COURTING Danger & ROYAL Security! Royal Service By Stephen Barry

In this episode, we hear about the assassination attempt on Queen Elizabeth II and the tragic death of Lord Louis Mountbatten & many others due to an IRA bomb blast.
👉 • Royal Secrets By Steph...
Stephen Barry started as a footman at a very young age and worked his way up to become Prince Charles's first valet.
As he tells us his story, we hear many fun anecdotes about his employers and other faithful retainers.
In this episode, we hear about Christmas at Windsor & Fireworks at The Castle Of Mey
If you enjoy this, please follow along for future episodes.
You can view all the episodes so far here:
• Royal Service By Steph...

[@catherinec3045]

I think this is probably the best and most insightful royal servant memoir you've read to us yet, Shauna. Thanks again!

[@dalemaree7022]

I can't see King Charles being rude enough to lose his temper. Frustrated, yes. Tantrum, no.

[@Kitkatbreak3]

You’re right! I don’t want this book to end. 😢 Shauna, have you ever narrated audiobooks? I could listen to you for hours! ❤

[@thevintageread]

No I haven’t, however thank you for your lovely comment.

[@stephenluke2347]

Shauna, Do you have ' Talking Newspapers For the Blind ' in Australia??, we do in UK, recording readings from local newspapers or specialist magazines that would be of interest to people who are blind or partially sighted.

[@KayeCrozier-lo8zk]

@@stephenluke2347You have just brought back a precious memory Stephen of my maternal Granny who was blind. She used to ask me to read the paper to her when I was a child.

[@vericarauza5830]

I was just thinking of that. I could listen to her voice for hours.

[@PS_testing321...]

You should do it, you are wonderful. Go get an agent!

[@rebeccaarnold-sauer6278]

These chapters put a wonderful smile on my face and laughter in my tummy!! Thank you!!

[@Fiona86555]

I enjoyed this so much, all the small details about Charles are so endearing.

[@thevintageread]

It really is!

[@ginawiggles918]

I'm so enjoying the Stephen Barry books, Shauna. Reminds me of my school days when I was about 8 years of age. Each day after lunch the teacher would read to the class....usually a book involving child sleuths solving mysteries. The story I've never forgotten was one where kids discovered buried pirate treasure on a small island whilst on summer holiday with their families. The anticipation hear the next chapter was always so exciting. Thank you for rekindling the thrill of 'read alouds' for your audience. ❤

[@timmythecat7478]

Thank you again for these readings. I enjoy them so very much 👍😊😉

[@JenniBurrow]

Thank you Shauna wonderful as always. Stephen sound’s so lovely. ❤

[@angelabinns5726]

❤ oh Shauna that is so interesting to hear someone say he's not a bad tempered all the time! Listening to some commentators he's they give the impression that he's tetchy and shouts his demands. Love this book and it's good to get another view of him. I'm beginning to rather love him a little more. I never doubted his kindness as you see his face change genuinely concerned when the occasions are sad and just love his face when he laughs, he and Camilla must be the greatest of company 😊 ❤

[@laurieboyles474]

It has been nice to hear about King Charles in private. As an American I have only heard the not nice version but that he treats people well is a mark of good character.

[@barbraluce5706]

Both of Barry's book draw such interesting word portraits of the Royal family. Several passages melt my heart

[@viviennemargaretprescott9717]

What a lovely read and a healthier time too without nonsensical pc and trolls. Aghhhh wonderful ❤

[@janerochester]

Thanks so much for taking us behind the scene and bring to like snippets of the royals lives and experiences! Also like Berry’ writing style, wish there was another one! Bye for now! ☕️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️🇺🇸

[@Superdesertangel8]

Thank you so much, Shauna! What a delight! Like you, I, too, don't want the book to end! ❤

[@JaniceRogers-hb3js]

Wonderful. Thank you Shauna 🇨🇦

[@avissmith8384]

Delightful snippets of royal life and sad times endured. Enjoyed it Shauna thank you❤

[@thevintageread]

My pleasure 😊

[@alysoncaddick6344]

I've been really enjoying this book, so thank you. This has brought back memories of growing up when we had bomb warnings at school, and when I was a little older, the department store that I worked in had its frontage blown off. The threat became a way of life. I have it on good authority that Charles is absolutely charming and has a very relaxed manner when people are asked to dinner. When he was still Prince of Wales, my cousin was invited to an informal dinner at Highgrove. He wasn't able to tell me exactly what was discussed, but he said that Camilla and Charles were "a lovely couple."

[@thevintageread]

How interesting!

[@barbraluce5706]

Hmmmm. Didn't Camilla smoke? Did she quit out of love for Charles?

[@milliemoo8207]

How charming framing a picture of ‘The Prince of Whales 🐳 ‘ . I love that . 😍🇬🇧

[@ChristinaBacon-j2m]

Hi Shauna thank you for this video and reading from Stephen Barry's book, it is lovely to hear from someone who was happy in his work and with our now King. Loyalty personified.

[@loraabrown208]

Very enjoyable listening to you, you have a great voice.

[@beatieswanepoel3004]

A happy and contented person makes me think about Harry's remark that his father and brother were trapped! Harry must rethink his remark. ❤️🌹🐝

[@heikefrank4909]

But but but, they are trapped! They just don't know!! They didn't listen to Meghan, the wonderful!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂

[@PS_testing321...]

It's so hard to be one of the wealthiest people in the world with a whole machine behind you! But not enough if you aren't top dog, apparently.

[@birdlover9082]

Thank you Shauna, love your take on the books you choose for all of us!

[@thevintageread]

You are so welcome!

[@pennymccartney5523]

Thank you. Wonderful stories

[@kathyblalock8078]

Good morning afternoon evening hope all have a blessed day ❤ from the Florida Keys

[@MarieBosanko]

The only Australian cook I can think of who would have come close to Julia Childs would be Margaret Fulton, Loving the content of this book magnificent 📖📖

[@MelodyeSartori]

I’ve still got one of Margaret Fulton’s books, I was given as a Wedding present. I’ve found it very useful over the years. Now it supports my I-pad at eye-level😂She did cook for Royalty on occasion. I too am enjoying Mr Barry’s book, thanks to Shauna’s excellent presentation! 👌🇦🇺👋😃 31:29

[@hollyg3372]

Good morning Shuana. Nice to see you and hear your lovely voice!

[@isabelwright8910]

I will be sorry when this books done ,I think it's the best one to date thank you Shauna 😊

[@susanread2637]

King Charles sounds like a real prince, a very positive person. How nice to hear about the good side of the man instead of the dyed in the wool Diana lovers who are still blaming him and Camilla for the breakdown of his first ill advised marriage ... although her younger son has done a great deal to bring her down from her pedestal. Thank you Shauna...a lovely interval in my day. Cheers and sip from Canada 🇨🇦

[@klmjtr]

Thank you Shauna! Really enjoying this book!

[@Jeanne90275]

Lovely. I don't want it to end ❤

[@yorkshiregal]

Thank you as always Shauna, very enjoyable. Lord Louis Mountbatten was Colonel of the British Household Cavalry in which my husbands served. We have a wonderful photograph of my hubby and Lord Louis Mountbatten in the WO & NCO’s Mess in Knightsbridge in 1976 chatting while having a pint of beer.

[@KayeCrozier-lo8zk]

Hi Yorkshiregal, how wonderful, happy memories for you both 🥰👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@yorkshiregal]

@@KayeCrozier-lo8zk Hi Kaye🙋‍♀️ I was just about to switch off my ipad when I saw your message pop up. I’ve been watching a film but I’m tired tonight. My new treadmill arrived today and was pleased as had a relatively pain free walk on it, just did 15 mins which was enough. M got his new TV so he is a happy bunny. He had lost catch up apps and apparently that’s what is happening on older TVs. It’s his birthday tomorrow and also our son’s 53rd bday so the family are coming over for lunch. Have a good weekend my friend. Hugs🤗💜

[@KayeCrozier-lo8zk]

@@yorkshiregal How lovely, wish M a happy birthday from 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and your son too! I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating 🥳 don’t overdo it on the treadmill though 🏃‍♀️ Hugs to you and your family too 💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@yorkshiregal]

@@KayeCrozier-lo8zk 💜💜 Thank you 🤗

[@fwgre9654]

If we can excuse Anne's behaviour during her first marriage then surely we can do the same for the King who was married to the most emotionally immature, mercurial person in the royal household. Diana, for all her so-called goodness, did irrevocable damage to Charles' reputation.

[@PS_testing321...]

I think even William sees this now, no matter how much he must have loved his mother. Especially with his comments on the Bashir interview. I think he sees that she was vulnerable and ill prepared to be the Princess of Wales and someday Queen. She only human, and bless her, she tried to shut Charles down. I'm sure William could never imagine Catherine doing that to him or the UK. Thankfully Diana seems to be the last of the "arranged" marriages. Not fair to either party.

[@kathyevans2968]

What an interesting book! I wonder if the famous female chef was Maggie Beer or Stephanie Alexander? They both had high end, successful restaurants, businesses, cook books & tv shows at the time. I like how Steven had a positive experience and view of the then Prince Charles.

[@raffaellavitiello1762]

This my best night, l love you telling stories. It is always exciting and never boring. Thank you Shauna l enjoyed❤❤ this immensely❤❤

[@laurieboyles474]

I agree❤

[@skippyalbrite2431]

❤This book and your presentation are simply the best Mz Shauna!❤Thank you!❤

[@NancyDVI]

Wonderful episode! Thanks Shauna! ❤

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@NancyDVI]

@@thevintageread always ♥️

[@Lainers2000]

I’m just loving this book. King Charles seems to be a good man. Thanks, Shauna.

[@Wildflowers516]

Thank you Shauna, enjoying this book. 😊

[@alidabotes6264]

Thank you so much Shauna. Lay on my bed, eyes closed whilst listening. Would have loved hearing few more chapters. Enjoy your evening! 😊😊

[@janevosper712]

Doing housework- made so much better when I found this ❤

[@RosieES8288]

Hi Shauna another great chapter

[@thevintageread]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sherr8713]

I am loving this book. You usually picture royals as stuffy and entitled and this book makes them look personable with real problems. I mean minor things when we compare them to us. But it actually looks like it was truly lonely life. When mentioning the opera I was about to shout Me! Me! I will go!! But alas I was not invited. Well off to Iceland to fish … oh wait I live in Canada we have more fresh water than anyone. Thank you for an entertaining book my favourite part of the week

[@brendastajkowski502]

I am old enough to remember when all of this happened and I remember that Charles was very fond of him. It must have been an awful blow for him to deal with.

[@LeslieMacDonald-gg2kg]

I've enjoyed all the books you've chosen, including this one. I have a suspicion that it's more your wonderful style of narration than it is the quality of the books, though. You make everything fun. :) Thank you. ♥

[@laurieboyles474]

Shauna is a wonderful narrator ❤

[@Sassie1]

Shauna is great at this, love her comments but having read this book, I guarantee it is very well written too!

[@HelenWilliams-nu7ef]

Good evening Shauna

[@Polopony]

I'm not sure that Princess Anne's bad behaviour was due to her unhappy marriage. I can remember that long before her marriage at age 24 she was known to be a very prickly personality, who didn't suffer what she considered to be fools at all, let alone gladly, and liberty-takers were harshly punished. I think it is far more likely that her marriage was a casualty of her bad temper than that her bad temper was due to her marriage, frankly. She really wasn't popular back then, and I find it constantly surprising how many people coo over her now - she is still no pussycat. But she works like a Trojan, and never, ever whinges.

[@fwgre9654]

@@Polopony As do I. She was always so awful to the reporters who covered her and like everything in royal life, the new narrative is so much different from the facts. Think of Haz.

[@JoH-jt5qj]

At the age of 24 she was already married. In fact by a year.

[@africanborn2443]

I'm the Princess Royal's age and I'm quite sure I'd be 'extremely prickly' too, were I to have had to live under the ever present lenses and blunt, intrusive questions of the chauvinistic male reporters who abounded during the 60's and 70's. I have also snapped at impertinent individuals, 'professionals' being lax and can't abide stupidity and I am not Royal! . It took till the familiarity of Gatcombe Park and then the new Press laws in Britain before the Royals would almost' be assured there wouldn't be long lenses poking from every bush and hedgerow every day of their lives. Gatcombe was a gift to Princess Anne from her mother Queen Elizabeth after her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips but had to be run as a working farm.....it had to 'wash it's face' and earn it's own upkeep which the Princess Royal did herself then, and continues to be very involved in today in addition to her Royal Duties.

[@marciap2961]

"Ohhh anything for a peaceful life." That's comedy gold, Shauna!

[@lindsayadams9527]

Just brilliant Shauna. Thank you. It was so enjoyable and well read.

[@africanborn2443]

Shauna thank you for finding this gem. My copy arrived this week but I'm holding out to listen to you before I plow on because I know I won't be able to put it down once I start! I just love the way Stephen Barry interprets the relationship of mutual respect in narrative form. Thank you!

[@barbraluce5706]

Lady Tryon would be an excellent subject for a book. During long summer visits, I would go into her dress shop and purchase one of her colorful dresses; I got to know her and she took me to lunch twice. She was full of fun and laughter! Her dresses lasted well. May she rest in peace. Any chance you will read Elle's new book? It is a page turner.

[@kazzaswan2924]

Loving this book!

[@MMinUSA]

What a wonderful treat this book review has been! Thank you Shauna for your enthusiasm for a great read😊

[@JacquelineFellows-h4o]

This book read is so so good, thanks Shauna.

[@lindaandersenholmes8270]

I thoroughly enjoy your book reviews! Thank you.

[@pamelacox540]

In Courtiers, Charles did yell angrily but apologized after.

[@brendatucker35]

Brilliant chapter, thanks so much!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@ralphl7643]

Nicky was Dickie's grandson--was he also Charles' godson? Pronoun trouble! I thought it was determined that Charles was early, not William late, for the Coronation.

[@fibanocci314]

I think it was a little of both for the coronation. Charles got a bit ahead of schedule which caused a traffic jam that William got caught in, making him a bit late.

[@eveanneriggs4231]

I enjoyed the part where Steven Barry says King Charles was contented in his role when he was a Prince. Just a couple days ago I saw the clip of him dancing with the Samoan dancer and I thought that he seems to be more relaxed now than ever before. Loving these readings

[@PS_testing321...]

Oh, these are my favorites, Shauna! Thank you for sharing it with us. I do think the King is a kind man. He was criticized his whole life for being somewhat of a wimp, but I don't think he has ever seen himself in the position to be some sort of a dictator. (Is that what the people who criticized him wanted him to be? Thankfully he never went that way.). Goodness, if Andrew ever got the Crown.

[@mjojo5644]

Always entertaining - Thanks Shauna! Really like the way you share the stories - it makes the scenes come to life in my mind. Always look forward to these videos

[@larhumba4233]

Lieutenant in the UK, and I assumed Australia, is pronounced Leftenant. 👍

[@dlr978]

I think the child's drawing of a whale with a crown was inspired by the mini-series "Prince Regent" - which was on BBC in the late 70s - where George IV delights his young "niece" by playing as a whale who gets a crown. Its a sweet scene.

[@elizabethnicholas1939]

I think it’s possibly Margaret Fulton, who is the famous Aussie cook.

[@sarahsimpson8770]

Lovely presentation Shauna.

[@WendyDonaldson-ld1jg]

Gosh I’m enjoying this book review! Thanks Shawna!👏🏻👏🏻

[@SH29824]

I love these videos

[@valfrasier39]

What a wonderful book!

[@dijones9217]

Thank you …love your readings

[@janscott7565]

Good evening, Shauna. Thank you for this review. Could the chef in Tassie have been Margaret Fulton?

[@kathyevans2968]

Yes! I was initially thinking Stephanie Alexander or Maggie Beer, but Margaret Fulton was even earlier & a bit of a trailblazer in her day with her books. They all had cook books, tv shows and Maggie& Stephanie had successful restaurants & business.

[@heathergrainger4718]

Really enjoying this book. Thanks Shauna .

[@xo2quilt]

I am so enjoying your reading of this book!!!

[@HellBelle666]

A bap is NOT just a Scottish roll! We have then in Wales too 😂💯🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@jeanne2583-w1n]

Lord Louis Mountbatten refused security when in the Republic of Ireland. He allowed for only one policeman on his holidays there. The location of his holiday home was quite close to the border of Northern Ireland and the seventies was an especially deadly time during which the IRA was very active. He was taking huge risks with not only his life, but the lives of his family, friends, and staff. I am sure I will get pushback, but he is at fault for these deaths. His vanity and ego caused the deaths of those who were in the boat.

[@NakaidaBeauzec]

Just like diana

[@kimmckenzie3696]

Exactly

[@jmfs8738]

Best part of the week! Thank you for the read! 😊

[@karenleavitt7241]

Love this book! I got it the other day and trying to get to catch up with the chapter you are on. On chapter 7! We are headed to a family reunion so I will be able to catch up at night in the RV.

[@optimisticgal]

Shauna, I saw an interview of India Hicks, can't remember where! She seems lovely. She has written a book for her mother. Sounds like it's going to be a good one!

[@thevintageread]

Yes I agree!

[@hollyg3372]

I saw that interview too. She was lovely and resembles her grandfather in her facial features. I could really see him in her!

[@kimberley1195]

Hi Shauna thoroughly enjoyable book.😊

[@catrox1617]

Cheers Shauna 🎉🎉

[@KayeCrozier-lo8zk]

Ooh! Shauna, I remember Kanga, a lot of talk around her and the Prince back in the day 🤔enjoying this book review very much. You remind me of my secondary school teacher Mrs Stanley, she was a brilliant storyteller !

[@janerochester]

Good morning Shauna❤!

[@thevintageread]

Good morning!

[@Sassie1]

To live knowing you and your extended family are targets of assignation attempts for political reasons when you, yourself are supposed to remain quite politically as well as still maintain working for the betterment of all peoples - it makes you realize the RF's humanitarian works are truly from their hearts.

[@karinmccarthyeliz]

Brilliant book!

[@karmac2023]

Loving this book

[@mezzamuddle]

Thank you Shauna ❤

[@ralphl7643]

Last month, I looked up just how Scottish the Queen Mother was--not very. The Earls of Strathmore married Englishwomen for at least 4 generations (as did one of my US Scottish lines). We may have had a common ancestor, Giles Webb, but there were several families and generations of them around about 1600, so I can't be sure. Mine went to Virginia c. 1630.

[@beedee4427]

I'm thinking maybe Margaret Fulton? Thanks again x

[@katetucker1452]

I wonder if Margaret Fulton was Australian's Julia Child?

[@thevintageread]

I wonder!

[@nancysmith6053]

The only person I can think even remotely fits the bill of 'the Julia Child of Australia' would be Margaret Fulton.

[@janetbowersox83]

What a great reading today.....I so love your book reviews....such interesting and cute background tid bits. I will now when I have chocolate pudding I will think of King Charles!

[@melissaleach1953]

John McLane is the name of Bruce Willis’ character in the movie Die Hard. Coincidence? 😂

[@philipmilner9638]

John MacClean is 'Bruce Willis's', character in 'Die Hard', love your narration...

[@CMYT2023]

Crawfie who wrote a very positive book about the young QE & Margaret was shunned so how did Steven Barry write his book without repercussions? Did he have to sign any NDA? If H had written his 'memoir' in like vein, he would be applauded instead of being disdained.

[@dianemcgill9965]

I really enjoyed this episode Shauna. I don't want this book to end. You are awesome at making Prince Charles come alive and see more real. He sure doesn't seem the awful person prince Harry makes him out to be!!! Thanks Shauna.

[@pamelacox540]

I don’t think Diana accidentally set off the alarm in the bedroom at Highgrove.

[@mezzamuddle]

Me either.

[@isobeloconnell9385]

Lady Susan Hussey is also Prince William's godmother. I have a letter from her when I wrote to the Queen when I was 6yrs old.

[@carolynhague7199]

I was AT that Trooping...school trip

[@CarolS-wf3dw]

Thank you for the review. I believe Prince Williams personality is similar to King Charles.

[@thevintageread]

I think so too!

[@kathleenkinchela7180]

Hi Shauna ❤ from N.S.W ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@margaretmorris672]

This is such a fascinating listen, . when you finish the chapter l get a real sense of disappointment . A most entertaining listen😊💕

[@belindabutler6294]

Just thinking back to the 1970s and remembering Margaret Fulton and Ellen Sinclair as great cooks of the era. Maybe it was one of them who cooked for Prince Charles.

[@krishnavyas313]

Lady Pamela mountbatten has written a book a book daughter of empire my life as Mountbatten. it's very interesting book.

[@birdlover9082]

I did not know that, look forward to reading it!

[@Polopony]

The 'right then left' rule for speaking to dinner guests doesn't work generally, though, does it? Because for the person on his right that Charles was speaking to over the starter/main course, Charles would be the person on their left, and for the person on his left who he spoke to over pudding/coffee, he would be the person on their right, so they would be doing it the opposite way around... !!