King's Counsellor Abdication and War: The Diaries of Sir Alan Lascelles

Tommy Lascelles's diaries begin with Edward VIII's abdication and end with George VI's death and his daughter Elizabeth's Coronation. In between we see George VI at work and play, a portrait more intimate than any other previously published. The early part about Edward VIII is a damning profile; the bulk of the book is World War II as seen from a key courtier—Lascelles is first assistant and soon private secretary to the King and Queen. In the post-war discussions, topics include Queen Mary's concern over the marriage of her grandson George Harewood (Lascelles' 2nd cousin) and Princess Margaret's relationship with the equerry, Peter Townsend. There is one additional element: Winston Churchill. Lascelles shows the Prime Minister and the King and how they worked together and how Churchill didn't always get his way. Lascelles was a fine writer and his diaries are a delight to read as well as being invaluable history.