, it is beautifully written and narrated by the author... making me feel a part of the Kings 1st year of the throne. To feel how the Queens death affected each member of the family, realising that even in there most heartbreaking moments there dedication and duty to the people of the UK and commonwealth came before their own grief..... how many of us could go out and meet the people giving comfort to a stranger at their time of mourning, while we ourself were grieving the loss of a mother and grandmother so dearly loved. when you read this book it gives you a small insight into how hard the Royal Family work, the pressure they are under, and the real love they have for each other. for me personally it is a honour to say I'm am now a out and out monarchist.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Very glad I listened to this because ….

It is a book based on facts and opinions which are well substantiated with absolutely no hint of whinging or sycophancy but it will not turn me into a monarchist but perhaps a rather better informed republican.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really enjoyable book

Such an interesting story - beautifully read. I have a new respect for King Charles. The level of detail is amazing and I really enjoyed the book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The decency of King Charles

I have always admired the personality and humour of King Charles. This book highlights these attributes as well as giving information on the work he does supporting the environment, communities and international relations. Although the Coronation was an important part of the story I would have preferred that narrative to have been briefer, instead hearing more about his initiatives and the amazing work he is doing.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Honest

It puts Spare back in its box where it belongs. A very intimate look into the Kings life, work and family. Highly recommend

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