Diana Vs CHARLES By James Whitaker - Weekly Book Chat

[@lovely95149]

Diana was as much to blame as Charles for their marital problems.

[@blueblack3591]

Exactly it takes two to tango

[@StStStS]

In the Panorama interview Diana said she accepted 50% of the blame for the failure of the marriage. Strangely, nobody was much interested in remembering that bit.

[@joricardochard2824]

It seems to me this author is living his life vicariously through Diana, and sees Charles through her eyes, rather than through his own.

[@dalemaree7022]

I agree with you 🇦🇺🦘

[@africanborn2443]

My thoughts exactly! One of a number of 'authors' who did that.

[@JoanMorrison-vq2jc]

Most books and articles on Diana are just pushing favoritism for "Lady" Diana. Why? After all these years Charles should have been heard. She was no innocent wife or friend...

[@dianelee2318]

I can't stess how much fun you make these Book Chats!

[@thevintageread]

So glad you are enjoying them!

[@robtooley4002]

James clearly had a bit of a crush on Diana and didnt like Charles. 😂

[@loreensmith4864]

It was very very obvious at the time Whittaker believed every word that came out of Diana. And a lot of that to suit her agengda, years after the events. She was a flirt. She had to have the journalists like Whittaker eating out of her hand. I remember the ozzie Clive James saying he couldn't believe what a liar she was.

[@suestansel7022]

I’m pleased to hear that I’m not the only one who believes Diana went into the marriage with her eyes wide open!

[@kayhamilton3790]

IMO I feel Diana was looking for a 'Mills and Boon' romance and Charles was not able to provide the fairytale fantasy she was seeking. I'm nor sure she would have ever been able to accept that the romance fades after time to be replaced with deep love and respect. I loved Diana but am beginning to see her in a different light. Her death was tragic but I wonder if she would have ever been able to cope with ageing. ❤from regional Victoria Australia

[@dianaroach3093]

That's why one needs to be friends first. Marriage has it's up's and downs. You learn to pick your battles. There is no such thing as a fairytale.

[@jeanettesantarelli1795]

I wonder how painful it would be for William to hear of these stories. I pray he hasn't and won't. When Diana died as with all the others I was shocked I even remember the day and where I was. Then my concern was the boys, how devastating for them and so public. I thought the our late Queen's reaction was absolute proof of the importance of her grandsons. I felt when she came out and said that her immediate concern was to be away with them during that time was rightly so as it would be for any loving grandmother. Now this may cause a bit of a storm, but I wondered at the time as tragic as Diana's death was, it left her at the pinnacle of her popularity, I am not sure if she wouldn't spiralled down as time went on and in the end life wouldn't have so kind. When one is at that level of height the fall can be far. Shauna, I do appreciate your book reviews and look forward to them. It would be great to hear an uplifting and joyful story at some time. Something that warms ones heart. Keep up the good work, and thank you.

[@usercarefree44]

I totally agree...especially if Diana had continued her association with dodgy Dodi Fayed and his family. She was more a rebel than people realise...Harry takes after her and not in a good way.

[@carmenFreixas47]

William knows everything, only with the truth one can grow, he has his own problems which are not told.

[@loreensmith4864]

William lived it, met her lovers, is on record as saying his mother embarrassed him. There's nothing he didn't know about his mother. He critisized her private secretary for writing what she was like, said he was disloyal not lying. That same guy is now Ametican helping Netflix write its rubbish. I wonder how he'll answer his kids questions in years to come.

[@kimberley1195]

Thanks Shauna thoroughly enjoying this series,there was blame on both sides but Diana’s fans won’t believe she put a foot wrong and she was just perfect.

[@kathyevans2968]

I like how you bring in threads from different perspectives, based on other books & information. The Australian trip always comes across as happy times & that they did love each other. Other times sound turbulent with defamatory tales, if you believe the various versions from sources!” Love your book reviews Shauna!

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for that Kathy x

[@vericarauza5830]

In 1983 I was working in Melbourne city, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana were greeted in our city. I remember watching them drive past us as we were waving at them. They looked so happy together. Thanks Shauna for your most entertaining book readings. Quite often you take me back to my youth, like now. I really enjoyed seeing Prince Charles and very beautiful Diana. I love the fact that Prince William looks like her.

[@dalemaree7022]

I was married on that day. Heading to church, only to find out Mt Alexander Rd was closed off. A police officer spoke to us, opened the barriers, and waved us through. Consequently, we made it into the city. WAY early, so we had to stop at a city park and chill for over half an hour. 😂 We spent our time watching earlier bridal parties' photos shoots. 16.4.1983 Finally, we headed to the Uniting Church Collins St, back on schedule. 😂❤

[@beverleightodd5710]

Diana had originally gone out with Gilby prior to Charles, I believe he didn't turn up for a date so when she saw his car she poured a mix of flour and water over it ruining the paintwork.

[@loreensmith4864]

That was a different date who stood her up. She wrecked his car plastering it with flour and water paste. They got to be friends again. Can't remember his name. He was the guy who took her videos to Morton for her to write his book.

[@SirSquirrelalot]

I truly appreciate these speculative biographical Royal books. The authors seem to attempt a full, balanced recounting of the Wales' relationship but usually fail due to their own partisanship. Regardless, it adds to the overall context and progression of a marriage tied to power. No one individual is completely faultless - and these two are riddle with flaws. I love the bookclub Shauna! Thank you!❤

[@svatisingh1]

These book readings are just the best, I am loving this series so much! :))

[@thevintageread]

I'm so glad!

[@vickidickinson2888]

This is my happy place. My other reader is doing a heavy book at present but I love you both and wait for your uploads. I do love your wide range of programs, Shauna.

[@bridgetmclaughlin6198]

James Whittaker was a big Diana fan. He was the main journalist who pushed for her at the beginning. He wrote that PC would be very foolish to let her go before their engagement

[@thevintageread]

Yes I think he had a real crush on her!

[@loreensmith4864]

She was a flirt, with all men, whatever their age. You dont think men approached the heir to the thrones wife. Had it off to a fine art we read.​@@thevintageread

[@Always_Thinking]

Really enjoying this reading 😊 I think it just shows that regardless of one's status in life "people are messy, real life is messy!" Sip❤

[@thevintageread]

I love messy 😂❤️

[@Fifi-wv3bd]

I enjoyed listening to you Shauna. I remember all these stories were everywhere in the media at the time. It's poiingnant to hear again as the book describes the pain of 2 people trapped in a very unhappy marriage.

[@thevintageread]

Indeed!

[@Fifi-wv3bd]

@thevintageread just as a wee aside I was in the restaurant mentioned in the book Lorenzo's in Knightsbridge in 1990. I worked for an airline at the time and won a trip to have lunch with Joan Collins . Other crew were there too - we'd been helping to launch her perfume. I think we all felt like fish out of water lunching there!

[@barbraluce5706]

San Lorenzo was a safe place for Diana. The owner Maria was like a grandmother to her

[@AuntieFloTravels]

Gosh that book is pretty steamy. I’m feeling like a fly on the wall of Diana’s boudoir. Can’t wait for next chapter!

[@annbannister1118]

Yaaay wonderful ,im sitting with my 7yr old grandon ,whome is off school poorly, watching you ,aw he says you are very pretty shauna ❤

[@kathiedevall5560]

I hope he feels better soon 💕

[@thevintageread]

Awwww ❤ Enjoy those snuggles x

[@leandabee]

How cute of your grandson, and he certainly has a discerning eye at such a young age 😅👌🏼.

[@jasminebean5762]

Love how the royal books you have reviewed bring together differing perspectives and opinions of the same events and people. This latest is a great choice Shauna.

[@laurieboyles474]

Love these book club times. Thanks Shauna!

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for joining us! 🤗

[@kathybutterfield2760]

3:40 am in Oregon and can't sleep lately so glad to see your post. Cheers everyone! 😊

[@nicolajackman2809]

Insomnia is the worst. Hope it's just a phase and you sleep well soon 😴

[@susansunflower]

4:55 am here in Alberta. Good morning.

[@thevintageread]

Cheers to you, too!

[@LisKofod]

Sleep well 😊

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

5am Texas. Early to watch my favorite KZbinr❣️

[@nikbull1258]

Kia Ora from across the ditch. Went to bed early last night so am enjoying this on a lovely Saturday Summer afternoon. Nothing like a bit of juicy gossip.

[@thevintageread]

Enjoy the goss! 😉

[@annatjienilsen539]

It's funny how he did not mention Manneken, who was Diana's fling before Harry's birth

[@LeeDon76]

Or Mark Dyer…

[@lbc517]

Always love your book chats!! You bring the books to life ❤

[@DeedraBoyer]

Good morning Shauna😊Loving the diversity of your channel. Good books, good guests, and good gossip. Doesn’t get better than this.

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@lindacollins5979]

Love this book... Watch all your videos.. You are brilliant

[@honeym210]

I think Charles tried his best to make a go of the marriage but Diana's eating disorders and childishness, always wanting attention, was very hard to deal with, not to mention her cheating! And I believe she cheated first, probably trying to make Charles jealous. It did not work. It drove him away.

[@PatriciaMenefee]

You are the best book reviewer!

[@thevintageread]

Aw thanks! 😊❤️

[@jm162]

Isn't it quite unfair how much the tampongate tapes have been thrashed out in public (still) and misquoted yet the Squidygate tapes are totally overlooked even though they are more gross!!!

[@evelynharper6346]

I agree.

[@JoanMorrison-vq2jc]

Well said! 😅. Whenever Charles slipped up it was major headlines but if Diana purposely planned and plotted and schemed it was hidden and ignored. She really was devious. 😮😮

[@jacquelinearcher1158]

Charles ..was he jealous? Or just miffed she was a nightmare at home and an Angel 😇 in public…he saw the other side of her and he had to cope with tantrums at home… then face the adoration in public.

[@LeeDon76]

Very good point,and he could hardly say she’s a cow at home you know.

[@StStStS]

She said on tape that she was ‘almost neurotic’, crying in the car on the way to engagements with Charles, then would ‘step out of the car and…’ (be fairytale Princess for her adoring Public 😬🙄) It must have wrecked his nerves. It was not unreasonable for him to expect that she was there because of him and as a support for him. Hate when people say he couldn’t handle her popularity.

[@lindastinson5160]

I’m loving this book! These events seem like just yesterday!

[@LeeDon76]

In 1978 Diana worked as a nanny for Philippa and Jeremy Whitaker for 3 months. Maybe that’s why he’s biased, if they are related.

[@Veronica-o2m]

Love your book chats ❤❤❤❤

[@JFra127]

I love the voices! Well done Shauna.

[@maureenball6733]

I got hold of a used copy! What I like is reading about stories we saw in newspapers back tnen. Hopefully getting more truth here.

[@vickislominski7618]

Oh Shauna, you are delightful! 😊

[@rlpb2269]

Very juicy and revealing! Thanks for sharing! 💟

[@tishamathis1607]

Oh my, can't wait for Chapter 3, thank you for reading this to us.

[@kathiedevall5560]

Good morning from Texas ❤

[@thevintageread]

Good morning! 👋

[@lesleyhogg2495]

Morning all. Looking forward to this. Thanks Shauna.

[@thevintageread]

Hope you enjoy!

[@lindastinson5160]

I love all your videos, but this book is extra fun! Thank you so much for this whole channel! ❤

[@janerochester]

Good morning Shauna! It’s 6:30 here in Florida and I have been waiting for this next installment!❤

[@thevintageread]

Enjoy

[@DeedraBoyer]

I’m a fellow Florida fan. Where are you? I live in Orlando (Maitland ).

[@TTTTTT-ix6tu]

You do a good book review. Thanks for that Shauna.

[@thevintageread]

Thank you!

[@patiyer4134]

Fantastic read by you. Sip with first morning coffee. Love your reads which include the dramatic inflection of your voice during key moments. ❤

[@karenzielke9387]

We love your book readings too! You are a natural entertainer💜

[@tenilleadams3903]

Hi Shauna , Thank you for doing these weekly book chat - it is a '' much enjoyed time out '' - cant wait for chapter 3

[@birdlover9082]

Love when you read and critique parts of these delicious books!!!

[@thevintageread]

Delicious indeed!

[@RosieES8288]

Can't wait. Sounds all very sordid. But I will be back for Ch 3

[@allisonanderson5224]

13:19 but didn't the Queen have the kids on the little ponies quite young? I reckn Diana Chose the instructor not to be the queen or their father...😊😮

[@thevintageread]

Possibly

[@dianeedwards9958]

Good morning from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@kathiedevall5560]

I don't remember all this from the tapes! Wow I guess some of it wasn't released. I think I'd remember. God how embarrassing.

[@thevintageread]

This was censored! It was an exclusive for this book!

[@SH29824]

Such a sneaky look into their personal lives

[@africanborn2443]

That 'riding lessons for the boys' business because their dad was lacking is baloney. She asked him for riding lessons for herself first, then brought the boys into it as an excuse for seeing him more often!

[@LeeDon76]

Before that she was known to want nothing to do with horses.

[@sdvanon1285]

I so enjoy your book videos! This book is hilarious, but especially in the way you share it with us.

[@thevintageread]

I know! It's a wild one! 😂😂😂

[@sdvanon1285]

Perhaps it was not jealously that motivated Charles but annoyance with the shallowness and superficiality of people. By that time, he had achieved much: Prince's Trust, managing the Duchy, deeply informing himself and on many societal issues ... He wanted to be a relevant and useful king ... really serving the country in a lasting way. To the people and the media, Diana was a sweet, likeable clothes horse who loved babies. Unfortunately, when the very young Diana matured enough to take on more serious issues, the marriage was over (and Charles never seemed to think of mentoring and guiding his young wife). Taking on the landmine issue was the most important thing she did.

[@deborah85728]

In the past , Charles was the baddie in most people ‘s opinion ( I am two months younger than him and lived through all those years ) and now Diana is 😳 . Surely the truth is much more complicated than that for goodness sake , neither is or was a saint , both in their ways remarkable people . What struck me forcibly today was just how young and vulnerable Diana was . She was thrust from relative obscurity into the glare of the spotlight in a very different world , where I believe she didn’t receive enough guidance and support , probably not because people were unkind but they didn’t realise just how much she needed it ! Sad .

[@fwgre9654]

💯

[@allisonanderson5224]

❤❤❤YES!!oh what a treat after huge day❤SIP🎉

[@thevintageread]

SIP

[@SH29824]

I so enjoy these book chats!!!!

[@kayrolofson6753]

Thanks Shauna you always share interesting books. SIP

[@SusanMarg]

😆😂😂😁 I wonder if Whittaker, with his battered armour, white horse and one eye, realized how much he was revealing. A bit of unintentional friendly fire me thinks. I'm really enjoying this one... and the voices and asides😂❤

[@visigoth6781]

😂

[@thevintageread]

😂❤️

[@kathleenprescot9986]

Hi Shauna ❤

[@sharonmcloughlin]

Hello all from melbourne....sip

[@pennytomassi6595]

😂😂😂 OMG I laughed so much at all the voices. Shauna you are soooo funny. ❤

[@thevintageread]

😂😘

[@louisetitterton507]

Very interesting.

[@thevintageread]

It is isn't it!

[@louisetitterton507]

@@thevintageread I want to give you the heart emoji too.... One of the things I love about our community is that we read /look at books/ articles/magazine playbooks that may not fit our narrative but we will look at it with an open mind ( at least I hope we do). I have decided to stop looking at too much Harkle content. There is too much analysis of their visit in the Palisaides. There is no need to analysis it. They are doing it for publicity,

[@louisetitterton507]

I decided I was going to do the same with the Harkles. I didn't mind listening to reasoned analysis such as what Taz and you do and HRH Jen but there started being too much faux outrage. I love your book reviews and would much rather hear those especially seeing you have read very widely on the Royals so I appreciate where you think there might be bias and wny.

[@susanturnbull8180]

Good morning Shauna ❤

[@thevintageread]

Good morning! 😊

[@dianemcgill9965]

WOW! This was some juicy new information for me today. Thanks Shauna!!!

[@liznaz8253]

In America, we say " Aren't they full of themselves!"😊

[@RupalRTDesigns]

I love your comments & giggles while reading these books.

[@pomme800]

The book chats are my favorites❣

[@loreensmith4864]

According to Burrell Diana lay down on thecstairs when she saw the queen mother coming!

[@kathleenkinchela7180]

Hi Shauna,patiently waiting for chapter 2❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@thevintageread]

Every Friday 9.30 PM 😊

[@Superdesertangel8]

Oooh, it's juicy, indeed, Shauna. Loving every second. Thank you so much for sharing this. Your reading and storytelling skills are fabulous. Can’t wait for the next bit! Angelina from the UK ❤

[@thevintageread]

Glad you enjoyed it Angelina x

[@JaniceRogers-hb3js]

Their lives are so complicated. I'd go crazy if I lived like they do.

[@thevintageread]

It would be exhausting!

[@janets.2850]

Wouldn’t it be interesting to know if Harry was sheltered from the variety of Diana books; if he chose to not read any due to disbelief or anger over profits made; or if has gone through any of them. I do believe his genuine memories of Diana are far less than he professes. He seems to place her on a pedestal and is sure she was the hunted victim of the press. It might do him a world of good to read some of these and realize there are two sides to every story and two can play the same game.

[@jackiegould1569]

My only complaint to day is that you stopped before the end of the book! I am really loving this one!

[@alysoncaddick6344]

Really, James? Of course she was! Basically, Diana had a gigolo. Diana was human with faults as well as a heart of gold. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, in my opinion.

[@thevintageread]

Yes she was a fascinating, complicated woman x

[@nicoletteralfe733]

I’ve never read what was on the tapes! I was a young mum at that time so it was something I heard about in the background of the busyness of family life! This book is a real eye opener for me!

[@LisKofod]

Goodafternoon 😊 🌹 sip 🎉

[@dangerkittyfilms]

Great juicy book 📖 😮 Thanks!

[@thevintageread]

Thank you ❤️😊

[@Barkieboy]

Hi from Queensland sip

[@crazyplantlady7985]

You do make these books interesting. I love how you read and give thoughts, and your animation and voices are brilliant. Look forward to next weeks installment!

[@Fiona86555]

This is so much fun to listen to, thank you 👏

[@margaretmorris672]

This is such a juicy book, love it ❤

[@Lainers2000]

Thank you, Shauna. Writing from the US. I find all of this so interesting. I watched the wedding of Charles and Diana; thinking she was so young, then crying while watching her funeral. Between all this, I just saw pics here and there and really had no idea what had gone on in between (no internet then). Of course Charles was made to be the ogre, but I know that there are 2 sides to the story. I remember reading how The Queen was criticized for keeping silent, and that she didn’t care about Diana, In the last few years I have come to understand she was taking care of the boys. They had priority, as they should have. This makes Hank's treachery even more terrible.

[@JustMe-ep9fr]

Thank you for another brilliant video Shauna! Well done! Plenty of surprises in this chapter. I was able to find the book used online. It's supposed to arrive at the end of the month. Will continue watching your videos when the book arrives. Thank you Shauna for what you do best!

[@janerochester]

Of course you did not disappoint, so much juicy info I had not heard before! Can’t wait until next week, going to watch this again! Thanks ❤☕️👏🏻👏🏻

[@thevintageread]

It sure delivers!

[@rosebud-ame]

Very much enjoyed❗️ ♥️

[@chay0407]

Red is your colour, Shauna! Beautiful.

[@thevintageread]

Thank you! 😊

[@AnitaBaker-s8o]

I love to hear you ,so full of fun its contagious!

[@RebeccaBryant-c6i]

I am loving this one.

[@carolcjcallinghamwoods3501]

What a revelation! I always thought that Squidgy was James Hewitt, & I've not heard of Gilbey or Philip Dunn. Wow I'm learning a lot, here! Thanks Shauna.

[@jmfs8738]

I so appreciate your Friday Book Club! Through every story, you find an entertaining way to bring the characters to life. - I imagine that makes you a much sought-after party guest too! Happy New Year🎉

[@thevintageread]

When people used to have dinner parties…I was invited 😂

[@cornelia9778]

Well, that book gives new meaning to the word juicy when applied to books.

[@heatherleutscherwarren9459]

Excellent reading Shauna 😊!

[@thevintageread]

Thank you! 🤗

[@avissmith8384]

Oh wow, I love the goss! More than I should maybe🤣🍾🥂😘

[@thevintageread]

A naughty pleasure! 😂

[@SusanField-qf7ku]

Gave me gone with the wind vibes!! lol!

[@KezWills-vp8rj]

Loved it Shauna, looking forward to next Week. 💐💐👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thevintageread]

Thanks for joining us! Looking forward to next week too!

[@debbieclark7031]

Thank you so much this was a blast !! I'm gobsmacked at all the juicy parts too !! Have a wonderful day🌼🌼🌼

[@michelleharris504]

I love your book reviews!!! I have more to read than ever thanks to you Shauna!! I buy almost every book you review because I can't stand not knowing every detail. I finally got The housekeepers diary after it came down from being $300 hahahaha!

[@pamelacox540]

Diana believing she would be princess of wales wasn’t far fetched. Her sister Sarah seriously dated Charles. Diana was definitely in the running as she was suitably aristocratic and she “kept herself tidy”. It is weird that her “breeding” was more important than her intelligence (she barely graduated school and had no university education).

[@ChelleDavidson-th5sl]

Not Jane, it was her sister Sarah that dated Prince Charles.

[@pamelacox540]

@ Changed it! Thanks!

[@nancytrowbridge3085]

I remember reading that Diana had pictures of Charles all over her bedroom walls.

[@pamelacox540]

Her family called her “Dutch” due to her lofty ambitions. When her sister was getting married in the local church, the teenage Diana said she’d be getting married in the Abbey.

[@evelynharper6346]

St. Paul's cathedral.

[@laurieboyles474]

I've always thought that Charles grew a lot because of Diana. He learned he wasn't the center of the universe. I think it gave him an understanding of the regular person. Difficult lessons but necessary I've always thought.

[@heikefrank4909]

He founded the Princes Trust in 1976 .. He was well aware that he himself was privileged even before Diana entered the Scene

[@heikefrank4909]

Diana wasn't a regular Person .. she liked the public because of the admiration she got...

[@Polopony]

Yes. I think most people go through some sort of baptism of fire at some point in their lives, which forces them to reassess themselves, their attitudes and behaviours. That is the maturing process.

[@heidimueller1039]

Spot on!