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Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival
Endgame , the explosive book from longtime royal journalist Omid Scobie and author of the international blockbuster Finding Freedom, is a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy—an unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image, and a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family. Queen Elizabeth II’s passing ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsor—and dismantled the protective shield around it. With an institution long plagued by antiquated ideas around race, class and money, the monarchy and those who prop it up are now exposed and at odds with a rapidly modernizing world. Relying on his vast experience as a royal reporter and over a decade of conversations and interviews with current and former Palace staff, trusted friends of the royals and even the family members themselves, Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoil to show what the monarchy must change in order to survive. This is the monarchy’s endgame. Do they have what it takes to save it?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 2023
About the author
Omid Scobie
7 books127 followersBritish journalist and writer best known for co-authoring the book Finding Freedom. Scobie's work focuses on the British royal family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 567 reviews
November 27, 2023
Omid Scobie paints a one-sided and biased picture of the royal family, presenting Harry and Meghan as victims of a ruthless institution while portraying the rest of the family as uncaring and prejudiced.
Scobie's narrative is heavily skewed towards Harry and Meghan's perspective, relying heavily on anonymous sources and unverifiable anecdotes. He paints the couple as martyrs who have been unfairly treated by the palace, while downplaying or outright dismissing any criticism of their actions.
The book's title, "Endgame," itself sets a tone of confrontation and hostility, implying an inevitable clash between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family. Scobie's language throughout the book reinforces this perception, using loaded words and phrases to paint the palace as the antagonist.
The book's selective use of evidence is also problematic. Scobie cherry-picks incidents and quotes to support his narrative, while ignoring or downplaying those that contradict it. This creates a distorted picture of the royal family and their relationship with Harry and Meghan.
Moreover, Scobie's reliance on anonymous sources raises concerns about the credibility of his reporting. Without named sources to back up his claims, it's difficult to verify the accuracy of the information he presents.
Overall, "Endgame" is a poorly written and biased book that does little to shed light on the complexities of the royal family dynamics. Scobie's one-sided narrative and selective use of evidence make his conclusions questionable at best. Instead of fostering understanding and reconciliation, the book only serves to deepen the rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family.
Scobie's narrative is heavily skewed towards Harry and Meghan's perspective, relying heavily on anonymous sources and unverifiable anecdotes. He paints the couple as martyrs who have been unfairly treated by the palace, while downplaying or outright dismissing any criticism of their actions.
The book's title, "Endgame," itself sets a tone of confrontation and hostility, implying an inevitable clash between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family. Scobie's language throughout the book reinforces this perception, using loaded words and phrases to paint the palace as the antagonist.
The book's selective use of evidence is also problematic. Scobie cherry-picks incidents and quotes to support his narrative, while ignoring or downplaying those that contradict it. This creates a distorted picture of the royal family and their relationship with Harry and Meghan.
Moreover, Scobie's reliance on anonymous sources raises concerns about the credibility of his reporting. Without named sources to back up his claims, it's difficult to verify the accuracy of the information he presents.
Overall, "Endgame" is a poorly written and biased book that does little to shed light on the complexities of the royal family dynamics. Scobie's one-sided narrative and selective use of evidence make his conclusions questionable at best. Instead of fostering understanding and reconciliation, the book only serves to deepen the rift between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royal family.
November 25, 2023
I received an advanced copy. Having a background in British history and the Royal Family... I couldn't believe some of the lies that are perpetuated in this book. Dnf. Meghan & Harry beating a dead horse.
November 28, 2023
This book is just another sad and pathetic attempt to trash-talk good people for profit.
Meghan's mouthpiece strikes again. This time with a huge dig aimed at the Waleses in more apparent bombshell lies as it becomes increasingly more evident and painfully obvious how jealous the Duchess of Deception, and her side piece, the whiney and entitled Spare are of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their ever-growing popularity and success around the UK and the rest of the world.
Meghan has painted herself out to be some sort of professional victim in a series of made-up events detailing yet again the ludicrous lies and allegations of racism within the royal family.
I am sure when Meghan fled the UK leaving her royal duties behind in England and back to her beloved home of California on the West Coast of the US, she thought she would have endless opportunities in Hollywood and that network executives and producers would be banging down the door for a chance to have her star in a leading role on screen. It's actually laughable that the exact opposite happened especially when a Spotify Executive publicly labeled her and Harry as grifters after the complete flop and epic failure of her podcast on Spotify essentially letting everyone in Hollywood know that she has zero profitable talent.
But we already knew she had no talent.
So what does the resentful and hateful Meghan do? She plots revenge on William and Kate for simply being their genuine and authentic selves and the destruction of the monarchy in the form of vicious public attacks.
Someone needs to tell Meghan that William and Kate and the rest of the royal family are not to blame for her failure to reach international superstardom and fame. That could be a result of people specifically the public having an unfavorable viewpoint and negative opinion of people who willingly sell out their family for millions of dollars and trash the good names and reputations of some of the most well-respected and powerful people in the monarchy.
The public can spot a desperate lying social climber a mile away and Meghan reeks of this energy especially how she whines about privacy all the while doing sit-down interviews and releasing tell-all books filled with obvious garbage and lies.
Not to mention that the public naturally tends to avoid disloyal and untrustworthy troublemakers especially when said troublemakers openly trash the good names of people who welcomed Meghan so willingly and openly into the family. I am talking about Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III.
Do not buy this book. Do not give this woman any more reason to continue spouting off her mouth and trash-talking good people. If you are truly curious about what was written in the pages of this book then I implore you to support your local library and borrow the book from there.
Meghan's mouthpiece strikes again. This time with a huge dig aimed at the Waleses in more apparent bombshell lies as it becomes increasingly more evident and painfully obvious how jealous the Duchess of Deception, and her side piece, the whiney and entitled Spare are of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their ever-growing popularity and success around the UK and the rest of the world.
Meghan has painted herself out to be some sort of professional victim in a series of made-up events detailing yet again the ludicrous lies and allegations of racism within the royal family.
I am sure when Meghan fled the UK leaving her royal duties behind in England and back to her beloved home of California on the West Coast of the US, she thought she would have endless opportunities in Hollywood and that network executives and producers would be banging down the door for a chance to have her star in a leading role on screen. It's actually laughable that the exact opposite happened especially when a Spotify Executive publicly labeled her and Harry as grifters after the complete flop and epic failure of her podcast on Spotify essentially letting everyone in Hollywood know that she has zero profitable talent.
But we already knew she had no talent.
So what does the resentful and hateful Meghan do? She plots revenge on William and Kate for simply being their genuine and authentic selves and the destruction of the monarchy in the form of vicious public attacks.
Someone needs to tell Meghan that William and Kate and the rest of the royal family are not to blame for her failure to reach international superstardom and fame. That could be a result of people specifically the public having an unfavorable viewpoint and negative opinion of people who willingly sell out their family for millions of dollars and trash the good names and reputations of some of the most well-respected and powerful people in the monarchy.
The public can spot a desperate lying social climber a mile away and Meghan reeks of this energy especially how she whines about privacy all the while doing sit-down interviews and releasing tell-all books filled with obvious garbage and lies.
Not to mention that the public naturally tends to avoid disloyal and untrustworthy troublemakers especially when said troublemakers openly trash the good names of people who welcomed Meghan so willingly and openly into the family. I am talking about Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III.
Do not buy this book. Do not give this woman any more reason to continue spouting off her mouth and trash-talking good people. If you are truly curious about what was written in the pages of this book then I implore you to support your local library and borrow the book from there.
December 6, 2023
This is just to note the inauthentic ratings have begun, and Endgame has a 1.7 rating and is over 2 weeks away from being released. This is an early sign of how ratings will be skewed.
The trend of bogus negative ratings will no doubt continue as more anti-Sussex folks review bomb and attempt to manipulate ratings and launch personal attacks. (This was also done with Finding Freedom, the author’s first book, and with Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir.)
If history is a predictor on how any narrative perceived as sympathetic to the Sussexes is portrayed, this review will receive comments personally insulting the author as well as the Sussexes though they play but a small role.
When you see an onslaught of negative reviews, keep in mind the low star rating *before* release date, before even excerpts were published.
Really looking forward to this and to review when I’ve finished. I’ll adjust my rating accordingly. Meanwhile, it remains with 5 stars in a small attempt to balance the rating before publication.
ETA: The reviews will be interesting to track for anyone interested in how platforms are used by a group of people en masse. Keep an eye on the comments on positive reviews. They will be swarmed and attacked in ways that far exceed any typical discourse on a book.
The trend of bogus negative ratings will no doubt continue as more anti-Sussex folks review bomb and attempt to manipulate ratings and launch personal attacks. (This was also done with Finding Freedom, the author’s first book, and with Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir.)
If history is a predictor on how any narrative perceived as sympathetic to the Sussexes is portrayed, this review will receive comments personally insulting the author as well as the Sussexes though they play but a small role.
When you see an onslaught of negative reviews, keep in mind the low star rating *before* release date, before even excerpts were published.
Really looking forward to this and to review when I’ve finished. I’ll adjust my rating accordingly. Meanwhile, it remains with 5 stars in a small attempt to balance the rating before publication.
ETA: The reviews will be interesting to track for anyone interested in how platforms are used by a group of people en masse. Keep an eye on the comments on positive reviews. They will be swarmed and attacked in ways that far exceed any typical discourse on a book.
November 28, 2023
Never trust a book that uses anonymous sources. That’s the operation of tabloids.
November 25, 2023
Another complete load of wanky shite.
December 6, 2023
This was edited because pro-royal supporters of white supremacy are complaining to Goodreads which did temporarily lock this review.
My updated review as of 12/6/23:
This is balanced, mostly kind, and honestly fair.
The Royal Family is a publicly funded institution. Folks have a right to opinions and critiques.
Scobie was kinder and more diplomatic than I'd have tried to be.
CIII is a grumpy and unimportant monarch who mostly acts as a bridge between the late QEII & the future William V.
I think Charles' scant meaningful time on the throne has shaped and driven his policies and modus operandi.
William does have a terrible temper, and Kate was called a lazy royal by the same British papers, now crying foul.
I think it's nice that Kate focuses primarily on their kids. More royals need to do that.
She has grown into the job, but 'palace sources' claimed to the press that she wasn't as prepared as Meghan.
I also love that Scobie called out Kate changing her dress and style to copy Meghan. It's very obvious.
Wills & Kate did all they could to make Meghan suicidal while she was pregnant with their nephew and then promptly copied her style. Fucking ass clowns the pair of them.
This book is very current & relevant. The issues raised are important and fair. The BRF has treated their own horribly: Diana, Fergie, Harry, Meghan, etc.
The comparison between how CIII treats his non-working royal pedophile brother, Andy, and his non-working royal son reflects his character or lack thereof.
He won't pay for security for his own grandkids who were under terrible threats of violence, unmatched by any experiences being visited on Will & Kate's kids but will pay for his brothers security.🙃
If I were Harry, I wouldn't go back even to visit or participate in family nonsense.
I'd NEVER put my adult child or grandkids in danger no matter how much I detested my child's partner.
CIII is a billionaire. He was as PoW, too. Paying for their security would've been no big deal financially.
Then, to take Frogmore cottage virtually guaranteeing he'll never have meaningful relationships with Harry's kids.
The Windsor's are a dysfunctional, unhealthy, and deeply toxic 'family'.
Must be all the inbreeding🤷🏾♀️
CIII may be able to coast through his relatively short reign without dealing with this, but William won't have that luxury.
Also, the Palace has no idea what Archie & Lili will do as adults, how they'll feel, what they'll say, or how much more receptive the British public will be to hearing them. The US public, outside of Faux News, has largely embraced H & M. Their kids may be very popular, like Blue Ivy Carter.
The claims of racism are already impacting the Commonwealth as Scobie so delightfully reminds us in a recap of the then Cambridge's royal tour of Jamaica.
At some point, the family will have to answer for their behavior.
This book isn't explosive, it's common sense and focuses on the BRF's failures.
CIII isn't as popular as QEII. These facts will have to be faced as society is moving forward, not backward.
It'll increasingly become untenable to support racism and that'll impact William but probably George the most.
Honestly, I think the Commonwealth outside of Canada, NZ & Australia will continue to jettison the British Monarchy.
I think Scotland & Ireland could fully leave the UK, and regular boring Brits will still cling to this wretched white supremacist 'royal' family.
My original review that was too spicy for the royal racist apologists posted 11/28/23:
This is juicy if you aren't a racist who hates Meghan.
It's balanced, mostly kind, and honestly fair.
The low reviews are from the predictably racist, anti-woke crowd.
This deals with the fact that the british royals *are* racist. The institution itself is based on blood and ancestry, which, given the history of GB, is inevitably racist.
There's perspective on the history of the royals dealing with theft of land, resources, human beings, etc.
It's not even ancient history as QEII was herself racist as she personally had a policy forbidding the hire of POC/BAME into Palace staff.
Today, POC?BAME are ONLY in non-senior domestic positions. It's shameful and against British law.
The Windsor's are every inch a racist family.
I'd have given this a 3.5 rounded up to 4 if not for the weird ass racist review bombing.
My updated review as of 12/6/23:
This is balanced, mostly kind, and honestly fair.
The Royal Family is a publicly funded institution. Folks have a right to opinions and critiques.
Scobie was kinder and more diplomatic than I'd have tried to be.
CIII is a grumpy and unimportant monarch who mostly acts as a bridge between the late QEII & the future William V.
I think Charles' scant meaningful time on the throne has shaped and driven his policies and modus operandi.
William does have a terrible temper, and Kate was called a lazy royal by the same British papers, now crying foul.
I think it's nice that Kate focuses primarily on their kids. More royals need to do that.
She has grown into the job, but 'palace sources' claimed to the press that she wasn't as prepared as Meghan.
I also love that Scobie called out Kate changing her dress and style to copy Meghan. It's very obvious.
Wills & Kate did all they could to make Meghan suicidal while she was pregnant with their nephew and then promptly copied her style. Fucking ass clowns the pair of them.
This book is very current & relevant. The issues raised are important and fair. The BRF has treated their own horribly: Diana, Fergie, Harry, Meghan, etc.
The comparison between how CIII treats his non-working royal pedophile brother, Andy, and his non-working royal son reflects his character or lack thereof.
He won't pay for security for his own grandkids who were under terrible threats of violence, unmatched by any experiences being visited on Will & Kate's kids but will pay for his brothers security.🙃
If I were Harry, I wouldn't go back even to visit or participate in family nonsense.
I'd NEVER put my adult child or grandkids in danger no matter how much I detested my child's partner.
CIII is a billionaire. He was as PoW, too. Paying for their security would've been no big deal financially.
Then, to take Frogmore cottage virtually guaranteeing he'll never have meaningful relationships with Harry's kids.
The Windsor's are a dysfunctional, unhealthy, and deeply toxic 'family'.
Must be all the inbreeding🤷🏾♀️
CIII may be able to coast through his relatively short reign without dealing with this, but William won't have that luxury.
Also, the Palace has no idea what Archie & Lili will do as adults, how they'll feel, what they'll say, or how much more receptive the British public will be to hearing them. The US public, outside of Faux News, has largely embraced H & M. Their kids may be very popular, like Blue Ivy Carter.
The claims of racism are already impacting the Commonwealth as Scobie so delightfully reminds us in a recap of the then Cambridge's royal tour of Jamaica.
At some point, the family will have to answer for their behavior.
This book isn't explosive, it's common sense and focuses on the BRF's failures.
CIII isn't as popular as QEII. These facts will have to be faced as society is moving forward, not backward.
It'll increasingly become untenable to support racism and that'll impact William but probably George the most.
Honestly, I think the Commonwealth outside of Canada, NZ & Australia will continue to jettison the British Monarchy.
I think Scotland & Ireland could fully leave the UK, and regular boring Brits will still cling to this wretched white supremacist 'royal' family.
My original review that was too spicy for the royal racist apologists posted 11/28/23:
This is juicy if you aren't a racist who hates Meghan.
It's balanced, mostly kind, and honestly fair.
The low reviews are from the predictably racist, anti-woke crowd.
This deals with the fact that the british royals *are* racist. The institution itself is based on blood and ancestry, which, given the history of GB, is inevitably racist.
There's perspective on the history of the royals dealing with theft of land, resources, human beings, etc.
It's not even ancient history as QEII was herself racist as she personally had a policy forbidding the hire of POC/BAME into Palace staff.
Today, POC?BAME are ONLY in non-senior domestic positions. It's shameful and against British law.
The Windsor's are every inch a racist family.
I'd have given this a 3.5 rounded up to 4 if not for the weird ass racist review bombing.
November 26, 2023
Another pathetic attempt to hurt people, thinking he'll be accepted into a life he has no chance of being accepted into. When you set out to deceive and hurt others, it can only cause it to come back, and no doubt it will. Omid Scobie is a desperate little man who is biased in favour of his non friends, the Sussexes. A lousy writer will only give one side of a story, and that's what he always does.
November 28, 2023
The only “Endgame” I’m reading is the end of this writer’s career. Admittedly, I couldn’t finish reading it, as it was reminiscent of reading Jacobean yellow journalism circa 1780s. Except, no royal heads well be rolling. Though perhaps one or two in California will be melting.
Shelved as 'hard-pass'
December 6, 2023lol what even is this title?
how is it possible for omid to be this lame?
how is it possible for omid to be this lame?
November 28, 2023
Good for trash bin.
November 28, 2023
It seemed to me it was a rehash of ancient history and most if not all has proven inaccurate.
I have a copy of the audio and If I could give it a 0 I would. I can not mark it as DNF as I listened to him narrate the whole thing himself.
It's 14.02:58 of my life I cant get back.
I am glad I didn't read the book myself, 416 pages (less on my digital version) I don't want to have to read. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for either copy.
Don't take my word for it. Google the reviews, or search yahoo or listen to Piers Morgan on the untruths about him from his own mouth.
I have a copy of the audio and If I could give it a 0 I would. I can not mark it as DNF as I listened to him narrate the whole thing himself.
It's 14.02:58 of my life I cant get back.
I am glad I didn't read the book myself, 416 pages (less on my digital version) I don't want to have to read. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for either copy.
Don't take my word for it. Google the reviews, or search yahoo or listen to Piers Morgan on the untruths about him from his own mouth.
December 6, 2023
1. I had access to an ARC - we librarians often do. But I am rereading it as it went through our branches like wildfire and I want some deep and dark things to eventually refer to.
11% in and boring.
11% in and boring.
September 28, 2024
Good read if you're interested in a conversation starter for how the British monarchy operates today and what role they should play in the UK's future (should they exist? are they worth the taxpayers' funds? What is the symbiotic relationship between monarchy and press? etc.)
Like many people who were fascinated by fairy tales growing up, mentally when I think of kings, queens, princesses, and other royal members, there's often a romantic sheen to them--powerful figures who wield inspiration and admiration to their nations, residing in ornate palaces replete with bibelots and gold filigree everywhere ✨. After reading Prince Harry's Spare and Omid Scobie's Finding Freedom and now Endgame, I'm pretty convinced that I'm much happier in my life as an anonymous pleb than these royals. Browsing comments on content related to the royals, especially the Sussexes, it's just full of acrimonious vitriol, and even as a bystander to whom the comments are not targeting, one can easily see how just the constant barrage of negativity can erode even the most enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic of people to an anxious or depressed state of mental health. In this sea of pirhanas, I find Omid Scobie to be one of the few voices in media that I can actually trust to give a more balanced view of all royal family members.
Haters of the Sussexes try to diminish the author's credentials by claiming that he's "Meg's pal" or just a mouthpiece for the Sussexes. However reading this book, in which the Sussexes only are featured in a fraction of the chapters, you can see that Scobie does a balanced, logical job of explaining the motivations, concerns, and goals of several senior royals. Just because someone is not absolutely trashing Harry & Meghan, doesn't mean that they are automatically haters of the monarchy, as some extreme voices on the internet would have you believe.
Honestly my biggest gut reaction to the book is "the British monarchy's relationship with the press is toxic, and it feels like they are modernizing too slowly to be in touch with the younger generation" and "thank goodness American forefathers had rebelled and therefore I don't have to pay these stuffy folks any taxes to cut ribbons and give photo ops"
Like many people who were fascinated by fairy tales growing up, mentally when I think of kings, queens, princesses, and other royal members, there's often a romantic sheen to them--powerful figures who wield inspiration and admiration to their nations, residing in ornate palaces replete with bibelots and gold filigree everywhere ✨. After reading Prince Harry's Spare and Omid Scobie's Finding Freedom and now Endgame, I'm pretty convinced that I'm much happier in my life as an anonymous pleb than these royals. Browsing comments on content related to the royals, especially the Sussexes, it's just full of acrimonious vitriol, and even as a bystander to whom the comments are not targeting, one can easily see how just the constant barrage of negativity can erode even the most enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic of people to an anxious or depressed state of mental health. In this sea of pirhanas, I find Omid Scobie to be one of the few voices in media that I can actually trust to give a more balanced view of all royal family members.
Haters of the Sussexes try to diminish the author's credentials by claiming that he's "Meg's pal" or just a mouthpiece for the Sussexes. However reading this book, in which the Sussexes only are featured in a fraction of the chapters, you can see that Scobie does a balanced, logical job of explaining the motivations, concerns, and goals of several senior royals. Just because someone is not absolutely trashing Harry & Meghan, doesn't mean that they are automatically haters of the monarchy, as some extreme voices on the internet would have you believe.
Honestly my biggest gut reaction to the book is "the British monarchy's relationship with the press is toxic, and it feels like they are modernizing too slowly to be in touch with the younger generation" and "thank goodness American forefathers had rebelled and therefore I don't have to pay these stuffy folks any taxes to cut ribbons and give photo ops"
December 22, 2023
This would be a 4-ish star rating for me, truthfully, but colour me surprised when I went onto the book's review page and saw perfect examples of what Scobie references with regards to trolls who have a weird obsession with Meghan Markle. The irony? THE BOOK ISN'T EVEN ABOUT HER. It's a full, and very critical, account of the Windsor family. Sure, she is mentioned here and there, because she is a part of said family, but that's it! She seriously lives rent free in these people's heads and it's really disturbing to see it irl.
I found the discussions surrounding King Charles and the potential ways he could make or break the monarchy to be really fascinating. He is a bit of an unpopular character, after all, and doesn't command the same level of respect as Elizabeth II did. Britain has such close ties to the ideas of monarchy (even Cromwell couldn't destroy it), but since Scobie argues that the younger generations are less thrilled about the British Royal Family than their elders, I wonder when -- or if -- the voices of republicanism will start up. I was also surprised to learn that the BRF doesn't bring in as much revenue from tourism as they'd like you to believe, which further contributes to the question of what the BRF means in a modern society.
I also had no idea about the toxic relationship between the BRF and the British Press and how one House may push forward negative press about another House in a self-serving way. It's so mean! And it's really sad because they're all part of the same family, after all. Shouldn't unity be the main goal? However -- and this is a big however -- I don't agree with Scobie's methods regarding unnamed sources and it was one of the main weaknesses of the book. I understand that current staffers who contributed to the book didn't wish to be named, but because we have no concrete sources to reference in those areas, it does diminish some of the "anonymous source" claims made within the book. So I would caution to read this with that in mind and to not take every claim at face value.
So, under normal circumstances, it would be a solid 4 star read.
HOWEVER
Because of blatant brigading by trolls, I'm rounding it up. Furthermore, I recommend that people read the chapters pertaining to racism and bigotry within the Royal Family and how they've had a historic record of undermining and outright hiding incidents of racial abuse and cultural insensitivity. It is particularly pertinent given what's happening in the world today and within the GR comments section, itself.
As an aside, I'm really surprised that GR allows this sort of trolling behaviour to go unchecked within their reviews. The reviews read more like the comments of the Daily Mail, than genuine book reviews, and certainly illuminate the sort of underhand, covert racism that some sections of Britain like to pretend doesn't exist.
I found the discussions surrounding King Charles and the potential ways he could make or break the monarchy to be really fascinating. He is a bit of an unpopular character, after all, and doesn't command the same level of respect as Elizabeth II did. Britain has such close ties to the ideas of monarchy (even Cromwell couldn't destroy it), but since Scobie argues that the younger generations are less thrilled about the British Royal Family than their elders, I wonder when -- or if -- the voices of republicanism will start up. I was also surprised to learn that the BRF doesn't bring in as much revenue from tourism as they'd like you to believe, which further contributes to the question of what the BRF means in a modern society.
I also had no idea about the toxic relationship between the BRF and the British Press and how one House may push forward negative press about another House in a self-serving way. It's so mean! And it's really sad because they're all part of the same family, after all. Shouldn't unity be the main goal? However -- and this is a big however -- I don't agree with Scobie's methods regarding unnamed sources and it was one of the main weaknesses of the book. I understand that current staffers who contributed to the book didn't wish to be named, but because we have no concrete sources to reference in those areas, it does diminish some of the "anonymous source" claims made within the book. So I would caution to read this with that in mind and to not take every claim at face value.
So, under normal circumstances, it would be a solid 4 star read.
HOWEVER
Because of blatant brigading by trolls, I'm rounding it up. Furthermore, I recommend that people read the chapters pertaining to racism and bigotry within the Royal Family and how they've had a historic record of undermining and outright hiding incidents of racial abuse and cultural insensitivity. It is particularly pertinent given what's happening in the world today and within the GR comments section, itself.
As an aside, I'm really surprised that GR allows this sort of trolling behaviour to go unchecked within their reviews. The reviews read more like the comments of the Daily Mail, than genuine book reviews, and certainly illuminate the sort of underhand, covert racism that some sections of Britain like to pretend doesn't exist.
December 12, 2023
4.5 rounded up.
The review bombers can get wrecked. Omid knew this book would tank his career and he wrote it anyway.
The review bombers can get wrecked. Omid knew this book would tank his career and he wrote it anyway.
December 7, 2023
3.5 stars. I didn't plan on reading this until the UK media as a whole started hyperventilating over it in unison. The US has its own media issues, but good lord, the UK tabloid culture seems to have gobbled many people's good sense and logical reasoning over there. Anyway, I wanted to see what the hysteria was all about for myself.
As far as I can tell, the UK rags are just offended that Scobie's harshest criticisms are reserved for the UK media. There's nothing truly shocking in this book if you've been paying attention, but I did find the section on the media and courtiers to be the most enlightening and horrifying.
The book is (sadly) not anti-monarchy, but it is a solid synthesis of information that speaks to where the British monarchy is headed. Scobie only sugarcoats one person in the book, the late queen (annoying to me because although she was loved by many, she was also rightly criticized by many). Everyone else is fair game for criticism, as they should be. As public figures receiving public money, this family should be scrutinized as much as any politician. More even! It just came out recently that the family has been profiting off the deaths of ordinary citizens. How many people actually heard that story over the constant churn of tabloid nonsense? The symbiotic relationship between the tabloids and the monarchy is truly vile.
As far as I can tell, the UK rags are just offended that Scobie's harshest criticisms are reserved for the UK media. There's nothing truly shocking in this book if you've been paying attention, but I did find the section on the media and courtiers to be the most enlightening and horrifying.
The book is (sadly) not anti-monarchy, but it is a solid synthesis of information that speaks to where the British monarchy is headed. Scobie only sugarcoats one person in the book, the late queen (annoying to me because although she was loved by many, she was also rightly criticized by many). Everyone else is fair game for criticism, as they should be. As public figures receiving public money, this family should be scrutinized as much as any politician. More even! It just came out recently that the family has been profiting off the deaths of ordinary citizens. How many people actually heard that story over the constant churn of tabloid nonsense? The symbiotic relationship between the tabloids and the monarchy is truly vile.
December 8, 2023
Rating 4.5
Disclaimer: I am not a royalist or a person who outside of this year paid any attention to the British Royal Family. I have a curiosity but no true feelings.
I felt that the book did a fair and balanced job of looking at where the BRF is and the problems they are facing and will face.
The book highlights many of the key players that will impact how the BRF moves forward including, the people, the media, the courtiers, and the nations of the British Commonwealth.
If you are looking for a book that bashes the BRF this is not it. If you are looking for a book that sings the praise of the BRF this is also not it.
Disclaimer: I am not a royalist or a person who outside of this year paid any attention to the British Royal Family. I have a curiosity but no true feelings.
I felt that the book did a fair and balanced job of looking at where the BRF is and the problems they are facing and will face.
The book highlights many of the key players that will impact how the BRF moves forward including, the people, the media, the courtiers, and the nations of the British Commonwealth.
If you are looking for a book that bashes the BRF this is not it. If you are looking for a book that sings the praise of the BRF this is also not it.
December 6, 2023
Let me preface this with the fact that I love all things royal.
So I was "keen" as they say to read this one.
It was dense. The pacing was slow at times, full of information that individually taken, is long-winded but all together gives you the complete story.
There were no BIG bombshells in the English edition, but if you read the news, you know the big one that came out of this book as a whole.
I loved the complete picture that the book gave us about the future of the Monarchy.
If you are looking for info about Meghan, she's here, but not the focus. Harry is one full chapter.
It's really about the working royals, the many missed opportunities, and how they go forward.
Interesting. Not for everyone, but if you are a fan of the royal family and history, add it to your list.
So I was "keen" as they say to read this one.
It was dense. The pacing was slow at times, full of information that individually taken, is long-winded but all together gives you the complete story.
There were no BIG bombshells in the English edition, but if you read the news, you know the big one that came out of this book as a whole.
I loved the complete picture that the book gave us about the future of the Monarchy.
If you are looking for info about Meghan, she's here, but not the focus. Harry is one full chapter.
It's really about the working royals, the many missed opportunities, and how they go forward.
Interesting. Not for everyone, but if you are a fan of the royal family and history, add it to your list.
December 7, 2023
Endgame was so disappointing in the fact that it didn’t reveal anything new about the members of the royal family. It was very one-sided pro Meghan and Harry and anti-monarchy. Maybe it’s because I don’t know any of these people from atom. They hate the media and yet Harry and Omid Scobie seem to paint the picture that each member of the family goes to the media with every negative about another member. If that were true then how do they get together and be able to fake it to such a degree?? It seems very far fetched to me. At one point in the book it is mentioned that Meghan could reveal even more but has chosen not to. How in the world would the author know that unless he knew both Meghan and Harry personally? This wasn’t a good book about the royal family by any means.
December 7, 2023
Finally! After being censored for the last week by Goodreads, not allowing me to review this horrendous book! This is one of the worst books I have ever read. Filled with old, rehashed drivel that was refuted years ago. The author was ridiculously biased and every point was decidedly one-sided and usually inaccurate. Clearly sourced from the ex-royals themselves, as that is the only way private moments and conversations could have been reported. I regret the time I wasted on this fiction-filled garbage and strongly suggest you don't waste your time or money.
December 6, 2023
Well, at least I didn’t pay for this. Save your money, there is nothing new here unless you are reading the Dutch version (where Charles and Catherine are allegedly the “royal racists”). It is just the author giving his opinions on old headlines. Here’s a quick summary - Omid really dislikes the monarchy and the entire family (except Harry and Meghan) is out of touch with the real world. He’s also very bitter that he was never on the Royal Rota 🤣.
December 6, 2023
Boring...feels like a book written for someone twenty years from now to read. There was nothing new revealed in this overly hyped tell-all new book.
December 7, 2023
All the royalists giving this book one star without reading it just because it brings to light hard truths about their faves is really frustrating. Don’t be put off by the bad reviews.
December 8, 2023
This author was more concerned with reminding people that he's not like the other royal reporters and is the only good and honest one, despite getting many basic facts incorrect that anyone with ability to google could have corrected him on. He's supposed to be an expert in the British royal family but can't be concerned with making sure basic information is correct so it's difficult to take anything he says seriously. I also truly don't understand why his editor didn't dial back his rants about how he's the only royal reporter with integrity and that's why the rest of them hate him. Like I heard it the first time you said it, repeating it in basically every chapter doesn't make me want to believe it more, it just makes me think you're drastically overcompensating for something.
January 16, 2024
Interesting book about the Royals after Queen Elizabeth passed away.
January 1, 2024
I like Scobie's writing - he's clear and direct, but still creates a clear narrative. I was also familiar with a lot of this overarching narrative (I read the Celebitchy blog), but it's nice seeing it portrayed clearly. However, he does a lot more time jumping than I anticipated, and part of me would have liked it to be more linear, but he is focusing on different elements in each chapter, and it still works.
People who rate it lowly without reading it - why are you supporting a family that never would support you? But then again, I am an American, and the idea that "I was born to this bloodline which means I'm naturally better than you" is inherently problematic and I don't think it should be an allowed system - especially when it makes anyone below you in the pecking order disposable.
People who rate it lowly without reading it - why are you supporting a family that never would support you? But then again, I am an American, and the idea that "I was born to this bloodline which means I'm naturally better than you" is inherently problematic and I don't think it should be an allowed system - especially when it makes anyone below you in the pecking order disposable.
December 24, 2023
I can see why the royal bootlickers are in a tizzy about this but nothing in this book is a wildly outrageous or even surprising revelation about some of the worlds richest over privileged white people from an organization built on the foundations of exploitation and colonization.
These people need a reality check so badly yet won’t take it even when being slapped directly in the face with it.
These people need a reality check so badly yet won’t take it even when being slapped directly in the face with it.
December 10, 2023
Wenn man gerne eine hasserfüllte Fanfiction mit "Royals" lesen will, ist man hier gut bedient 👍
(teils werden nicht mal belegte und unstrittige Fakten wie Daten / Uhrzeiten korrekt wiedergegeben...)
(teils werden nicht mal belegte und unstrittige Fakten wie Daten / Uhrzeiten korrekt wiedergegeben...)
December 17, 2023
Not as terrible as all those reviews say. I've read worse. He had an agenda and put it out there. Enough errors to make me skeptical. My biggest complaint was I listened to the audio and kept falling asleep. Repetitious and tedious. These people are just not that interesting. 2.5 stars
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