EP11: EVIDENCE Found In The BLUE Room! The Housekeeper’s Diary By Wendy Berry

Welcome to The Vintage Read Show!
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Every Wednesday evening we meet up for A Gossip Before Bed, in our PJs and your favourite beverage.
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Shauna x In this episode, we cover two chapters of The Housekeeper's Diary by Wendy Berry!
We hear about Spike MIlligan's very amusing visit to Highgrove as well as James Hewitt's visit, resulting in a very romantic evening in The Blue Room!
Prince Charles has a serious accident at Polo and his very long recovery is assisted by Camilla Parker Bowles!
Wendy Berry was the Housekeeper at Highgrove for many years. This book was actually banned in the UK however it was published in the USA and became a very popular best seller.
Thank you for joining me for my review of Chapter 12 & 13!
#thehousekeepersdiary #bookchat #princecharles #princessdiana
If you want to start the series from the beginning you can WATCH the full playlist HERE: kzbin.info?list...
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paypal.me/The VintageReadShow
00:00 Introduction
00:55 Weekend Visitor Spike Milligan
04:52 Flash Floods In Wales
05:51 James Hewitt A Weekend Guest
07:38 Evidence Found In The Blue Room
09:34 Charles Barely Disguised Anger
10:31 Pimms In The Garden - Michael Jackson
12:05 Raw Sewerage System Highgrove
13:18 Prince Charles Broke His Arm
14:45 Camilla Parker Bowles A Special Friend
19:01 The Queen Visits Prince Charles
21:18 Prince Philip's Visit To Highgrove
26:06 New Nanny Jessie
27:09 James Hewitt Possible War?
30:02 Prince William Caught In The Crossfire

[@thevintageread]

If you want to start the series from the beginning you can WATCH the full playlist HERE: kzbin.info/aero/PLHtjd5sKD71jy33uaItlQjU5keAXDFvKgst For the kind people who have asked...the details to leave a tip in my tip jar are: paypal.me/The VintageReadShow

[@silva7493]

I may watch the whole series again!! On autoplay!!! I'd love to get hold of a copy of this book.

[@ajune583]

Thank goodness this is Not on radio but on a video as watching Shauna's facial expressions, the reading glasses on and off and her laugh/giggle as she reads/tells us the story is priceless!! She brings every book to life!❤🇨🇦

[@jackiefruge5884]

She is too cute! I love the snarky comments

[@lisakeell7343]

Yes you are so right, wonderful to listen and watch!

[@thevintageread]

💗💗💗

[@lynnetteross995]

@@thevintageread A National Treasure, not just for Australia but for all, wherever we live in the World.

[@sleepyfox-mn4rd]

I know right Shauna’s expressions always have me cracking up. Yesterday I had oral surgery and she still had me laughing with only half of my face.

[@ilmaba1756]

I can understand Charles being upset, not with Diana having affairs, but with Diana having "friends" over with the boys around.

[@maureenball6733]

She had no other opportunity to be with her man. Charles only had a short journey down the road to reach his girl.

[@hanginlaundry360]

I agree. She could have made other arrangements.

[@partlycloudy3519]

​@@maureenball6733she had a nanny I presume there are hotels or he has a home or flat

[@Anna_Key]

​ @maureenball6733 Diana had plenty of time to herself Edited to fix spelling mistake

[@graphiquejack]

Diana apparently found other places to fool around, since by this point, they were leading seperate lives as much as possible

[@helensieben3182]

Well I for one am very glad that King Charles is in a Happy Marriage, he deserves it.

[@Romdormer]

Yes, he seems to have been bullied and undermined continuously - his father, kids at school, the media, his wife and now his younger son! Thank God he has Camilla!

[@paulinedixon3490]

Charles always got the flack about the breakup of the marriage. Still today. Diana was flawed. She was no means the totally innocent people have portrayed her out to be. Charles deserves to be happy now.

[@queenredspecial]

@@Romdormer exactly this!

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

I'm happy there are still some reasonable people out there. So many people hate him and adore the-one-who-could-do no-wrong because she was young and beautiful so they trusted her version. They (the RF) should have let him marry Camilla from the start, she had the character that he needed.

[@catlink8998]

Re: "Charles Barely Disguised Anger" - Perhaps he was angry that she was entertaining her lover while the children were there? I could see that being a line crossed Charles might take a strong issue with.

[@SusieQusie71]

I think Charles was upset she brought James to Highgrove. And I have to agree that if Charles did the same with Camila, Im sure Diana would be extremely miffed.

[@PS_testing321...]

He did, but I don't think when the boys were in attendance.

[@LynneHancox]

If you listen to the squidgygate tapes, Gilbert asks diana what's she going to get up to now that hewitt was posted overseas, her answer was very telling, " I suppose play Charles and camilla up...giggle giggle"

[@lynnS369]

He certainly did

[@sarahholland2600]

According to the butlers book , Camilla was often at Highgrove. Sometimes rolling up only half an hour after Diana had left for London. Both the Butlers book & her Private Secretary's book state it's a myth that Charles only started up the affair again when his marriage was "irretrievably broken down". (His words about Camilla in his TV interview after Diana's bombshell interview).

[@LynneHancox]

@@lynnS369 it's well known, and confirmed by william and Harry, Charles waited quite a few years THEN, formally introduced both boys, once they were much older, to Camilla. And guess what, they liked her, if you don't believe that, just google harrys 21st press statement where he talks of camilla being a much loved member of their family.

[@kayelee8287]

Gosh the new nanny 's prediction was right, especially Harry being bonkers. Loving the The House Keepers Diary, you really bring it alive Shauna.❤🐨🦘

[@carolyncouch4094]

Diana didn’t want Charles and she didn’t want anyone else to love him either. So childish and emotional. She would have driven me up a wall..crying and yelling in front of her children shows how unstable she really was. The truth always comes out years later.

[@angelawhitehouse8066]

Im beginning to have a better understanding of why this book was banned in the UK. 😂

[@valerieforbes8096]

😂

[@lisamcg93]

I know! It’s awesome isn’t it 😂😂😂

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

It doesn't make Diana look good, but it makes Charles look much much better. I love the fact that the housekeeper didn't take sides like so many royal writers do, we just hear how it was.

[@PS_testing321...]

I think William, at his age and a father, now realizes how young his mother was, and rather immature. Harry will never think of it. Diana was only in her twenties. Very young to be raising a man who will be king. I think the Queen had a big influence on William, and I am grateful for that.

[@janetclaireSays]

Charles didn't bring Camilla around his sons. Diana brought Hewitt into their home and did it with her sons there. My guess is THAT is where the "barely disguised" anger came from on Charles' part.

[@charmainepriestman915]

Totally agree!!

[@davidboult4143]

Hewitt was pushed on to her by C&C. To keep her occupied while they continued their liaison.

[@LilyGarden528]

@@davidboult4143 this i don't believe. Nobody told Diana what to do. She was an independent woman who did what she wanted. That poor woman fought to stand on her own and being seen as her person and people ignore that and want to make her a victim. Neither Charles or Diana was victim they both knew damn well what they doing.

[@beverleightodd5710]

What about the others, her protection officer, Will Carling etc.

[@katemyer1955]

I agree that Diana’s carelessness was particularly egregious. I’m regards to the”barely disguised anger”, I wonder if Wendy happened to note that moment because she was newly aware of the affair. From her perspective, this was a brand new situation and she was anxiously reading the body language between C & D. I wonder how many of their fights in the previous months were attributable to one or both of them being unfaithful.

[@gremlin5622]

Aw Shauna you spoiled us even though you were the one who was ill. 🥰 The new nanny was right about the need for future therapy for the kids. It seems William chose to grow from it and H chose to ditch it b/c he preferred the extra perks he got as the "poor, wee boy-victim".

[@honeym210]

I think Charles was angry, and rightfully so, because she brought her lover into their home.

[@ceejayretired]

And the children were there when she chased Will Carling down he hadn't been married for very long either. They would have seen all that

[@madeyed2702]

She crossed the line. I think anyone who is having an affair should never do it in front of the kids. It's different for a divorce case - but to do so while they are still marriage is confusing for the kids and totally hurtful for the partner.

[@janbaldwin1189]

So very glad you are feeling better. Can't tell you how much I missed your Wednesday Before Bed Gossip. Stay well!!❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@rudygong7477]

I always said Charles cheated for love, not just lust. His long relationship with Camila is described beautifully by Berry. It also is describing the Diana that we only hear about in whispers, but now is officially a human being, not mother Teresa 2.0, young and not discreet. Is true,she was a loving mother, not a good one.

[@twoofsix3b3g]

Note that it was from the time Charles had that awful broken arm from the accident that those stories of Charles having someone help him squeeze toothpaste onto his toothbrush for him . Well anyone who has suffered such an injury would admit to having help of all kinds . When I broke my shoulder I was so depressed at the amount if help I required from my husband.... especially if the injury is on your dominant side. Hair washing,drying , brushing , toothpaste, dressing, driving , eating. . But of course , fortunately, for most of us the injury heals with time. The story that Charles maintained a 'servant' whose job was to put toothpaste on the toothbrush for him persisted even to this day!

[@hazeluzzell]

Poor William. Couldn’t get even 5 mins of attention for his worries…

[@ytcomms3945]

Diana used that boy as her unpaid psychologist and she probably cuddled with little Harry a bit too much between boyfriends.

[@purpurina5663]

I was that "mature first born". Such an unhealthy way to relate to your child, I heard and took on my shoulders so many things way beyond my age. And it creates a lot of resentment from the other sibling (who is, in fact, getting the better deal).

[@laurabailey1054]

@@purpurina5663 I was my mum’s only child and I admit that I had to grow up faster than I should’ve. It wasn’t due to my mum it was due to my mum and I losing our home, due to my father’s bad business practices, and having to move in with my nana who was dying of cancer. My mum and I were her caregivers, I was 12 when my nana died. I also found out about the woman who became my stepmother from my cousin who was younger than me when I was 10. When I found out I wanted nothing to do with my father and refused to see him for about a year. My father had to beg my mum to get me to see him. I trusted my father no more than I could throw him.

[@user-iw8in5lv1g]

It’s about time people realize Princess Diana played a big part in their failed marriage. It does take two.

[@abbatrouble]

"A big part"? How about 95% at least!

[@lindamarskell6815]

I am a similar age to Diana. I married young and had my son about 8 months before Prince William was born, so was very interested in the young royal’s lives at the time. It’s really interesting to get this perspective on their lives especially with the distance of time. I was a big Diana fan, but it was clear she was a troubled individual, with the one big indicator being she could’t maintain friendships and didn’t seem to have any school friends or keep the girls she shared a house with (before her romance with Prince Charles broke), in her life. Do I think Diana could have been a narcissist ? Most definitely, with the love bombing, the art of making herself the victim and always finding the on-trend good cause to get herself photographed supporting…. Is it really any surprise that Harry has married what he is familiar with?

[@rosiebottom3870]

She did stay friends with her former housemates. They were involved with the Andrew Morton book that Diana collaborated on.

[@lynettefinnigan9540]

Maybe we are smarter these days, we didn't catch on with Diana, but maybe she kept it hidden for the first 10 yrs...and had scored her fan base, and she was an innocent 19yr old to start... and did at least try, but I think her own childhood and lack of love and support really impacted on her!!... whereas Meghan was showing her nastiness from the beginning and is not a nice person, and was a conniving nearly 40yr old pretending to be a giggling 19yr old!!!

[@CQuinnLady]

I guess i never noticed, i didnt take much time for gossip mags, they generally are full of bs. Hearing this, tho, makes more sense to the very public tears and heartache both charles n diana suffered. It also makes me rethink my thoughts on Camilla.

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

I'm a bit younger than Diana and was spell-bound by her "fairy tale" marriage to the Prince, so I watched the footage over here in the US. When Lady Di was introduced to the world, I remember the photo of her in the sheer skirt that was made so much of by the Press and also the images of her staring UP at photogs. She'd lower her head just a bit and look UP at them, if that makes any sense. I also _distinctly_ remember my mother glancing at the TV (during one of those reports on the POW's "intended") and casually saying "That silly girl is putting on a show. She isn't a bit shy!" I thought my Mom was just being ugly and hateful, but realized about 20 years later that she had that girl pegged from Day 1! Mom's gone now, and I've missed her quiet wisdom since the day she died. She was right about so many things that I foolishly discounted. However, I'm blessed that I had her into my early 50s, and we became very close the last 20 years of her life. She'd have _loved_ Shauna's channel!

[@lauraamundson769]

I don't have any school friends in my life. Only a few of them on Facebook.

[@peggylee2267]

I actually appreciate Charles's father. The boy had people catering to him for his whole life. The Duke was striking a balance for Charles. When everybody was wringing their hands over the arm, the Duke showed him it was not the end of the world. When Charles was the center of discussion about his tragic ears, he he rushed in to say the ears were just fine. He didnt let anyone let charles get stuck in dispair. That is a good father. I am quite sure that when Charles became a father, he recognized the truth of it and that's why there was healing

[@1234cheerful]

Very good point!

[@Amun-Re3235]

In the last season of The Crown, there is a wonderful scene between Prince Philip and Prince William about fatherhood. Worth a watch.

[@LynxSouth]

Another thing is that many men still, although it was far more common in the past and also among (ex-) military men, use humor and downplaying of mishaps & injuries to show concern, affection, and reassurance. It's the spoken equivalent of giving a little punch on the arm instead of a hug or a pat.

[@kerriferguson2023]

@@Amun-Re3235Except that no one knows what was said ina private conversation - it is a fictional conversation. That is not to say it is not a worthwhile scene in and of itself.

[@1234cheerful]

@LynxSouth and Philip was an ex military and prone to use humor a lot.

[@kayedaniels1749]

I am loving this series. I have for many years believed Dianna was not the sweet woman everyone thought she was. I was so happy when Charles married the love of his life. I actually cried as i watched the proceedings on t.v, Camilla looked so beautiful, and Charles was so proud of his new wife. I have tried to get the book, but so far ,no luck,

[@beverleightodd5710]

Fergie needed to go to the states so much because unlike Diana later, she did not get millions in alimony and needed to earn money. To be honest I am not surprised that Charles was not happy about Diana flaunting her affair In front of the children, however young they are children are not stupid.

[@pamelacox540]

Fergie was millions in debt as she lived far above her means. Her debt issues are why she got caught trying to sell access to Andrew to “foreigners” and why Epstein the child molester/ trafficker gave her money.

[@abbatrouble]

Diana got so much money because she refused to divorce without the money and she ( her lawyers ) negotiated. The Queen paid her off just to get rid of her.

[@judithricca6915]

I think that Charles was not pleased that James Hewitt was with Diana at Highgrove was that William and Harry were there.

[@silva7493]

Spike Milligan! Holy Mackerel!!!😄🤣🤣🤣

[@samanthawatmough6119]

he was part of the goones Charles favourite show,

[@lindamarskell6815]

Didn’t Prince Charles introduce Spike Milligan at a show, giving him lots of praise and Spike Milligan walked on stage, thanked the prince and then called him a suck up? Or words to that effect😂 the clip must be on youtube somewhere 😊

[@hazeluzzell]

What’s good for the goose should be good for the gander (but not the goslings!)

[@jennifer5130]

So glad you're back and well. Missed Wed night. This book if just so fascinating but sad at the same time. Gotta love Prince Phillip.

[@cathydando1495]

Catherine Soames, Kate Menzies and Diana went on holiday a lot and then suddenly they were history.

[@LS-mp7co]

OMG 😱😱😱🤭🤭🤭🤭 I nearly lost my tea when you were doing the Camilla / Charles love scene voiceover! Absolutely brilliant!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ytcomms3945]

Hello Hello! I was looking for you this morning! I have the physical copy of the book too! Apparently the publication date is 1995. So Diana still had the chance to read it ... Hmmm ... Rachel Ragland may have read it too even if it does not have Princess Diana in the title. She kept collecting related books ever since she got herself photographed at Buckingham palace when she was 15-16 years old and she visited with her friend's family. Diana visited Northwestern University in 1996 and they are still verg proud of that. There is NO WAY that Rachel Ragland did not hear about it when she was there 1999-2003.

[@lynnS369]

"How's my favourite little Prince...." and the "take off your sunglasses...". Omg, I heaved with laughter. Sounds like a Mills & Boon novel.

[@puppy1584]

I’ve just had my dinner…husband watching the footie and I’m now settling down to watch you Shauna. Perfect.

[@adelaideleslie4200]

Charles was ceaselessly made fun of in the British press and TV shows for his ears. Not surprising he was upset about it.

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

That is correct they call him bigears, but he's a man he should have grown used to it, none of us are perfect theirs always things that could be better.

[@abbatrouble]

They should have concentrated on Diana's huge nose.

[@adelaideleslie4200]

He was also known as 'jug-ears'. Being a man doesn't mean it is not hurtful. Men are people too and have feelings.

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

@@abbatrouble Ooh, I thought Diana had a gorgeous nose - very distinctive, and it fit her face perfectly!🤷‍♀

[@MeMyselfAndEyeTeeth]

@@SilverSparkles22 I really liked her nose - one of her best features, in my opinion.

[@adelaideleslie4200]

Charles used to be lampooned ceaselessly in the British papers and TV shows for his ears. Not surprising he was miffed (upset). Since he ascended to the throne, he is not made fun of so much.

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

But since he filled out he's far better looking and his ears are not noticeable as he aged his looks improved greatly some men do while others get worse as we women do also.

[@Tawadeb]

Pretty mean wasn't it?

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

And surely those people who print those nasty things will tell their own kids not to bully others, or they would take action if some bully at school was saying the same horrible things about their kid's ears.

[@jamieryman]

I'd very much like to hear more about High Groves' filtration system. KC really did a good job with that one, one hears. Ty for the cute bits about KC & QC 💖 precious! Hearing how it went with his father, one is even happier he did have Camilla for support. Glad you included that Prince Philip & (then) Prince Charles did get closer in time. You're really good at just sprinkling in such things when needed! Glad you're on the mend dear 💕

[@robyn874]

That Blue Room could tell some tales 😊 Diana was probably jealous that Charles could go off on holidays with Carmela, whereas she had to sneak around with boyfriend & boys in tow. It most likely angered her there were rules for her & a different set of rules for him

[@BarbaraHardacre]

But weren't the boys at boarding school at the time. So I'm sure during the week they had plenty to meet

[@rosiebottom3870]

Yes, even Camillas husband was in on it - how sordid.

[@Mrstigger747]

@@rosiebottom3870nope! He had his own mistresses to attend to

[@sue8344]

I do remember seeing a picture of Charles and Diana looking at flood damage . I think it was about this time that an article ( probably in People) came out stating it had been 76 days seen they had been seen together .

[@angelareimann6433]

You've jogged my memory. Yes, that was it.

[@gladystassone2852]

Wow so interesting. Love your sense of humour. Great video read. Thank You for keeping us entertained.👏😂😂😂🇨🇦 can’t wait for the next one..😊

[@user-kh3gl4tt4l]

Hilarious especially Spike 🤣

[@GinWren]

"Evidently not." Sweep of hand. HILARIOUS!

[@thevintageread]

😂💗

[@Lovelifeuk66]

Glad to see you back. Hope you're fully recovered 😊

[@maureenball6733]

I did finish reading it after a delayed start. It was so well written - an easy read. And a lovely slice of royal history. I was surprised after an early chapter when we saw the bustle of Diana and the boys arriving at Highgrove for the weekend, I felt nostalgically sad about a time that was gone, and that Diana was gone.

[@carolcjcallinghamwoods3501]

Oh, I'm so glad you are feeling better, Shauna, I really missed having a "sip" on Wednesday with you. I was wondering if Diana was angry & left the room because Prince Williams's attention was on his father rather than on her! Those poor children living in such an atmosphere. I expect it was a relief to go away to boarding school. Looking forward to hearing the next chapter.

[@philipmilner9638]

The Britsh newspapers named Charles and Diana 'The Glums', on their tourto South Korea. Their faces both looked like they'd been hit in the face with a 'wet kipper'

[@Kari_B61ex]

Eeeww! Far too much info Wendy. I could never be a housekeeper, the thought of changing other people's yucky sheets makes me want to vomit. 🤮 Good to see that you're better... a snippet, I've met Nicholas Soames, he presented me with a bouquet of flowers at my ex-husband's Bosnia war medal ceremony. He was lovely and obviously took the time to find out about us as a family. He knew all of our names and how we had spent previous years. I've got photos to prove our meeting. x

[@user-sl6dt1fh6e]

When we travel, there’s an army of hotel workers that have to change our sheets and clean our bathrooms. So maybe leave a nice tip. 🙂

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

Why do you feel you should ?? Do you recon you won't be believed.??

[@sr8377]

Always love your videos and the way you speak - it is infectious. 😁 Just one item on Charles being angry/or was it enraged regarding Diana and hewitt after their time at Highgrove. It seems Diana most always seem to have the boys with her when she was with hewitt (except when she visited him at his mother's home). At least Charles did not seem to involve Camilla with the boys when he was seeing her. I've heard Diana did that with other lovers also. There is a difference - involving your children and not. Glad you are better!!

[@abbatrouble]

The boys already knew about her many many affairs because their classmates at school teased them about her trashy behavior. Everyone in their circle knew what she was.

[@sleepyfox-mn4rd]

Aaaackkkkk!! Didn’t need that vision in my head🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@jacquiquarterman4795]

Yes, especially about the "sheets" in the Blue Room. Too much information! No wonder the book had been banned.

[@carmelcritchley3037]

These are my favourite times, Shauna, listening to your book interpretations, I feel you have an intuitive grasp on the various situations & your delivery is priceless. So sorry to learn you’ve been unwell. I hope all is fine now. 👏👏💕

[@spiritofanu3112]

So good to have you back. We missed you! Glad you are feeling better. Loved these chapters! The image of Charles and the Queen sitting on the terrace at High Grove wearing their sunglasses, nibbling cucumber sandwiches and Victoria sponge cake chatting away is one I will keep forever.

[@thevocalcrone]

Seriously the more we learn about Diana the more narcissistic and actually abusive she sounds. The duplicity where she will have a b/f and be angry at Charles for having one is a prime example of this. it translates to "I don't want you - but no one else can have you either " (and by this time she won't have wanted him - she'd have had no respect for him). as a social worker we are talking about the power and control wheel.. manipulation is part of that.

[@lindamarskell6815]

You have probably nailed it with that comment. One of the contributing factors of a narsistic personality is a difficult relationship with your mother and Diana definitely had that with Francis Shand Kydd. I just think both Charles and Diana were people who needed looking after and both needed a partner who could offer security, stability and buckets of love which they both craved .

[@marguerite9605]

Agree

[@sophiamassish7816]

She was. Those that knew her says she was overly dramatic and manipulatuve. She also courted the press incessantly and willfully tried to show Charles up. Guess who she sounds like? BINGO, Markle

[@MadgeGreen]

​@@sophiamassish7816That wasn't a very nice thing to say. Diana was nothing like Markle.

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

​@@MadgeGreenYes she was, just Markel doesn't have the skills Diana had simply because she knew the ropes since her family were aristocratic her great Grand father was Sir Winston Churchill her grandmother and the Queen Mother had been very close friends for many years and it's was known those two were the strongest allies pushing PC to marry Diana. I'll bet they were so disappointed when the marriage fell apart.

[@thesubparty1]

I agree w those that think the issue was Diana carrying on w Hewitt in their home - their children’s home. Charles & Camilla carried on for years & years, but not at Highgrove or KP it seems. Whatever “civilized aristocratic arrangement” they had was likely broken by her carrying on in their own homes, rather than the royal train or some such.

[@missyandsyd123]

I’m pretty certain others have written about how camilla would stay overnight in high grove.

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

@thesubparty 1: And had the audacity to introduce her lovers to her boys how bloody uncouth was that, they were to young to be used as James Hewett was only using her he proved that by writing his book about their affairs. Rachel is going to do the same to Harry but she will add so many lies and fabrications to really bury him as a depraved person and her as a shining light to society, this will be her legisy.

[@abbatrouble]

The problem was that Diana was sleeping with anyone and everyone and not caring if her small children knew while Charles was at least discrete.

[@queenredspecial]

I love that Charles and Camilla love each other so much.

[@kathyevans2968]

Thanks for making me laugh with your humorous asides, voices, accents & takes on the goings on! No wonder why Charles took action to ban the book!

[@BrookieLikesCars]

Glad you're feeling better! This book is so fascinating, thank you for sharing it with us. I hope you're 100% better now! Being sick is no fun 🫶

[@userMelC]

I kept looking for GBB and thought I had missed something. Happy you're back to your cheerful, giggly, wonderful story telling self :) I regret that I fell for the media's portrayal of Camilla, back in the day. She is a strong woman and has endured a lot, because she clearly loves her husband very much without any ulterior motive (like someone else we know and don't like).

[@jackiegould1569]

I love hearing all about this time. Although I live in the UK and do like the monarchy I missed a lot of what happened with Charles and Diana. I worked a 40 hours week from the time I was 17 (1973) and if I wasnt working I was out having fun. No time for news in those days. I had my first child in Jan 1989 and the second Dec 1990 so I was far too busy to pay attention to what was going on in the Royal family at the time. I was in my happy family bubble so all this passed me right by. Glad to catch up with it now tho. A retiree I have time for all sorts of things. Best thing that ever happened to me was reaching 66 retirement age (best not tell the kids/grandkids that tho!!!)

[@laurabailey1054]

I was in university when Charles and Diana separated. They came to visit my university in Canada for its 150th, you could tell the marriage was over by the way she looked at him while he was giving the graduation address to the graduates. She looked at him as if to say “I hope his socks match” and thoroughly bored. That was in 1991, I was still in university when Diana died and stood in line for about an hour to sign the book of condolences on behalf of my mum and me. I have a bankers box filled with the newspapers and magazines from the time of her death.

[@alidabotes6264]

Your secrets safe with us! 😅

[@scrappingranny]

It was ok for her but not for Charles

[@looloo4029]

Very much double standards.

[@lwhelp576]

The problem with Charles is that he got married under false pretenses he was already seeing Camila...so he put Diana through alot of pain. Don't forget she was a young women, a fair bit younger than Charles.

[@user-we6ee9mr8x]

​@lwhelp576, do you think it was HIS choice? Eleven years his junior, uneducated, untravelled, unstable and dumb as a post. Not to mention selfish as a young child. But he was ordered to get on with it, and he did. The marriage was a misery for them both. Charles's heart was always committed to Camilla. Diana carried on with ANYONE.

[@Romdormer]

​@@user-we6ee9mr8xI must say - whether it was her fault or not, she didn't seem to have any long-standing romantic relationships, did she?

[@Mrstigger747]

@@Romdormerso true! None of Diana’s relationships ever worked out. Possibly due to her mental problems???

[@edronc2007]

I love to hear about the then Mrs. Parker-Bowles. I was on her side from day one and your informations confirm what used to be just a gut feeling. What a gem! Thank you and greetings from Germany!

[@stephenluke2347]

THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALOWED TO MARRY WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER AND NOT DELIBERATELY SEPARATED. THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN TODAY.

[@jm162]

Camilla and Charles are a true love story❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@queenredspecial]

Indeed. ❤

[@wendysing9741]

I really enjoyed your review of this book. You're a great story teller. Glad you're better. ❤

[@annbannister1118]

Hope you feel better shauna ⚘️ oh my spike milligan what a hoot ,,my hsband loved him and Peter sellers and Harry secombe ,michael Bentine ,The Goons ,So very funny im sure spike milligans grave stone says , Told you i was ill , 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰

[@evelynharper6346]

It does indeed. Such a funny man 😃

[@thevintageread]

I adored his books too!

[@amybaker1233]

He was one of a few true comics that could make me laugh till my side's ached. He had the same effect on my older brother..........we loved his books too . Glad you're feeling better x

[@charmainepriestman915]

Thank you, Shauna, for a brilliant video I'm so glad you are better ❤

[@wendydownes6475]

🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 that was really good so enjoyed it! Really looking forward to the next one. ❤❤

[@Kitkatbreak3]

I know this may sound silly, but you’re a great comfort to me. I do keep up with the Harry and Meghan stuff. (And I do think a downfall is imminent.) But, sometimes, it all just gets a little too ugly for my taste (no matter which side of the road you’re on). Meanwhile, you offer fun insights into current and classic books, and you do so with good humor and charm. I’m 39, going on 40 this May, and about to embark on a big move from America to Ireland (through citizenship secured through my maternal grandfather) and I love reading the same sort of texts you share with us here. Somehow, I like knowing that, wherever I go, I don’t have to look for trash on the telly. I can always tune into my favorite KZbinrs - and you’re one of them!

[@thevintageread]

What an exciting adventure you are going on! I hope you have a marvellous experience x

[@barbarabarham3011]

Hello I hope you are enjoying being in Ireland in spite of the unwelcoming weather, good luck .

[@puppy1584]

2 chapters…what a treat. 👍🇬🇧

[@barbraluce5706]

Yes, I remember seeing footage of the royal couple dressed in trench coats visiting flooded homes. They seemed quite distant.

[@ritzyroo353]

What about wellies and an umbrella. Just a but if bloody water… Get over it…Australia burns to the ground every year. Don’t see the Royals coming to visit this almost last bastion of the great British empire. ( lots of floods too I may add. Bloody great floods)

[@Romdormer]

​@@ritzyroo353Good point!

[@claireizzard8953]

You do make me giggle. Love your enthusiasm.

[@erinobrien8793]

Glad you are feeling better Shauna. Keep taking it easy as you recover.

[@beverleightodd5710]

Just a thought Shauna, there is a book out called "Do lets have another Drink" by Gareth Russell its 101 anecdotes about the Queen Mother you might like it, there are some funny and heartwarming stories in it.

[@starrycrown]

I bet Charles was not taking his prescription pain relievers but relying on herbs, etc! I would want the strong stuff for a badly broken bone, wouldn’t you?!

[@user-we6ee9mr8x]

Which is why half the world is profoundly addicted

[@laurabailey1054]

@@user-we6ee9mr8x I have been on prescription pain meds since I was hit by a car 8 years ago. I am not addicted at all and can go a few days without taking them. If you are truly in pain you do not become addicted and that has been scientifically proven.

[@Mrstigger747]

I have had to fight against many physicians because they were pissed that I cannot take narcotics! One tried to give them to me DESPITE being told that I am VERY allergic! When I shattered my arm, my daughter took responsibility to watch me so I didn’t go into anaphylactic shock 🫢. Now that Canada has different rules, I am allowed to take my thc in the hospital and am monitored by an addictions specialist (who it turns out is related to someone I went to school with, omg, I’m old 😅) Properly prescribed cannabis and CBD have been my lifesaver during the last few years!

[@alidabotes6264]

Without a doubt!

[@Andrea-Marie]

I have rarely experienced such a humorous book review. Thank you very much, indeed, and greetings from Austria.

[@YokohamaSapphire]

Yesterday's offering was a revelation. Your research is fantastic as is the way you join the dots. You offer amazing content on this topic where others are happy to regurgitate months, even years old stories. With you I continue to learn and have my eyes opened. Bravo, Shauna!! We should invent an award for you! A Sussie or a Duchie or a Harkle or something. We'll work on that.❤❤❤

[@samanthawatmough6119]

Your impersonation of Prince Phillip made me laugh, but as a boy i think he was too hard on him as Charles was very sensitive child,. I think we all know that Charles only ever loved Camilla, so im glad Diana had some happiness with James. Prince Harry must know this

[@lt_nugget]

Thank you for introducing me to this book! I absolutely devoured it. It was so good!!! ~Hugs

[@marianabryce7250]

Thank you ❤️ I thoroughly enjoyed this reading 🤗 look forward to the next 👍😘🥰

[@HellBelle666]

Born & bred in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧, but cannot remember those floods 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I am up the Valleys, where we have mountains everywhere, so floods are not a thing here! 🤷🏼‍♀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@sophierosebisou8420]

So happy to have you back, smiling, healthy and snarky!

[@KAJAMAJA122]

I’m older that Charles and well remember Phillip stating that Charles needed to toughen up and stop being so childish and sooky . Phillip didn’t get along very well with the queen’s mother who used to pamper to Charles and support his weaknesses . Something Phillip had difficulties with as he believed Charles was not manly or tough enough . I believe that’s when Mountbatten was brought on the scene to try and get Charles away from the grandmother’s apron strings and be the strong male role model he believed the child needed ( something Charles would not accept from Phillip for some reason ) .

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

Well, we have Mountbatten to thank for convincing Charles that Camilla wasn't a suitable fit for a wife. It was in some documentary I think.

[@sue9678]

Glad you are better, x

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

Love the way you bring your stories to life! Loved the head movement when imitating Prince Philip. What a hoot!

[@jgibbs651]

Easy to understand the anger - she was sleeping with Hewitt in the marital home with the boys in the house. The visit to Wales in 1990 - the body language between the two was terrible. At one point Charles went to put a hand under Diana's elbow to steady her and she shook him off like an angry cat.

[@Wildflowers516]

Thank you Shauna …..

[@silva7493]

You look really great! I hope you're feeling as well as you look. This book is SO good!!!!! Or at least your reporting of it is.

[@gerrymarmee3054]

Sadly, Charles and Camilla probably should have married in the first place. Things would have been so much better.

[@jessiemacgregor1357]

As the saoying goes(what ever will be, will be) Camilla was married to Charles friend and had two children, that's why he had to look somewhere ilse. In their teens they were all friends Andrew Parker-Bowels Princess Ann, Camilla & Prince Charles. May I say they still are close friends Andrew Parker-Bowels was having affairs and married his last lover as soon as their divorce was complet or so I believe that to be a fact. Before Camilla reignited her afair with PC.

[@alidabotes6264]

Yes, H would not exist!

[@LynneHancox]

It was Charles who walked away from camilla, she was in love with Parker bowles, Charles just a side distraction, he went off into the navy, Camilla married and had her children, they didn't rekindle their relationship until 1986.

[@marleneclough3173]

@@LynneHancox Charles was sent away to break the friendship if I remember. The Queen Mother was totally anti Camilla even before she married they met very early on

[@LynneHancox]

@@marleneclough3173 Charles had to do his armed forces stint, like all the other royal men. He went to serve in the navy. Camilla married the man she wanted, Parker bowles. She only used Charles to make PB jealous. Her father got teed off with his indecision and HE put an engagement notice in the paper to force his hand.

[@itsmesam1967]

Good to see you back on duty. I've had to play re-runs to get my Shauna fix lol.

[@irenepeter-lyons350]

If you're over the age of 50 and from Northwest England, anytime you hear the name Greenall, you start singing 'I wish I was in Greenall Whitley land! Where beer is cool and hearts are warm.'

[@colleenluiz3678]

I loved Michael Jackson also. He said that he and Diana were friends that they would talk on the phone late at night. He said they talked about everything with each other

[@JFra127]

Diana and Michael both fell victim to Martin Bashir. His fraudulent ( likely criminal ) behaviour maniupulated Diana to believe that people very close to her were betraying her. People have also attacked his interview with Michael. Bishop has a lot to answer for.

[@nanettefabrefan4171]

⁠​⁠@@JFra127 MJ really admired Diana charity work. Bashir showed MJ a letter supposedly to Bashir , from Diana praising his journalistic standards , and so he trusted him.. Of course he did an incredible hit piece , that allowed , the media , and the SB D.A. To “investigate “ ended up snowballing into a show trial , that pretty much destroyed his life . Even though he was cleared of every count , Bashir was brought in to testify and hid behind his lawyer and used the Ca shield law to refuse to answer questions about faking those invoices for Diana , and forging Jackson name on a release of the piece . Then he was rewarded with an anchor job with ABC I can’t believe it took almost 20 years , for His deceptive practices finally were acknowledged . Very sad

[@elizabethskolnick7753]

I'm so glad you're better! Jessie was wonderful & she was unfortunately right about the boys. Even now Diana is acting out everything she feels so if it gets worse, & we know it does, about Wl. she must have been a proper masterpiece.

[@CMYT2023]

One of the best episodes 👏👏👏 I think it was this incident that started the 'Charles had a footman/valet/whatever just to squeeze toothpaste onto the toothbrush for him'. He couldn't do it then & had to get some help.

[@abbatrouble]

Diana tole the story often but failed to mention the broken arm just to hurt him.

[@libbycampion7290]

I laughed and laughed with you! Hilarious! Absolute love these chapters - a real treasure!

[@daleannharsh8295]

Found videos and news reports of a visit the two made to Carmarthen after the flooding in October '87. The news reader said they would be 'going their separate ways' after as Diana stayed in London and Charles in Scotland.

[@MagicCityGirl]

Glad to see your cheerful face again Shawna! Hope you're fully recovered from the dreaded C and that your family is doing well too. I'm really enjoying this series - such juicy stories! Actually quite shocked to hear the passage about the blue room after James Hewitt's visit. Hard to believe Wendy Berry put that in a book!! I have been meaning to ask if Mary Berry the chef is related to Wendy Berry.

[@sandidueckman1491]

Glad to see you are feeling better. Loving your channel...all of it, from Snarky Snippets to A Gossip Before Bed to book reviews. ❤️

[@nancianne4]

I remember that trip to Wales! In all the coverage the press had a field day with this being the first time the couple had been seen together in 30 days and they were floored that the two arrived and left separately. The pictures from the tour did indeed show the strain on the couple!

[@vermillionbird1352]

Sorry didn’t realised you aren’t feeling great. It’s great news to know that you’re better. Do take care and keep well. All the very best.

[@avissmith8384]

How can you continually row in front of staff like that? They treated them like they did not exist. It is a great read❤ see you Wednesday ❤

[@SuzeQ1122]

Nice Camilla impersonation !😂😂😂😂

[@kyliekynaston1829]

Oh Shauna it really made me happy to see you again. It’s crazy to think that I missed your sprinkles of incredible intelligence and your wicked sense of humour. So glad it was nothing serious. It’s really ironic at this point in the book. I was living in the UK, London during this period (7 years) and it was insane how much of this “Wendy’s story” was played out in “News of the World” and just how accurate it was. They really did affect their misery onto others. In the day I was team Diana (she ate in a hotel I worked in) but as you age you know there’s never such thing as a one sided story with 2 people acting the same (affairs) and making each other miserable for the affairs. I lived near Westminster Abbey and you really take me back to that time ♥️ thank you for the bonus round

[@irenestark5962]

You have to love the nannies. Real jewels

[@heathergrainger4718]

Really enjoying this book. Thanks.

[@DelaniaAndTheDogs]

Oh goodness. I was afraid there would be mention of bedsheets. 😂

[@thevintageread]

😂💗