I hope Wendy Berry will end up living a very happy life. Dearest Shauna - Thank you for all the work you do on our behalf.

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

My pleasure ❤

@ytcomms3945

4 ай бұрын

She is no longer young even if she is still around. She finished this book in 1995 and published it in the USA. I am wondering if Diana ever had the chance to read it.

@jacinthdonaldson2230

4 ай бұрын

Diana was not a reader...but u never know...

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

ALL of your work for us is so appreciated. I'm a bit of a serious, social issues motivated person. But then I'm Scots/IRISH American, the Irish being a people born to laugh. Hilarity & serious commentary with you is only matched by reading the phonetically driven sub-titles on the net! My honey, unsurpassed innocent SHOUTS of laughter!@@thevintageread

@Penny-bt4gc

2 ай бұрын

@@ytcomms3945the extent of Diana’s reading was romance novels. She was not an intellectual.

I didn’t want this book to end. It was a great insight into both Charles and Diane’s life together

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

Unfortunately that also had to come to an end, so the book follows its course.

@cameliawilks2049

4 ай бұрын

I loved this book so much, I found one on eBay and bought it. I was surprised at how pricey this book is now. Quite a collectors item.

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

@cameliawilks2049 When Shauna posted the first chapter, I found a copy for thirteen dollars. A few weeks later people were saying it was as much as seventy. Shauna singlehandedly raised the price of it, lol

@kymdagnall8344

4 ай бұрын

It’s going for £175 on EBay UK That’s inflation and of course Shauna brilliant reading of the book

Thank you for pointing out what Charles ACTUALLY said about not coming back as a tampon, because this is endlessly misinterpreted. 🙄

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

It is!

@ytcomms3945

4 ай бұрын

It makes more sense like this but he still should not have gone there over the telephone in my opinion. But I am from a world where we were fully aware that phones could be listened to, letters could be read and not because we were as famous as Chucky.

@chrispedersen6999

4 ай бұрын

@@thevintageread A definite short here Shauna 👏🤗. Thank you for sharing this book 👍 Everyone loves a good fart joke 😂

@Rumkitty2000

4 ай бұрын

Yes, thank you

@ytcomms3945

4 ай бұрын

I do not think FartsWell Duchess of SuxDix would appreciate her well deserved title though. @@chrispedersen6999

I don't blame Prince Charles for wanting to redecorate...after the constant toxicity from Diana the memories wouldn't be looked back on with fondness.

@graphiquejack

4 ай бұрын

Exactly, that decorator was just being ridiculous. I get that maybe he didn’t see eye to eye with Charles’ sense of style, but he really had no reason to be outraged. I work as a graphic designer. If a client no longer uses my work, I just go… huh… and maybe think at how bad their new artwork is. But as long as I got paid for my work, and the client decided to go in a different direction down the road, that’s entirely their prerogative

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

A lot of the rest of us would have been burning sage and arranging casting out of demon spells by a reliable(!) shaman at Highgrove!

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

It's not even like he changed it immediately! It was, what, seven years later? At least? And during a time of great upheaval in his life. That's not personal.

@3_times_mum520

4 ай бұрын

Isn't it strange that some of the Royal Reporters, have said over and over again.. that highgrow did stay the same after Diana left, and no one was allowed to change anything .. they would mention Queen Camilla in particular... Just shows, how the public has been misled over and over again... I don't remember all their names.. Richard k.. Ingrid.. (Maybe someone can help me out here 😁 ) Have been pounding on this angelic saint story about Diana, for so long.. I have never understood why, and what they get out of it!!

I think Charles and Diana were eventually much better friends than husband and wife.

@alidabotes6264

4 ай бұрын

They were!

@suew000

4 ай бұрын

@@alidabotes6264Charles wrote her a lovely letter but she died before she read it😕

@Celisar1

4 ай бұрын

@@suew000how do you know about the letter and its contents?

@Rumkitty2000

4 ай бұрын

@@suew000 😭😭🥱

The parting gift from diana to Wendy shows how unkind diana could be

@SummaGirl1347

4 ай бұрын

Clearly, she was capable of extreme adolescent pettiness.

@TheMagdalenaBB

3 ай бұрын

It was funny but totally petty. I don't think Diana ever fully grew up.

@abbatrouble

2 ай бұрын

@@TheMagdalenaBB Diana always had a mean streak.

I really loved being part of this book reading. I'm looking forward to the next two books.

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Wonderful!

I have never understood why members of the public spend their hard earned money on gifts for royalty. Even I thought they were at least passed on to charities.

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

Generally they are. It's possible these were somehow marked with the boys' names or something.

@THATBossCricket

4 ай бұрын

It angers me that they aren’t! Its mean-spirited, wasteful and shameful not to donate things that are in perfectly good shape to charity.

@TheMagdalenaBB

3 ай бұрын

I agree it was so wasteful. Even if they are marked with the kids names, their names are common.

@BetruetoGod

2 ай бұрын

Crazy people giving to the ultra rich. As if they care about your gifts!!

Charles loved Highgrove a lot…and suffered a lot of Diana-ism there. It makes sense to me he would claim it back, and feel enormous relief!

@LG-nb5ur

3 ай бұрын

Yes, it's very cathartic to redo (even just painting the walls) after a breakup. It's like a whole new house unsullied by the past relationship. A fresh start. Psychologically clearing and healing.

I found it sickening that they burnt all the gifts and stuff. Surely they could’ve been given to a children’s home or hospital. Even offered to staff. They simply have no idea how the other half live.

@pippasmith4813

3 ай бұрын

You may be surprised just how common it is for things to be thrown out - having worked for a disabilities institution, I was disgusted when perfectly good furniture (desks, beds, cupboards, chairs, physio equipment etc) ended up in landfill because 'insurance' says that it was given away or donated, if it caused an accident in some way, the institution would be held accountable. Think about is currently happening with the fashion trade, food outlets, returned goods etc!

@lynnbrunn7865

2 ай бұрын

@@pippasmith4813. Yes, that is so true. I used to work for a major retail store. Discontinued merchandise, returned merchandise that could not be returned to the manufacturer, over-stock that failed to sell, and more was discarded. However, they were not simply placed in the dumpster. Each item had to be destroyed in such a manner that rendered them unusable to anyone who attempted to retrieve them from the dumpster. That meant ripping, slashing, smashing, and mutilating every item. I clearly remember being instructed to destroy a flatbed of perfectly fine perfumes and colognes that were Christmas overstock and could not be returned to the manufacturer. In destroying them we were made to hit each glass bottle with a hammer and pour out the contents. For all intents and purposes we annihilated every one.

This last chapter seemed to solidify, to me, how Harry is so much like his Mother in wanting His own way to be known and acting on it no matter what! The last quote can be applied to Harry as well....but 'where will it all going to end??' Ken Warfe also commented on Meghan saying in the engagement interview, I believe, 'She was ready to hit the ground running'! His comment to that was... 'but you have to know where you are going'!!

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

Right up there with writing to the Queen, 'use me any way you like'! Presumptuous twaddle!

@pamelacox540

13 күн бұрын

Meghan knew where she was going. After collecting enough royal moments, she was off to Hollywood to merch her title.

@pamelacox540

13 күн бұрын

Paul Burrell was a suck up. Maybe that’s why Diana kept him.

It was so interesting to hear of a different side to Diana, I loved her humanitarian side but not impressed with the darker side of her nature and it annoys me that so many people see her as the saint and Charles the villain.

@abbatrouble

4 ай бұрын

I don't think she had a humanitarian side -merely opportunities for her to be photographed.

@Penny-bt4gc

2 ай бұрын

@@abbatroubleafter reading more about the real Diana I think you’re right. She thrives on popularity and fame.

@madeyed2702

Ай бұрын

@@abbatrouble I think there is a soft side to Diana. Definitely she enjoyed the popularity - but you can fake those things too long. Diana's downfall is her mental instability. Forget about Charles, don't think even women can deal with someone who constantly crying and emotionally unpredictable. One thing I really dislike about Diana was the fact she used her children to spite Charles. Growing up with a divorce parents, it's really horrible for the children having to pick up side. I love both of my parents, and refused to pick up side. But you can't erase the guilty feeling, no matter how much you tried to stay neutral.

Shauna, what a great book. Thank you for selecting it. It has certainly shone light onto the complex relationship between Charles and Diana beyond the manicured PR stories. What an enjoyable series of videos . Would love a Wendy Berry update : Life after Highgrove!

That was a thoroughly engrossing journey through ”The Housekeeper’s Diary”. Am really looking forward to the next book 🔆

🇨🇦 Loved your recap. Wendy sounds overworked, underpaid, and under appreciated- and much like a piece of furniture to the “Royals.” Good on her for publishing what is obviously a much censored version of her experience.

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

I think other than the unpleasantness (dirt eating!) while getting stopped, and a bit of groveling to get back that she got a LOT of satisfaction out of her book. Hope so anyway! I know, thanks to Shauna, all of us did!

Oh my word!!!! If we could count the number of embarrassing things that Harry put in SPARE, that is times 100 of what PC said.

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

I've just got it used, partially for exactly that reason. I intend to tally up all the weird stuff for myself.

I love listening to you. I have always liked King Charles, now I admire him even more. Am glad that he married someone who appreciates and respects him. Charles and Diana were not compatible so of course the marriage could not work. We also heard Diana's side of the story. The book is written with no malice and Diana was not an innocent victim. Looking forward to the next book❤

@CarolFremel-my4hs

4 ай бұрын

She actually sounded like a raving lunatic at times - poor poor Charles

@flowerjpotter1629

Ай бұрын

​@@CarolFremel-my4hs Now it's déjà vu with Harry and his missus determined to smear him and others in the family, all over again. Well at least he's got his Camilla now to be his Queen.

Queen Elizabeth was known to compartmentalize issues and events. Prince Charles learnt how to do this from his mother

@newtexan1

4 ай бұрын

Which makes them sociopaths

@AbbyNormal83

4 ай бұрын

I honestly think Her Majesty was on the Autism Spectrum. Possibly inherited from Queen Mary? She lined up toys as a child (as per Marion Crawford), had special interests (horse racing and her dogs), and was always portrayed as detached and unemotional, cold even. Oh but she socialised all the time as queen-yes because she HAD to. Duty was bred into her. I think Charles may be on the Spectrum as well.

@lpetitoiseau9146

4 ай бұрын

@@newtexan1Actually, compartmentalizing is a key concept in Stoic Philosophy.

@starrynight1329

4 ай бұрын

​@@lpetitoiseau9146that is interesting, never heard of it and will need to look it up. 😊

@ErinAbou

4 ай бұрын

@@AbbyNormal83I actually do think that King Charles might be mildly on the spectrum, a high-functioning Aspergers is what we used to call it. I do work with, and have 2 young adult children of my own, who are exceptionally gifted and autistic. King Charles is very intelligent and sets about his passions like organic gardening, environmental sustainability, books, architecture, arts, etc. Even his occasional little “fits”, like the leaky pen. I believe that Camilla has a calming effect on him, always has. She would listen to him wax on, while Diana simply couldn’t because of her own personal emotional/mental health challenges. I do believe that Harry is a classic ADHD person, who has chosen to self-medicate. Just my special education educator thoughts!

I’m not surprised Charles wasn’t keen on Paul Burrell There’s something about him I can’t be doing with He thinks he’s more Royal than most of the actual Royals.

@judywright4241

4 ай бұрын

It is irritating that he and Angela get treated like ‘experts’ when neither have spoken to the ‘boys’ in decades. Yet both ACT like they are ‘still in the know’ when, especially Angela, perpetuated the PR lies about Harry.

@orcharddweller1109

4 ай бұрын

He is not remotely like a royal nor does he think he is. However, he does know plenty about how they carry on so he is able to speak with some authority about how things were at the time.

@paulinedixon3490

4 ай бұрын

@@orcharddweller1109 In my opinion he was so obsessed with Diana he couldn’t see beyond the end of his nose as far as she was concerned.

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

To me "something about him' always seemed to be a smirking quality, almost gloating. Or was it boasting about how clever the two of them were? Not worth trying to pin it down!

@StStStS

4 ай бұрын

I laughed that Diana wasn’t speaking to him at the lunch-not-lunch. I remember when he started going public, other staff denying that he was quite as close to Diana as he made out. They said she often used the term ‘My rock’ for various people and would blow hot and cold with the staff; most of them were fed up with her moods.

I am soooo sad this is over! It really has been so enlightening of Charles & Diana’s relationship and how it has reflected on their boys personalities as men. The best thing about this book was you, Shauna. Your insights, humour, & fairness in your commentary has made this such a delight. Looking forward to both upcoming books. Will start watching both, and see if I can keep the narratives straight, or if I have to follow along with one, then binge the other. Really looking forward to Kitty Kelly’s Royals!

Hi Shauna, After the divorce, Diana wanted to live in a cottage on the Althorpe estate. Initially, Charles Spencer agreed but later changed his mind. I believe this created a rift between the siblings, which was the reason they were estranged at the time of death.

@abbatrouble

4 ай бұрын

Earl Spencer told Diana she could have any cottage on the estate except for the one she chose because it would be a security nightmare. It was by the gate and could be seen by the public. Reminds me of Harry and Meghan's Worldwide Privacy Tour! Diana not only told lies about Camilla and Charles but also about her own brother!

Re. Charles not talking to Wendy about her dismissal, and just for the sake of perspective: 1) she's the author... the possibility that she was unpleasant, annoying or untrustworthy is not discussed. Maybe he simply didn't like her. 2) the whole "empathy" thing is very new. Remember he is a man from another generation and who would conduct himself in a very traditional way, especially regarding "servants". The correct way to treat a servant would be with as few words as possible, because you wouldn't want to make them uncomfortable, having to oblige just because you're the boss. Chit chatting with someone deemed on a lower station could be seen as imposing or patronizing.

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

Of course, it was pretty much routine for Charles considering the amount & types of properties they own & therefore practiced. Equally for Wendy, it was very much the opposite. There's always a difference between what we intellectually know and what we legitimately feel & therefore resent. Possibly no actual fault on either side.

@TheMagdalenaBB

3 ай бұрын

It was still pretty tone deaf of him. I can't blame her for being very angry. It seems pretty shortsighted when people can be paid a lot for a tell all.

Thank you so very much for the reading and dissecting of Wendy Berrys book. I was a butler around the mid 1980's - 2010 working freelance and came into contact with various Royal Staff. Listening to you recount transported my back to those times. I had the pleasure of working with one of Wendys sons on many occasions through the years. He was always a delight to work with and never discussed the high jinx and scandals. I never asked as discretion is key if you want a good reputation. I will enjoy listening to your back catalogue and future contributions. Thank you very much once again.

@acommentator4452

3 ай бұрын

that's interesting. how does a freelance butler work ? do you provide cover when others are on leave ?

Burning the gifts ensured they did not end up being auctioned, or sold on eBay at a later date.

@ElisabethChytil-hw4fs

4 ай бұрын

Yes, that makes sense. Hadn't thought about it like that, but, yes, all in all it was the sensible thing to do.

@dianeshelton9592

4 ай бұрын

Also imagine the giver of that rocking horse finding it somewhere for sale. How insulting would that have been. In fact it could have provoked a diplomatic incident if it were a foreign dignitary.

@kuhtone

4 ай бұрын

@@dianeshelton9592 100% I was just thinking that also. As much as the royal family are scrutinized, someone would have noticed the items and another scandal or 50 scandals would have started.

@newtexan1

4 ай бұрын

More excuses for BAD royal behavior. They should have donated those gifts to ANYONE and ANY PLACE!

@graphiquejack

4 ай бұрын

Exactly!!! He couldn’t have all this stuff floating around the country. The press would have eventually found out and it would have caused further scandal and criticism. Charles was at his lowest popularity at this point. He certainly didn’t need more bad press.

Thank You For A Wonderful Reading!

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

I was very interested to see how well Wendy Berry’s book did, only to find that it sold a mere 100,000 copies here in America. I was shocked to learn, at the time of the books release, Wendy Berry had to leave Britain because of the legal action taken against her by Prince Charles. It all ended very badly for Wendy….😮

@beverlymartin1414

4 ай бұрын

Yes, did she not have a NDA? I think she WB betrayed her employers . And it was her opinion. Not necessarily 100? Percent accurate.

@maryjohnson5023

2 ай бұрын

I believe he dropped his lawsuit against her. Probably realized he would not have been a sympathetic plaintiff.

Prince Charles surprised me that he did not be forthcoming with Wendy after Christmas. Otherwise, he comes across very well, especially as a man who wanted to be a good Dad. This book was so enjoyable and informative. You did a superb job keeping us enthralled

Thank you Shauna, I've really enjoyed this journey.

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Simply cannot wait, Shauna!❤. I love your channel.

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

Being familiar with Kitty Kelley's books, I go a bit pale. I don't know if it's the usual blood bath for profit or the thought of how much she was enjoying it that I can't shake and erm, REPULSEs me. Which doesn't mean that I didn't finish at least 1/2, THAT nearly was reserved for Spare, I literally counted the pages LEFT, a number that I moaned to my friends about.

What a singular way of life, to be a royal. You would almost have to be born into it, to bear up. Im not sure Diana would have been fit to be queen; she was best at being Princess/Star of the World. Being a Princess made her untouchable & the fulfillment of little girls' dreams & being a Star made all that universal. What a great insight into daily royal life! Thanks for sharing it with us!

@rosemaryoconnell1119

4 ай бұрын

I agree with you Susan. I was older than Diana when all this was happening and I remember always saying to myself " What are you doing Diana, just stop it"

@Celisar1

4 ай бұрын

Far too unstable. Camilla is ideal in this role.

@abbatrouble

4 ай бұрын

Camilla is warm-hearted stable and intelligent - all the things Diana was NOT!@@Celisar1

@himurahaibara1459

2 ай бұрын

I think being the heir aka Wales attracts more attention than being the monarch. It's always been like that. I'm not sure Diana would be happy to be working quietly if she had been queen while all the attention was on the new Prince and Princess Wales.

Let me pre-emptively "like" this, because I have loved every single one of these episodes! ❤

The episode of burning the gifts is enough to turn me into an anti-monarchist. And, as for gifts, who would want signed photos of the people who had just fired you?

@patriciakeys4873

4 ай бұрын

Good point!

@kathym.7088

4 ай бұрын

Exactly! I'd tell them what they could do with their signed photographs! 😅

@graphiquejack

4 ай бұрын

Well he couldn’t have all those gifts floating around the country and then the press getting wind that he got rid of them all. That would cause somewhat of a scandal and a potential diplomatic snafu. Too much physical evidence. Maybe his best bet was to just keep them all in the basement and let William get rid of them when the time came.

@Happinc

4 ай бұрын

The burning of those lovingly created & given gifts is the absolute worst story to come out of this book… the disrespect of it, the wicked waste… I’m quite speechless. 😶😡🙋🏻‍♀️🦘🦘🦘🇦🇺

@thomasinavolkman4456

4 ай бұрын

Harry and Markle do the same thing, give away photos of themselves as if that some big prize.

Given what we've learned about Paul Burrell in the years since - can certainly understand Charles' disdain for him. What a fascinating book! Loved the chapter by chapter walk through.

You reviewed the book so well I wish there were a second follow-up to it! 👏👏 Can't wait!!! 😉

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

It is interesting that Sarah’s book starts around the same time this one ends! Fascinating 😊

@DebbieHarlow

4 ай бұрын

​@@thevintagereadI'm sure we'll all be there for Sarah's book! You're truly gifted in what you do!

Absolutely love this book, Shauna. Thank you for your take on it. Please do more: maybe some of Lady C's?

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Monday Sarah My Story starts… next Sat Kitty Kelly The Royals

You know, I really don't think it could have ended any other way than it did, for Princess Diana. I think she was "hurtling to oblivion" and was really in a hurry to get there. Sad, chaotic, exhausting life. It was a great book and loved all of your observations. Thank you!

It's hard not to see that fire as a purification. I'm sure there were many beautiful and heartfelt items, but I can understand wanting to make a pyre and releasing oneself from such a painful era.

What an absolute treat! Thanks, Shauna ! Pretty sure I commented on almost every chapter so, I’d like to address the comments YOU have received thru out. I didn’t read any, but I’m referring to the explanations, comments you were compelled to make. And, I just want to apologize to you for any/all of those complaints. You did (do) a fantastic job & deserve nothing but praise. Thanks, again!

@fibanocci314

4 ай бұрын

Hear, hear!

I thoroughly enjoyed your reading of The Housekeepers Diary Shauna. My mum was lucky enough to get her hands on a copy, so I was able to read it after her. I never bought into the Diana the Saint stories, but I never realised she was that bad, especially to the staff! The excessiveness and wastefulness is also an eye opener! I do hope with a slimmed down monarchy, that King Charles also has slimmed down that as well!

Charles being able to put aside negative events may explain much about his relationship with H.

Loved and enjoyed your review on the housekeeper’s diary book. Very interesting & entertaining. I have more sympathy on King Charles now after listening to your commentary, he deserves to be happy. Thank you very much you kept me very interested and engaged. Looking forward for the next book.

You’re right Shauna. Burning the gifts seems a waste. Sorry they couldn’t have been donated. Even giving the items to a charity shop would’ve made more sense. Loved the series. 👍

👏🏻👏🏻🦘🦘🐨🇦🇺Great read, I loved the detail of it & so enlightening about the life of Royal staff… Paul Burrell’s comment about becoming a republican is totally relatable, I feel myself becoming the same! Especially over the past 6 years of the monstrous Markle era, that woman appears to be unstoppable, going from deserved obscurity into such huge socially destructive limelight for no other reason except for marriage into the royal family… can’t wait for the Wendy Berry equivalent of the Markle era to publish a tell all!! Honestly, being in Royal service, is as far from glamorous as it’s possible to be, it’s actually hard to imagine a more thankless job… to slave away for interminable undefined hours upon hours catering to their whims & fancies, ensuring the comfort of such spoiled pampered entitled people… I can quite understand how Wendy Berry came to write this book! If Diana was that bad, & still beloved, & the bull in the China shop Fergie, just imagine how horrendous Markle must have been, doesn’t bear thinking about!😳😮‍💨😮‍💨

Great book Shauna! I enjoyed that immensely. Her portrayal of Diana closely matches that of lady C's book The Real Diana, so I think it's probably very accurate. I can't wait for the next book, I'll be tuning in. Thanks again Shauna! ❤

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

I've bookmarked this for binge watching some rainy day. Just so enjoyable.

I find the burning of beautiful items really indecent. Uncaring. Utterly distasteful

@orcharddweller1109

4 ай бұрын

It is a thing some men do after a failed marriage. My husband burned pretty much everything in the house when his first marriage broke down.

@thomasmumw8435

3 ай бұрын

I wonder if they had given some of the items away, some would be traced back to Diana, giving the impression she was being more charitable than Charles. Maybe they were items she kept for herself to spite Charles if he had previously told her not to.... Then didn't take them when she left!

So entertaining and such fun. It has certainly given us all a bit of a fly on the wall look into the life behind the Official Royals we see and hear about in the media. No wonder we 'lower orders' are fascinated by the lives of our 'betters'. I can't help thinking of the politics of upstairs and downstairs in the Downton Abbey TV series and while one was fiction, it has been closer to reality than most of us imagined. Times change but people don't.

IT'S OVER.. I was so sad, 😢 until Shauna announced two more juicy books coming up. Yippie, more gossip and sipping. 😂🎉

Thank you Shauna for a most enjoyable series. It was a fascinating book & I think you glimpsed the real people through Wendy Berry’s eyes. I loved your commentary & delivery too, it really helped bring it all to life. I hope you’ll repeat this with another book in the future. I’ll be waiting! 🙏👍

Thank you, Shauna! You are so.entertaining and uplifting! A welcome distraction for all the gloom and doom in the world. I would love to move to Australia! Take care!

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Thank you 😘💕

Shauna, you are a delight and you bring sunshine in those dreary days of Normandy, that we are experiencing now. I loved this book and your comments. I saw Diana only once, and she was dazzling! I used to live in the road where Colhern court is located, where Diana lived with her friends when she got together with her Prince, and I went there this year when I was in London. My, talk about memory lane. I had a great flat that I shared with five very jolly Aussie girls, and lots of fun was had. In the same area, lived one of Diana's married lovers, whose wife was French, and whose sister was a friend of mine from Paris, so I went there too, as I had diner there once....I love all your snippets, and a sip or two before bed...I am delighted to see that more and more people watch your programs and are very complementary. Good on you!

Thank you for taking the time to read these wonderful books. I really enjoy them and your insight to what has been written.

Thanks Shauna 😊 Looking forward to the next book.

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Me too!!

This book-read was a HOOT!! Thank you so much!!! 😍😍😍

Sad how the royals felt and treated their help you would expect better

Thank you so much, I would never have had the chance to hear this book without you. It’s been really fascinating.

That was fabulous Shauna, thank you!

Lady C recommended this book this week from a question, but she said that servants don’t get the full picture given people of the nobility are taught from birth to not to say much in front of staff. While I think that’s likely usually true, but the difference here is how indiscreet Diana was letting everyone know everything that was going on. While Wendy Berry doesn’t know what happened at KP or other residences, she seems to have a pretty solid grasp on what happened at Highgrove. Thank you for sharing this series, Shauna. It was really interesting & informative. Ooooh…my family lived in London in the late 80s and my dad went to lunch at San Lorenzo one day when Diana was there. Said everyone in his party kept trying to be discreet but it was hard not to stare. That the paps were bonkers outside. Also Clarence House wasn’t Charles’s residence till the Queen Mother died, he lived at St James Palace & Highgrove till then.

@thesubparty1

4 ай бұрын

Ohhh, I called my dad to remember better, it was more midish to late 80s we lived in London. It was Diana and Fergie having lunch together right before Sarah married Andrew - so royal mania was very high around that time. They were at the “main” table so everyone was “discreetly watching” them the whole time.

@abbatrouble

2 ай бұрын

Diana was indiscrete, simple-minded and was never suitable for royal life. Thank heaven she never became queen!

Harry should read this book to get a more realitstic view of his mother.

Wow! What an amazing ending! Thank you for reading this to us. It has been incredibly entertaining!

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

I'm so jaded I thought Wendy's luggage would be searched before she left the Lodge. Am relieved it was just Prince Charles' misplaced(!) jolliness she had to deal with; but if it produced this book it was well worth it to posterity!

❤ love Saturday releases, I can catch it live

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

They are continuing every Saturday same time x

Paddy burning all the stuff in the basement. Give it to a charity, hospice, auction house. Put the proceeds to good use. What a waste.

Pinch (or large dollop) of salt is the condiment of choice with this book. I really can't honestly imagine Charles ordering the burning of gifts. I just don't believe it. Great review as always.

@LC_from_MO

4 ай бұрын

It seems he would have given them to charity, if anything.

@terry8728

4 ай бұрын

It doesn't quite fit with his ecological values for one thing. I'd say anything handmade or of true value would have been redistributed, like most of the things gifted to the royals. Perhaps some of the vast amount of teddies and plush toys they also got might have been disposed of.

@LC_from_MO

4 ай бұрын

@@terry8728 I’m from the USA 🇺🇸 and have been following 🇬🇧 since Jane Austen. I don’t believe he would have burned a lovely 🥰 hand crafted rocking horse. 🐴 In addition to his ecological views, he has great respect for skills from the past. 🇺🇸🇬🇧❤️

Thank you so much Shauna, that was a great read. Sorry that it’s come to an end, but looking forward to the next book! Special shoutout to your community as well, I love reading the comments. A big hug to everyone from the Netherlands 💐🌷🇳🇱🧡🫶

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

Thank you. Loved it. Sad it has finished.

@gerriejennings2148

4 ай бұрын

Me too. It was such a good series.

Wow this was so good! Charles giving Wendy the photo of himself cracks me up! Reminds me of Harry giving signed copies of “Spare” to the flight attendent! 😂 now we know where that idea of “I know you admire me” comes from.

@Celisar1

4 ай бұрын

Be real, a hand signed photo of the future king, given by himself and probably with a kind personal greeting, is a lovely gesture and of historical and personal value.

I can't wait to see what Miss Wendy has in store!

Can hardly wait Shauna! 🙌🏽 I just love your book reviews! ❤️👍 Thank you for all the hard work and research you do! 🙏🏼

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

The Queen and Queen Mother were equally good at avoiding situations.

You are such an expressive reader. I always look forward to your stories!!!!

What a fantastic time I've had each Saturday listening to you read Wendy Barry's Book! I also feel as both Prince Charles and Princess Diana must have been aware of Wendy's journaling and interviews of their Staff. This book certainly does give a great backstory to the " drama that Harry is today" especially the Mommy issues.

Well lets face it, dont send gifts to the royals, they dont lookvor use them. 😮

@mazt68

4 ай бұрын

You cannot definitively say that. The children may have used & then outgrown them. If the items were stored below ground in a cellar could well have deteriorated considerably & not been fit for further use. If course they should have been passed on to charities rather than stored but I bet most families have things in their attic basement or garage that they haven't sorted??!! I think the then Prince Charles just wanted a full clear out/spring clean so that he could move on - hence the redecorating.😊

@beverleyrankin3482

4 ай бұрын

I think it’s weird for anybody to send gifts to any ultra rich people, unless they’re friends.

@Polopony

4 ай бұрын

It is quite shocking to hear about the incineration of all those unwanted gifts. However on reflection, how could they have been given away or otherwise repurposed? Inevitably the story of where/who they had come from would be leaked, and then huge offence could have been taken by the original donors of the gifts. And they certainly couldn't sell it, as that would have looked terrible if it had got out. But you'd still think that anonymously donating the rocking horse and teddies to the local children's hospital could have been managed...

@kappy-nf6uh

4 ай бұрын

If that's what they do, well I'm glad they didn't throw the Aussie State Coach into the bonfire.

@newtexan1

4 ай бұрын

More proof the royals don’t give a rats a** about anyone but themselves.

Absolutely loved it…..every word and giggle.thank you.

Thank you Shauna. I have really enjoyed this series

Thank you, Shauna, it was so much fun listening to you narrating this story. You have a very pleasant voice and a such an animated style that captivated us! Looking forward to your next book reading. Queen Camilla should hire you to help with her book club, lol.

@acommentator4452

3 ай бұрын

now there's an idea ! the antipodean branch

We have a thrift store that donates it's proceeds to help the homeless. It's shameful that all those beautiful gifts weren't disposed of more responsibly. Also, since some of the gifts were given to William and Harry shouldn't they have been able to choose what they wanted to keep? I would have been devastated if my father burned my gifts without telling me. Of course, I'm not royalty, but still. That doesn't sit right with me. But, I've thoroughly enjoyed the book which gives a more balanced perspective than the one the media sold us! Thank you so much for sharing it with us, Shauna! Your acting ability made it very engaging.😊

@acommentator4452

3 ай бұрын

i v much doubt the boys ever saw let alone used those gifts. and the basement was cleared out to later become a teenage drinking den . . .

Loving your reviews of these books. It’s all the gossip, the feel of favourite book clubs I’ve joined, and you’re brilliant take on them. I feel like I’m in a favourite English class from school days and look forward to every one. So glad I stumbled upon your site! 🇨🇦

Thank you Shauna for reviewing this book, I have enjoyed every episode.

Thank you so much for going through this book with us. It has been a pleasure.

This was a wonderful story. So glad you did it. I do feel a bit sorry for Dudley. It’s very hard to see something you’ve poured yourself into, as I’m sure he did for Diana, dismantled. When did Charles ever handle anyone sensitively in those days except maybe Camilla? Luckily he’s learned a few things since.

@pookiepookie8669

4 ай бұрын

I can still see him in the carriage just before he was 'anointed and crowned' king, b*tching that others were late, when in fact, he left 5 minutes early. I'm guessing that Charles behaved the same way on numerous occasions. As I recall the fairy recent leaking pen incident and his immature anger and behavior in public. There was another pen there but it had to be removed from his sight. The true measure of a person is how they behave when live goes wrong. I would not want to be anywhere near such a person whether he be a king or a cook!

Alas all good things come to an end but I thoroughly enjoyed the series. Thank you! Hope the next one will be just as good.

Thank you Ms Shauna for a wonderful read! 💯

The press likes to portray these people as people super engrossed in their duties but this book shows that they have too much free time on their hands

This has been such a highlight, can’t wait to follow the next books with you. Thank you for your humorous and thoughtful review. Also want to congratulate you on your opinion video of Harry’s wife’s ridiculous words , couldn’t agree with you more.

I have a construction company and have worked primarily with men for 30 years, and I can tell you it is a male thing to compartmentalize all items relating to life!

I so appreciate your reviews or any videos you produce. I feel like I’m sitting in your office with you. Thank you for your personality and wit.

I've come away from this book thinking Charles and Diana were very un-evolved individuals who through their lack of self-awareness, unintentionally emotionally abused those in service to them.

@Polopony

4 ай бұрын

Yes, but then again - so are we all, and we are not having to do our personal evolution under the pressure of being public figures, unlike them. They were both very young at the time, Diana in her twenties and Charles in his thirties mostly, and neither came from what you'd call a 'normal' balanced background. Steep learning curve for both of them. Hopefully, by now Charles has learned to treat the people who serve him with more awareness, because most of us do improve with age.

@Drayton627

4 ай бұрын

@@Polopony Speculation is Charles is a covert narcissist. Narcissists are not fixable . They are supposedly hardwired that way. Diana had BPD. How much that is fixable, I don't know.

@Drayton627

4 ай бұрын

@@Polopony It is speculated KC is a covert narcissist. Narcissism cannot be changed or improved. Diana is also speculated to have had BPD. Whether these characteristics are inherited or caused by childhood circumstances, no one can know definitvely. They are however lifetime issues and these people become a cross to bear to those around them.

@StStStS

4 ай бұрын

@@Drayton627I do not see narcissism in Charles. He is loyal to his friends and has now had a long and happy second marriage.

Camilla had 800 guests at her first wedding ,so both Camilla and Parker Bowles were both well liked/popular .....people tend to forget that

More books..more books..me want book!!!😂

Thank you for bringing us this book that I didn’t even know existed and probably the greatest insight into the marriage

Brava Very Well Done !!! Have enjoyed this MARVELOUS dissection of the Wendy Berry book ! Very interesting and enjoyable. Thank you.

Aw what a treat. I have loved this book. Thank you Shauna. ❤

Instead of burning it why not auction some off for charity? Yes we all had those burners for disposing of things 😢

@elizabethskolnick7753

4 ай бұрын

You know Sarah, there does seem to be a bit of loss with this book reading coming to an end. Thank heavens Shauna a with her love of books remembered this one!

@sarahprice1375

4 ай бұрын

@elizabethskolnick7753 I've really enjoyed this book immensely and Shauna does everyone proud by seeing it from everyone's point of view. X

Having never heard of this book I really enjoyed every fascinating episode Shauna and look forward to the next, whatever it is.

“THANK YOU” very much Shauna!!!👏 That was an incredible insight into those difficult and sad years for that royal family and explains so much. I’m surprised that Wendy Berry got away with publishing such personal details about their daily lives as I thought NDA’s would have been signed. Your conversational style has made it so enjoyable to listen to. What a brilliant read.💐 Bring on the next one! 😄🇦🇺

@thevintageread

3 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Thank you! Great book, and you narrate it so well. I can understand Charles wanting to get rid of all evidence of Diana but it does irk me that he (and the RF in general) is able to compartmentalise everything. The staff are a mere formality. Yes, admittedly one needs to keep a professional distance but the RF is truly 'another country' where they do things differently. I think William and Catherine, possibly Sophie and Edward are more relatable to the plebs. Those monsters across the pond belong to a category of their own (cesspit)

Thankyou Shauna, like being a kid again with bedtime stories. Appreciate all the hard work you put in to your channel on our behalf, your amazing! I bet Lady C watches. Looking forward to Fergies book, dont like the Yorks but it should be juicy from Sarah.🙀🙊🙈

@thevintageread

4 ай бұрын

It is juicy!

Sorry the book's over! Really enjoyed your sharing it with us! Thank you!

I dont know whether to watch or wait.....i cant wait 😂😂❤

Omg ive got days to go 😂😂😂😂😂 excited i really enjoyed this read

I like Wendy Berry very much and I think her book, which I own & have read several times, is the best of all the accounts written about C & D in those tumultuous days. After her years of faithful service, she was mistreated by the Royals. I hope Wendy now is hale and happy and has many loving grandchildren. I also hope that the son whose illness was the reason for her return from exile is well. I'd like to know where she is and how she is nowadays.