EP9: "Oh YUK You STINK Of Curry! The Housekeeper's Diary Book Chat

Welcome to The Vintage Read Show!
My name is Shauna and I upload 3/4 times a week, so make sure you subscribe and hit the notify bell to ensure you don't miss any.
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Weekly there is A Snarky Snippet, in-depth book reviews, Premieres with live chat, and well-researched opinion pieces on current Royal events.
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Shauna x The review of Chapter 10 of The Housekeeper's Diary by Wendy Berry illustrates the strain the staff close to Prince Charles and Princess Diana were under!
We get an insight into the positive effect that the arrival of Ken Wharfe had and the cozy nights Diana would have with Prince William and Prince Harry snuggling in front of the television.
Prince Charles headed back to Klosters for a skiing holiday which upset everybody very much as it was only one year after the tragic accident that took Hugh Lindsey's life.
There were new editions to the family too as "Tigger" had pups!
A fascinating insight into what life was really like at Highgrove.
#thehousekeepersdiary #royalfamily #princecharles #princessdiana
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[@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 is: paypal.me/TheVintageReadShow Thanks for watching!

[@avissmith8384]

Loved the read Shauna, thanks❤

[@ytcomms3945]

Paul Barrow later divorced and married a guy. He did not discuss with Diana that he was gay but he said that she probably was aware of that. Flower arrangements, decorations for parties, fashion advice and so on.

[@Me_Missy]

How nice is it that you have created a playlist, especially since I noticed that my hubby secretly turns down the volume of his sports and podcasts (bit by bit for me to hopefully not notice) when I listen to you 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 soooo, I rewatch from where I know hubby last heard 😂

[@AnonYmous-lm3uv]

I liked Princess Diana, but I never thought she's a saint. She made mistakes, just like any other human being. It seems that everyone forgot about the fact that back in 1997, Diana's reputation and popularity were quite low. The people were criticising her behaviour. I remember that when she was photographed flirting with Dodi, while her kids were on the same yacht, it was not seen as mesmerising as it's seen now, by her fans. Yet, I liked her, I liked her style, her laugh. The sugars are trying now to depict her as a saint who protects Meghan. I think that's despicable. Probably even Diana would find that despicable, if she'd still be alive. I'm pretty sure she'd like to be remembered for what she was, sometimes sweet, sometimes naughty. I respect King Charles and I think it's unfair to blame only him for the broken marriage.

[@chenoamoten5296]

​@@michellej7539that was proven a lie

[@manuelajager8517]

I also see it like that.

[@manuelajager8517]

​@@michellej7539You are full of BS.

[@meno1else]

​​@michellej7539 Please come forward with DNA. IF, if this is true, you either outed information that should NOT be public. Or this man has not brought the facts and proof of them forward. I've heard these claims. Well, where are the Harkles? Harry wants to pull down the monarchy. Have Harry offer up DNA for a cross match. Or some relative of Camilla. I've had DNA done, it can be very interesting, will show even the most distant cousins, I mean really distant relationships. So until these are brought forward I will be very suspicious. And if it's true, how even more that Charles and Camilla's love survived to become a happy ever after ending.

[@thevocalcrone]

​@@michellej7539that's proven as rubbish.

[@Nikkers8]

Harry's portrayal of his father fits in with what the media was reporting, rather than his real memories. He knows how to hurt his family- which cuts will be the deepest. Fortunately, we can all see, despite mistakes made, Charles was an affectionate and loving parent.

[@lynnetteross995]

Interestingly, in later years, Diana spoke several times indicating that Charles was a loving and caring father to his sons.

[@trinamcgarvey-vw7ke]

Diana’s reaction reminds me of how Harry talks. He doesn’t care about anyone else’s feelings.

[@cathyriker2505]

When I was 14 my mom married my step father an ENT surgeon. We moved in with him that summer and so I had a lot of time to kill and no friends around in our new home. Tom, my stepdad introduced me to his library. His dad was British and married an American woman and raised Tom in Ohio. Anyway, Tom had a marvelous collection of books on the Royals and I got hooked! Two years later, we discovered his cousin in Britain had become a coveted royal photographer. His name is Arthur Edwards! Just to complete the time line, I will be 63 next month. I have Arthur’s books too. He seems to be a lovely man as was Tom. 😊

[@Jadechop]

That is so super cool! I love Anthony Edwards-such a joy to hear him interviewed, so gentle, yet calls it like it is. A lovely gentleman! That must have been a wonderful upbringing! They are a now unseen breed:wise adults

[@cathyriker2505]

@@Jadechop thank you so much! My stepdad had the very same essence!

[@suew000]

I love Arthur Edwards. He is a lovely man.

[@jacquiquarterman4795]

How awesome! I love Arthur Edwards photos of the Royal Family!

[@MsBonnie111]

Arthur Edwards is a very wise observer and a true gentleman. I still watch his interviews because he is such an honest and compassionate broker. He is one of the all time greats.

[@esterbengoa6077]

A family friend who died from anorexia kicked her children from home as she could not put up with their "fat bodies" as they made her sick. Minds can be so destructive.

[@thevintageread]

Oh so sad 💗

[@traceybeagle9934]

😱😱

[@user6c7mxkmg]

Oh dear, Q. Letizia's late sister severely suffered from it since she was a teen. Whe never escaped from it. Terrible

[@esterbengoa6077]

@abb.313 once the brain starts malfunctioning, there is no escape, only coping.

[@mzrando]

How awful, heart goes out to them 💔

[@pamelav4628]

Diana certainly has the wrong approach with Charles, berating, scolding, nagging,. And Charles has a wrong approach to her.

[@abbatrouble]

Charles is an intelligent and educated man and must have been bored to tears trying to carry on a conversation with an airhead.

[@Judith-wb3jl]

Sounds like Diana Markled people just Like Megan.

[@mariabunch3541]

Diana being triggered by the smell is no excuse for her horrible and cruel behavior. That is not how you treat another person regardless of how you are feeling.

[@sahdogwrangler5594]

I was thinking the same thing! It's no excuse, there's much more civil ways to get your point across!

[@peggymaihafer6097]

That was my same thought!!!

[@Horsefeathers30]

I don't think she was making an excuse for it, I think she was trying to understand what triggered that bad behavior

[@mariabunch3541]

@@Horsefeathers30 It seems that “triggered” is often used interchangeably with “caused.“

[@wendieking4184]

⁠@@mariabunch3541astute observation . I couldn’t agree more.

[@puppy1584]

You make having KZbin worth it. It’s like listening to a friend…very enjoyable. Thank you.

[@Fiftynine414]

As one who suffered from bulimia, I can tell you that food does not cause it or trigger it. It’s perceptions of the self that does that; the food is only a vehicle for the emotions. It’s too bad that Diana suffered and it’s even worse that she took out her sufferings on those who were subservient and couldn’t stand up for themselves.

[@deenabeauchamp5290]

Yes , today we refer to that behaviour as a bully. Perhaps Harry was not far off when he told the world Meghan was very much like Diana. Most people, including myself , mocked and resented that comment.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

​@@deenabeauchamp5290 Although everyone says Meghan and Diana are not alike, I keep picking reasons of how there are similarities. Diana wins with her old school aristocratic charm when dealing with the public and her natural affection with children. But if there's definitely a list of similarities us outsiders can spot. I would not be surprised if a certain person keeps a blonde wig in their wardrobe.

[@optimisticgal]

Re the skiing trip and Charles wanted to revisit the location. I have respect for him deciding he needed to face it, whatever time had elapsed. The trauma of losing people there along with his own mortality very much on the line, he must have really had to dig deep to return there. Survivor guilt can also play a part afterwards, difficult times. He probably needed less criticism and more support in that situation. IMO

[@graphiquejack]

I agree. It’s like facing your fears and doing it anyway. I’m not sure I could do the same. That being said, I can understand Diana’s concerns, but she should have been more understanding as to why Charles needed to do this. Sadly she was just too self involved to see past her own feelings… and I guess you could say that about Charles, also

[@happytoday333]

I agree with you. Visiting the place of someone's passing makes it feel like your goodbye is completed, for me.

[@vinachamp8270]

It’s too bad that Diana couldn’t have expressed her deep concerns in a more sympathetic and caring way. Not that it would have changed Charles’ mind, but the toxicity is so damaging to everyone in and around the peripheral

[@catlink8998]

This really illustrates how poorly they communicated and how radically different their natures were. Charles is a deep thinker and understands complexity. He was not able to share this in a way that Diana could understand or appreciate. I suspect neither ever felt heard or appreciated in that marriage.

[@Debs1233]

I absolutely agree with you. It's like falling off a bike, you have to get straight back on. Going back would have laid a lot of demons to rest. And, facing up to it would take a lot of courage.

[@LS-mp7co]

I’ve always thought that Charles needs better PR advisors. He seems to be a loving father and has done so much for the youngsters of the UK. The Prince’s Trust has done fabulous things in his life and I am so happy that he has finally become King. I believe he is going to be very good at the job.

[@brasschick4214]

Fergie please. Totally agree and support your stance of no-one person was to blame.

[@thepunpolice11]

My issue with Diana has always been that she intentionally portrayed herself as a victim. Even though she claimed to be a monarchist her accusations of a cold institution could only reflect badly on the late Queen in addition to Charles. The monarchy is her children's family and legacy. By making Charles unpopular it makes William's reign more difficult and lent credibility to H&M's tale of woe.

[@ErinAbou]

Agreed, I believe her views have colored the way millions view the BRF as an institution and as a family. It gives aid to anti-monarchists and has been damaging to the Commonwealth. I cannot imagine that the smaller, less prosperous nations in the Caribbean or in Africa will be better off without membership in the Commonwealth. I say this even as an American. H&M since have done much damage.

[@Linz2869]

Her son H has many of her traits

[@maryreno8219]

I vote for Sarah's book next. Loving Wendy Barrie's book, wish it were still in print!

[@gillianwallis4720]

Have you tried the second hand bookshops.

[@anitaszymanski3932]

I have a copy that I recently got off of amazon.

[@DoodleMom945]

Yeah Amazon has it. American dollars was $56.00. I found it other places for as much as $300.00 mostly around $100.00

[@helensieben3182]

I’m teem Charles all the way, it was the press that spotted Diana with him and then the press and the public chose her for his bride. He’s so much happier now that he’s with the woman who loves and respects him. 🇨🇦

[@kadym4164]

Thank you for being so compassionate about Diana’s reaction to the supposed odour of curry. As a nurse, I agree with you that the nervous system of these victims/survivors is overstimulated. She would not have had any control over her reactions. I loved Diana but was not blind to her human frailties. That ‘Royal Romance’ was doomed from the start. I believe that Charles should never have been forced into that marriage with the most suitable girl. I feel that Charles has been so much happier and more relaxed in his marriage with Camilla. It is just very sad that their relationship was not acceptable when he was younger. He seems to have gone through so much sadness and suffering in his position as heir to the throne and having to comply with Royal constraints. He had such a wonderful, relaxed and friend-filled time at Geelong Grammar compared to the bullying and partisanship of his school years at Gordonstoun. Even when girls were throwing themselves at him I detected an air of loneliness/solitude about him. Yes, the press wrote stories about him being a lady's man and speculated wildly about who he would marry but to me, he always seemed to be searching for security in a relationship that he never experienced in his own family. He seems to have found that with Camilla and I am happy for him. I have also grown to respect him more as he stepped up to support his mother in her final years and has then taken on his duties as King with gusto and hard work. I am less than a decade younger than him and Camilla and I feel exhausted just watching how hard they both work and keep on working.

[@thevintageread]

I really enjoyed reading your comment, thank you. 😊💗

[@What_I_Think_Happened]

We don't need teams anymore. It was all a long time ago. We can have compassion for everyone involved, especially Prince William, but our opinions can change nothing now.

[@meno1else]

There are so many lovers or haters when it comes to C,C, & D tales. Charles was stuck in a family's expectation and future plans not only for him but for the whole UK. It is true that Charles and Camilla loved each other. There were so many hurdles to jump. But i will not glorify Diana or vilify her either. I mean good God by their own interviews they said they had only been together 13 times, before their engagement! She was 19, he 31! I feel the monarchy really blew it here. Charles was stuck, one foot in the old monarchy world and one in the modern world. And they all had to pay the price for out dated thinking. But throughout it all, with the whole world watching, King Charles and Queen Camilla's love for each other has truly given them their "happy-ever after" ending.

[@nancyjay790]

I vaguely recall something to the effect that the Queen Mother, whom Charles adored, disagreed strongly with the idea of Charles marrying Camilla, partly because she had had lovers in her past, which Elizabeth Bowes Lyon regarded as unacceptable in a Princess of Wales. The Queen also objected, so far as I understand, yet it was the Queen Mother's objection that made him reluctantly decide he couldn't marry Camilla.

[@graphiquejack]

Exactly, Charles was living in the 1980s, but the RF thought it was still the 1880s. A lot changed in the 1960s and 70s… a whole social and sexual revolution. ‘Women with a past’ were not as scandalous as they were even in the 1950s. It sucks that Charles wasn’t able to defy his parents and grandparents out of respect and duty. Obviously Camilla was the right woman for him. Diana may have looked good on paper, young, pretty, virginal, seemingly shy and submissive… well, how did that work out for them?

[@happytoday333]

I saw a clip of Harry saying something vile like men marry a type of woman instead of for love like he did...(without knowing how his relationship will last)...and at the same time vilified his father who couldn't marry Camilla because of stupid yesteryear rules.

[@toronto4640]

@@nancyjay790The Queen mother was very good friends with Diana’s grandmother, Baroness Fermoy and it was the two of them who decided Diana would be the right choice for Prince Charles.

[@nancyjay790]

@@toronto4640 I guess my point was about the Charles and Camilla romance, which so far as I know grew and briefly blossomed the first time long before there was any thought of Diana. Charles went out with a number of women after that first connection with Camilla was snuffed (kinda), including Diana's sister. (We never hear about her nowadays.) I don't believe that this marriage was considered as early as when Charles was first in love with Camilla, but maybe I'm mistaken. I thought the Queen Mother's objection was just because Camilla wasn't a dainty and virginal young woman, not because of plans to connect Charles with someone else, at least at that point.

[@nancyjay790]

About the hunting thing. When I was in university in Texas, a friend of mine and her boyfriend kept trying to set me up with one of the boyfriend's friends, and both guys liked hunting, so they asked me to join them for a deer hunting trip. I looked at each of them one by one, then said, "If you think that I will be shuddering in a tent while you two go off Bambi blasting before bringing back something you'd expect me to prepare and cook, you're crazy." Bambi blasting became a phrase among our friends, and this was before mobile phones (I am too ancient).

[@user-vj8it1qk5w]

Haha. Hi from NZ. Had a similar experience when ex went out duckshooting. Came back with a car-boot full of dead ducks. I told him that part of the killing was to pluck and gut them ready for 'the cook' Needless to say, nothing ever got done with them!

[@marywest2896]

yes to the next book by Sarah. I thought it was cruel the press calling her duchess of pork...today those same people would be cancelled.

[@katemyer1955]

Yes!! Definitely Fergie, please.

[@galeocean4182]

Shauna, my vote for next book is the Fergie book. I don’t know much about her, and since she has come back into some family events I’d like to know more about her and the family dynamics. This book by the housekeeper has been eye opening- thank you! …… bye!

[@thevocalcrone]

Ugh if she does that book I'll be back when it's all over

[@galeocean4182]

I think Shauna could make the Sydney phone book interesting. ☺Do you dislike Fergie?@@thevocalcrone

[@lizzybit9855]

If only judgements could be put on a shelf like the books..and everyone just enjoy the ride.

[@thevocalcrone]

@@lizzybit9855 judgement is discernment. if we don't discern how to use our time .. for example.. we just waste it. Life is short. i can think of better things to do than listen to a story written by a pretentious duplicitious snob about her life, the woman may have had a few life challenges, but by comparison to the average joe.. she's led the life of Reilly and if there is a person who is a parasite on the family that would be Fergie.. living with her ex for the last decades.. and the RF tolerates it .. *sigh*

[@fibanocci314]

@thevocalcrone While I am voting for the Fergie book because I don't know much about her, you are right that you shouldn't feel obligated to watch something you're uninterested in just because others are.

[@msladybugbubbles]

My mom is 86 and to this day… reprimands Charles and doesn’t like Camilla. I always felt there was more to the story and avoided sharing so with my mom. 🤭

[@avm9647]

In Charles’ way I think he probably wanted to pay respects at the scene of the accident . Some people wouldn’t get that

[@StStStS]

It is covered in Dimbleby’s biography of Charles, yes. He was for facing things. Diana was for having places she could no longer go to because of the memories there. The world becomes smaller and smaller if you take that approach.

[@NiniM8154]

I agree. It can help provide closure to face sites of great trauma. It is similar to the descansos left at roadside scenes of traffic deaths.

[@kittyg2718]

Without doubt Sarah was very lonely, she had a husband who served in the Navy and was left alone for very long periods, this caused her to do many things I am sure she regrets and back then I am sure Sarah was not offered anywhere near the same support that Harry's wife was offered, remember Sarah's time within the Royal family was in the later part of the 80's it was a different time

[@MarleneClough]

6:10 Exactly! I believe he had leave from the Navy only about once a year. He loved the Navy and his life there😊

[@kittyg2718]

Yes that is correct Marlene and back then it was a different Navy a different Armed Forces with often but not always much longer deployments, also remember back then there was no mobile telephones, so letters were the communication, so a lonely life was common@@MarleneClough

[@glassini]

Oh please...Fergie is unethical. Immoral and unethical. So is Andrew. The excuses you women make for yourselves. I was lonely, his wife is awful, I couldn't help myself, Fergie and Andrew have repeatedly been immoral and unethical and never coped their own shit tp this day.

[@Debs1233]

@@kittyg2718 My brother in law's mother did social work for the navy back in the 1960's. He would go with her sometimes on her visits, he recalled times when she literally had to pull the wives heads out of the gas oven. Their husbands were away sometimes for years.

[@michelletan8152]

My husband was worked offshore and he worked three months at the time and came back for three weeks for many of years. I was very lonely and we were living in a place that we do not know anyone. I had to busy myself with knitting to kept myself occupied.besides the housework. When I had our baby, he had to flew back to UK because his beloved brother had passed away left me in the hospital on my second day of childbirth, I had caesarean because of complications. People make excuses for what they did to their bodies by blaming on something happened to them instead of self control. I never stuffed myself with food because of the situation.i still maintain my weight reasonably slim at the age of sixty now.

[@user-zb9gi4wn7v]

It’s strange how people don’t recognise an objective opinion these days, must be just those of us of a certain age that possess this talent, life was so much easier when you didn’t have to love or hate everything. Thank you again for your brilliant videos, love them.

[@purpurina5663]

I wonder if it is because politics have become so pervasive, to the point that almost all topics have a political undertone ascribed to them -where politics is a new morality. Diana = good, feminist, liberal; Charles = bad, male, conservative. And so on.

[@lizzybit9855]

Instead of being respectful and listening to a “different” opinion, everyone thinks you HAVE to agree with them!!! My goodness, what have we become? It’s a worldwide problem. We’d be much smarter if we would stop, look and listen with open hearts and open minds.

[@fibanocci314]

It's this weird perception among the younger generation (mine, actually) that not only are you fully evil for holding a different opinion, you're evil for even hearing someone with the opposite opinion out sometimes. It's bizarre. I think it MUST have something to do with having the internet at a young enough age, based on where we see the worst of the divide, but I don't know how.

[@deenabeauchamp5290]

This is a BRILLIANT COMMENT . I agree. I was born 71 to a very young girl of 16 and father 18 practicing the new found sexual revolution. 🤣🤣. Remained together 38 years. I was raised to have freedom of expression and self. I was harshly punished and disciplined at home, school and from others parents …. If warranted. I was raised to respect elders, people Of authority, myself , animals, peoples belongings /property and fellow humans alike. Takes a village to raise a child. Older generations knew what that entailed. I MISS THE GOOD OLD DAYS 😃😃

[@ValeriaPugliesiWashington]

It's interesting to see that after becoming a father himself, Harry decided to go along with the tale of his father's coldness (that Wendy Berry tells it was fake and she didn't have a reason to lie). At the same time, Harry seems to be colder and more distant from his own children that are never out with their dad.🤦🏻‍♀️

[@LC_from_MO]

He’s playing every victim card imaginable, even with photographic evidence to the contrary.

[@jgibbs651]

Don't write off Sarah's input - don't forget that before she married Andrew she worked in publishing. I met both Diana and Sarah in the late 1980s-very early 1990s and Sarah was by far the nicer of the two. Diana was always very "knowing" whereas Sarah was like a lost child.

[@ErinAbou]

I have always believed that Sarah is the more down to earth woman between her and Diana. I have assumed because Diana was essentially raised to marry an aristocrat or a member of the royal family that she was perhaps less likely to seem genuinely friendly. Though I do believe both are/were genuinely warmhearted on the inside.

[@mbd6054]

Sarah's "niceness" was turned on and off like a tap. She didn't waste it on staff, which was the real measure of her true personality.

[@orcharddweller1109]

Magpies kill songbirds and game bird chicks. That is why they are sometimes trapped. Its not that they might atrack humans.

[@esterbengoa6077]

There are no teams, just opinions about human behaviour.

[@thevintageread]

There are in the comments! 😂💗

[@esterbengoa6077]

@@thevintageread silly people 🙄 😜 🤣

[@user-ny3uq6ei7e]

Tigger and Roo are characters in winning the pooh. So no it's not a connection to Kanga , the person you're referring to

[@lindag9975]

Charles and Diana were 2 imperfect people in a difficult situation. They tried but couldn't make it work.

[@sharonozvenom]

Diana must have gotten over her curry phobia by the time she was seeing Hasnat 😂. Please cover Sarah’s book next. I can’t wait to hear what that annoying Fergie has to say.

[@thevintageread]

😂💗 I’ll do a poll on the community page as well!

[@graphiquejack]

I agree… Sarah’s book will be more juicy. We’ve all heard about Diana ad nauseam. Considering the weirdness of the York marriage, that book should be interesting. Wonder if she brings up flights to an island before it was widely known what was going on there…

[@ErinAbou]

I was thinking the same, re: Hasnat Khan. Here she was complaining about curry odors, yet she wanted to marry a Pakistani doctor and went to visit his family after the divorce. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@catlover4700]

I thought the same thing. She traveled to Pakistan to meet his family. She must have smelled curry in the country , I smelled it when I visited Pakistan.

[@carolynhague7199]

Magpies peck out lambs eyes...that'll bé why. I'm veggie for 54 years now...thé thing that is thé most cruel IS dairy and veal😢

[@ginathomas7813]

13.07 proves that Diana never understood "processing your grief" which may be why her little boy doesn't know how to process emotional pain.

[@ileana8360]

It for sure wasn´t Diana´s fault alone, there are aleays two in a marriage, bit I do think that she did leak and/or made stories up about Charles to hurt him when she herself was or felt hurt. And Harry fell for her propaganda. Diana herself treated her sons differently and Harry grew up believing everythig she says and finding everything about her perfect in order to convince her that he is as good, lovable and worthy of her attention and affection as William. The seed was planted in this period of his childhood.

[@scottishpensioner2447]

I remember Harry being a brat as a child. It was passed off as'cheeky', but really he was verging on violent. I've seen a lot of 3 year old boys like that since then , and if they are not disciplined the outcome is seldom good. Harry was spoiled and allowed to think he could get away with anything.

[@looloo4029]

@@scottishpensioner2447you are absolutely correct! I remember a lot of photos and video coming out, showing P. Henry’s unacceptable behaviour and it being called ‘cute’. He was nothing but a brat.

[@ileana8360]

I do remember the videos of him being a brat as well. And tbh I do think that this is much more Diana´s fault than Charles´ as I do not think that his kind of narcissism calls for spoiling children. But the facade management would likely want to pass it as cheeky. I remember as well Williams facial expression and behaviour when Harry was acting out. He really cared for his little brother and stepped back when Harry was "needy" and demanding attention from his parents. Sometimes he tried to keep him in check. However, Harry twisted many of these occurrences to establish "his truth" in his own mind. We all do this to some extend, but he was malicious.

[@GMLGMD]

Let's be frank: Diana DID have a mental illness - a very serious one. Borderline personality disorder - which wreaks havoc on it's patient and the patient's family.

[@murielread8247]

Why do you say that? She had bulimia often found in COA children of alcoholism...needs are never met...she was a traumatized child she was a victim and took responsibility for her behaviours...

[@GMLGMD]

@@murielread8247 With all due respect, Diana likely had borderline personality disorder. This is a serious, difficult to treat brain disorder that can be very destructive ... not only to the patient, but to their family members. I have a lot of experience with it, as I've had two family members with the illness. It presents with an irrationally low self esteem, low impulse control, very dysregulated emotions, depression and anxiety, inexplicable rages, and sometimes addictions. It also often presents with other disorders - such as bulimia (as Diana had), OCD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. It traumatizes not only the patient, but the patient's family even more. I have the emotional scars to prove it. I loved Princess Diana when she first came on the scene in the early 1980's. I also hated it when, in the mid-80's, I was already reading that the employees working in the palace thought Diana was "mad". I didn't want that to be the case, especially since Diana was so beautiful and also had a genuine empathetic side. I just didn't want the royal fairy tale to end. But then I started to experience my own terror and trauma at the hands of my own brain disordered family members ... and now I know exactly what Charles went through. It's very painful to be around, because it is irrational and psychotic behavior ... and no one knows about the depth of this pain more than those who have actually had to face it. Once I had experienced the excruciating struggle dealing with this disorder, I developed tremendous empathy for Charles. And like a gentleman, he has never spoken publicly about Diana's mental issues - despite his own suffering.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

​@@GMLGMD I'm very sorry for terrible experience you've had and hope life improves for you. Would you say it's possible Harry could have a similar disorder ? I could tell he was off his head on drugs years before Meghan arrived after seeing him acting crazy in the VIP stand at the Invictus Games. It must have been uncomfortable for the people around him that day.

[@GMLGMD]

@@flowerjpotter1629 Thank you for the kind words. Yes ... I don't know that Harry's a borderline (although it's certainly possible) ... but he most definitely has some form of dysregulated emotions. I think he suffers from depression and possibly anxiety. I think he was a more emotional child from birth (based upon articles and photos of his behavior), and the death of his mother really traumatized him. There is a story of William later telling Harry that he felt he should get professional help (obviously with his inner demons). That tells us a lot about Harry. And when people have emotional demons, they can distort reality ... unintentionally, but nevertheless, they can see negativity in things that others don't. It's painful for all involved. And you're not wrong in your analysis of him!

[@newtexan1]

Look up pictures of Diana when she was really thin. My goodness! I had forgotten how incredibly THIN she has gotten. She was clearly ill.

[@Brightangel55]

I love our Australian magpies. They're so friendly and intelligent. Love it in the warm weather when I'm mowing the grass or gardening as they walk around with me friendly as can be clearing up the snails and caterpillars. The best thing is, they chase away the flocks of destructive, screeching cockatoos that abound each Summer. Thanks maggies ! Tbh I've had enough of Diana for a lifetime. Fergie ok....but...feel free to do a Camilla book....now there would be an interesting point of view.

[@desleighfisher980]

Oh yes Magpies are wonderful. I love how their ginornous babies stomp about screeching raucously to be fed, then mature into a glossy adult with the voice of an angel.

[@fibanocci314]

Ooh, Camilla. There's a good idea.

[@createinspain]

I'm not for either team but they should never have married in the first place. I'm sorry to say I blame the family pressure for an heir and spare for that.

[@pamelacox540]

And family snobbery that the woman Charles loved wasn’t suitable.

[@createinspain]

@@pamelacox540 The double standard of virgin bride...

[@purpurina5663]

@@pamelacox540although I agree, I understand Camilla didn't really want to marry Charles at the time as she was head over heels for Andrew PB. That is, Charles wouldn't have had much to pressure his parents with. But maybe I have this wrong.

[@pamelacox540]

@@purpurina5663 I think Camila saw that realistically she wasn’t aristocratic enough to marry a prince.

[@abbatrouble]

Camilla's mother told her that Charles would never be able to marry her and that she should look for another suitable person.@@pamelacox540

[@PS_testing321...]

I love that you are sharing this book. It feels like the only true source we how on how it really was. Morton's book was just from Diana's perspective and Dimbleby was all Charles' perspective. It is good to hear another perspective. There are many views. I also love your displays and that you change them for every video. That must be a lot of work, but I notice!

[@sheilabing9588]

I agree with you regarding Ken Wharfe. He was the voice of reason during the turbulent marriage and after.

[@derek.....]

Charles was writing a letter with a fountain pen when he shouts out “bloody thing is leaking everywhere and ruining everything!” Camilla hears him and asks “do you want a spare?” Charles mumbles “NO! that’s who I’m talking about!”

[@Geeparis]

Corny but .... ok funny😅

[@venicawood3894]

This stupid joke's been around. Old and boring.

[@meno1else]

Really!? The man just lost his mum. Is grieving, not only inside, but has to keep it together in world eyes watching him. It was the pen, but it could of been a number of anything that just broke his nerves and he snapped. How many people do we know "PERSONALLY" who could keep it together.

[@pauletteowen648]

​@venicawood3894 Agreed. It is now boring 🥱

[@pauletteowen648]

​@@meno1elseAgree with you 👍

[@sahdogwrangler5594]

Has anyone ever heard the story, whilst attending some sort of public event, Diana & Fergie got quite silly poking people in the butt with umbrellas? I dont know where I read it, it was a long time ago. They sounded like unruly school girls. I remember thinking it was hilarious at the time.

[@scottishpensioner2447]

I remember the photos, it was at a horse race. Not sure if it was Ascot.

[@bridgetmclaughlin6198]

I remember the photo in the paper of them poking a man on his behind with their umbrella. Can’t remember the occasion. Maybe Ascot.

[@abbatrouble]

Neither Diana or Fergie had any class. Diana, like Harry, never outgrew being a silly teenager.

[@margaretmckee7710]

"There is no villan in this" good comment I like that

[@artemisjuno]

Magpies in the UK are a pest in that their great numbers are responsible in part for the disappearance of many songbirds for a variety of reasons.

[@scottishpensioner2447]

I am loving your channel ❤ You are a gifted storyteller. And I like how you look at the Royals as real people. I was living in London when Charles and Diana got engaged and I thought it was a terrible idea. Even though I was young at the time, I could see it was going to be a disaster. I tried to leave London on the wedding day, but got stuck at a railway junction because all the train drivers were watching the wedding on TV 😂. So me and my boyfriend spent the wedding of the century alone on a deserted station platform.

[@carolyngenc5329]

You're a hoot. Love your channel. Witty and sophisticated.

[@thevintageread]

I appreciate that

[@markx1]

Hi Shauna. I don't know if anyone else has already pointed this out, but Australian magpies (Artamidae) are not related to European magpies (Corvid). I've seen the wonderful Australian magpies on KZbin, and although they look similar, their personalities are quite different. Magpies in California do not sing, they screech and eat carrion. I'm not at all trying to justify killing Magpies or any harmless creatures; I'm just sharing trivia.

[@Nana_InCanada]

Same in Alberta Canada, the magpies here are intrusive to other nests, eat garbage and I've even seen them eat my dog's poo! Truly disgusting!

[@baz7055]

I’m from Alberta too . One day on my deck I witnessed a magpie dive into a nest in a tree and grabbed a baby dove, landed in front of me on the deck and ate the babies head off. This happened in about half a min. Tho in front of me I couldn’t respond fast enough. Dove parents cried for 2 or 3 days for their lost baby. Must have been only one in nest. Magpies here are very mean to our lovely song birds.

[@fibanocci314]

@baz7055 That's a horrible thing to see and so sorry for the poor doves!

[@Penny-bt4gc]

I’m from Alberta as well. When i lived in the city the whole family of magpies would come and raid my bird feeders and antagonize my cat and dogs. They are beautiful birds but can be a nuisance.

[@leslieacoca5876]

Also, BPD folks often form alliances with people they perceive to be less powerful (servants etc.) , demand great loyalty and affection from them, and yet drop those alliances in a flash when they are no longer needed as attention sources, or when a better source of adoration comes along. Just like the book recounts. "Walking on eggshells" is the textbook response to living with BPD.

[@Mej_Javiky]

I love, and listen to your channel, BECAUSE you are so honest with your thoughts and comments, without spin or some sort of propaganda or agenda. I do not understand anyone negatively critiquing your comments. You are so fair and balanced, AND informed. Your observations and conclusions mostly mirror my own: No one is perfect, it is not good vs bad, we all have our good days and bad. I so appreciate your content, from the books to review to the way you present the topics you discuss. Even though we are a world apart, it is comforting to know that people can be very similar in thoughts, situations, and points of view.

[@shelleysykes5317]

Like Tigger, Roo is a Winnie the Pooh character. Maybe that's it?

[@ritzyroo353]

I love this channel. Storytelling is a lost Art. Way back in the day when I would go to Ireland my grandparents would at the end of the day before bed do the storytelling. In the North and the Republic. We were a nation of poets storytellers and scholars. Now I live in Australia and I laugh when ppl mention the bush telegraph. Ps I'm in my 40’s not that old.

[@maryjohnson9474]

Fergie book next! The Fergie book would be a palette cleaner I would like to find out what Fergie is about

[@brendastajkowski502]

I do so like your book episodes. You have a lovely voice and you throw in just enough spice to make us want more!

[@ktkclipper]

Ahhh jamember the days BEFORE H & M …….Good Times ❤

[@tinekebak7142]

I'd love both Sarah's and Ken's books😊 Selfishly, having read the Ken Warfe book, I'm voting for Sarah's 👍

[@familycompactthegrange7014]

Australian magpies are a bit different from the ones in the UK who are disliked for eating eggs and baby birds.

[@thevintageread]

Oh! Interesting

[@margaretmckee7710]

I used to be upset that my dad snarled at them and shooed them out of the garden because i thought they were beautiful but he used to say "they eat baby birds"

[@alicemilne1444]

​@thevintageread They're an unrelated species, or actually a genus of their own. British people arriving in Australia just called them magpies because of their colouring. European magpies are related to crows and ravens.

[@AK20741]

​@@margaretmckee7710 However, they do have the most beautiful song ❤

[@margaretmckee7710]

@@AK20741 ah do they ... didn't know that

[@sherryellis4214]

I really don't care to here about Fergie. I can see how she thought she was uppity because she was in the Royal Family.

[@sleepyfox-mn4rd]

Love every minute with you and laugh till my cheeks cramp. I enjoy your own personal stories too.

[@jmfs8738]

I don’t have anything good to say about Fergie. Anything but her!

[@JennyRobertson-nt2rj]

Someone after my heart. I follow a plant based diet with a bit of dairy

[@sallierose3933]

Could Roo be the name of a Winnie the Pooh character as is Tigger, not necessarily a romantic attachment.

[@pollyparrot9447]

Yes, the most obvious connection to make.

[@geefull]

Thanks Shauna, perhaps all the related dog names are more likely to be linked to Winnie the Pooh'

[@DutchJoan]

Sarah, Duchess of York first, if you please 😁. Since she's relevant at the moment and there's no rush to delve into Diana, imho ☺️. As a child, fed by Disney movies, I dreamt of being swept away by a prince and living in a palace. Or at the very least a large mansion. But behind every door life happens. Riches and status aren't guarantees for happiness. They can alleviate difficulties and bring dreams closer, but no guarantees. Whatever I think of Charles as a person, I'm glad he's found happiness with Camilla.

[@browneyedgirl2200]

Sip!!!! Enjoying this so much. My book finally arrived. Listening to your coverage is much more fun than actually reading it myself. 😂

[@mariaarcher1686]

Australian magpies are different to European(Eurasian) ones. The swallows & songbirds in my garden lost all their chicks this year due to a magpie family - not going into detail about how I know it was the maggies cos its unpleasant. I'd still never trap & kill them. I trust nature to create balance.

[@janetbowersox83]

Yes it does make one to walk on eggshells. It is unfortunate, and it takes time and self introspection to see through people who use and then dismiss others.

[@justthreegoldens]

I love the book and I found it. I never cared for Sarah F. she is just a bit rough in her delivery, but I really respect her for the mother she has been to her daughters. They seem to be lovely women.

[@jackiegould1569]

Another great review. One thing I didnt realise was that bulimia was so complicated. I thought it was just making yourself sick because you thought you were too fat. I didnt realise that the food or smells even made the sufferer feel actually ill.

[@Tasmaniantiger8]

Apparently Prince Charles always expected to be disliked, to be kept at a distance. A lonely and isolating experience. He did have Lord Mountbatten to turn to for comfort, until his assassination, and his devoted grandmother, the QM throughout her life. For Diana, reliable and trusty havens of comfort and reassurance within her aristocratic family were harder to come by - her father, Earl Spencer, had been an equerry to KGVI and QE2, her maternal grandmother, Lady Fermoy, was lady in waiting to the QM and her elder sister, Jane, was married to Robert Fellowes, QE2's private secretary throughout her marriage to PC. As both were lonely and isolated, if only they'd been able to recognise this and find comfort and trust in one another, rather than casting elsewhere.

[@NadineWilliamsNadege]

It took me a few years moving to the city to stop feeding the birds and squirrels. I had lived in the country for 20 years. Side story my Mother lives in my Grandparent's house. On a dead end street near a creek. She feeds the squirrels unlike my Gram. Because they steal from the baby birds. So they are trained to eat from their pile of nuts. The geese from the creek come bringing their new goslings. Generations built on this simple act. Anyhoo in Buffalo we have rats! I have made my husband release them from the humane trap. He uses it to rehome the woodchucks who devoured his tomatos this summer. So after the new neighbor complained my bird seed brought rats this summer, I stopped. Mind you I watched. It was only one rat. I named him Ratatouille. He was so plump he flopped down my porch stairs. He kindly moved on after about a week of no seed. The wild turkey hasn't been seen in the snow storm. Hope he found shelter. I might go sneak some bird seed out. It's freezing out there. I did move to the city. All this wild life. 😂 💙 From snowed in Buffalo, NY day 8 I may have gotten cabin fever if it wasn't for you Shauna! 🥂 Sip

[@andersonomo597]

We migrated from Sydney (Oz) to Toronto when I was 11. I was HORRIFIED that my parents had brought me to a place where WILD ANIMALS WERE RUNNING AROUND!! LOL I grew quite fond of the squirrels, unlike many who live with them forever. I'm a boomerang - returned back to Sydney in '84 for supposedly a short trip, ended up meeting my husband and I'm still here. Funny enough, HIS family moved from Scotland to Oz the same year we moved to Canada. I lived through a couple of big snow dumps during my 16 years in TO and I can sympathize, and yet I miss the beautiful blanket of whiteness which covers all the ugly bits, the silence, the sparkly reflections, the crunch underfoot, the cozy feeling inside the house. Hang in there - spring will be here before you know it and the tulips will be pushing their way through the soil. Sip and a cheers from Oz!!

[@leslieacoca5876]

Diana lived in era before more sophisticated and publicly available mental health diagnosis. Laudable in some ways as she was, and undeniably lovely looking..and a child bride essentially...she appears to me to have borderline personality disorder. Personality disorders are formed in early childhood and are difficult to treat. In very simple terms, BPD sufferers cannot tolerate either personal conflict or too much intimacy. Consequently, BRD are often depressed or very angry and vindictive, with significant mood swings. Even without the infidelity- which millions of couples experience and survive- I believe her behavior patterns would have continued.

[@lunaandstella825]

Definetly the Sarah Fergusen story. Always wanted to know more about her.

[@user-gp4mw7sm6d]

saw the queen as a young person when she was opening old Government house Paramatta NSW

[@realmms]

Some people with eating disorders report hating the smell of water.

[@berylbartlett6590]

I don't care for either one of them, but will listen to whichever one you review. Love the way you tell the stories. ❤🇿🇦

[@nancythomas2193]

Enjoying immensely the chapter reports on The Housekeeper's Diary. It's interesting getting a glimpse into the lives of Charles, Diana, sons and others. You can see the influence of the behaviours and opinions of mother and father playing out today on William and Harry. It's painfully obvious that Harry has married someone not unlike his own mother - predominantly the negative qualities...on steroids. I suspect that Katherine, also, bears some qualities of Diana - predominantly positive.

[@poochoes1]

I never cared for Fergie, I really thought she was low class. Of course we all know she was perfect for PA.

[@graphiquejack]

Apparently not. Maybe if she was 16…. 🤣

[@Liz.M1460]

I think the Sarah book first...I have a feeling we'll see developments with her this year.

[@Enthusiasmisgood]

Your nuance is rare and appreciated. People are multifaceted.

[@viviennehayes2856]

Sorry Shauna but Magpies are considered pests in New Zealand too - they eat our native baby birds ☹. Some Australian tourists are shocked to discover that Magpies and Possums are pests here in not-so-far away New Zealand!

[@thevintageread]

Wow interesting! I had no idea!

[@KatherineSpinks-cu9io]

I’m a ginger girl and would love a review on Fergie!

[@teamwags2go245]

Such a wonderful way to start the weekend. Like sitting down with a friend with a cuppa. Your magpie swooping aside took me back to my Canberra days of watching our posties (and anyone on a bike!) being swooped!! Apparently British and Australian magpies are different species. Such great insight and I look forward to both Fergie and Diana books while enjoying the current one!! Thanks so much!!

[@TK-xh1xc]

You are wonderful Shauna! Don’t let anyone’s side comments get to you. We love your perspective. I vote for the Fergie book!

[@reneej7594]

We know so much less about Fergie than Diana. Would love to start there. But will tune in either way. Both sound interesting.

[@oldcatlady3803]

Magpies have ruined the soffits of my house.

[@lyndanewman4239]

Please read the Diana and Ken's book. I love all the podcasts, keep them coming x

[@angelabinns5726]

❤ Please read about Sarah first and then Diana's. Absolutely love your programme and thank you for just being so unbiased and entertaining 😊❤

[@suemccoy7533]

I just love these Vintage Reads! You make it such fun and thank you for that. 😊

[@Yogelaine]

Récent research shows à correlation between heightening sensitivity to smell and hypo manic/manic episodes in persons with bipolar disorder.

[@theguest4516]

Your magpies are very different from the ones where I live. Alberta 🇨🇦 and it sounds like their magpies are the same as mine. They are pest and we use to be able to kill but, no more. All the birds I see now are magpies and crows all the other birds are gone besides the swallows. I can't even remember seeing a Cardinal or a Bluejay. 😢🤗😢 Take care and have fun!!! 😎😃😎

[@lionairvine870]

I used to let the jackdaws out of the traps on the farm…….

[@naomania3619]

One has to wonder when Ms Berry ever found time to get any housekeeping done?!

[@thevintageread]

😂💗

[@naomania3619]

@@thevintageread I have so many questions. Take the movie night anecdote for example. Where were Diana and the boys watching the movie? The middle of the ballroom? How did Ms Berry have time to witness the events unfolding whilst simply delivering juice? Was the room so large it took her a good ten minutes or more to cross? Was she snuggled up on the sofa with them? Peeping through the keyhole? The mind boggles!

[@barbraluce5706]

She had been a teacher for years. Teachers tend to be quite observant, noting various characteristics of each students. At the end of the day, many teachers journal. I can see where she was able to write this book.

[@naomania3619]

@@barbraluce5706 but how long did she linger in the room to witness so much? This wasn't a brief interaction witnessed.

[@thedukesau]

I am happy to listen to you discuss any book... but i would like a change ... so Sarah

[@Jaxie777]

Either book but I would LOVE to hear Ken Warfe first. I always liked him and how he dealt with Diana and the boys.

[@angelawhitehouse8066]

Definitely Fergie. Im afraid i find too much Diana boring.

[@judypatterson7333]

I love your podcasts thank you. Your humour is a treat. I so look forward to them. from South Africa.