Book ~ "Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy's Fight for Survival" (2023) Omid Scobie

From Goodreads ~ 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?

I like reading bios/autobios and so this book caught my eye. The author apparently started writing it in the summer of 2022, a few months before the queen passed away so had to revise it to reflect this. 

This book covers the royal family, with chapters focusing on specific things like the rise of Camilla from mistress to queen, how Kate has changed since she became William's wife, Andrew's fall from grace and how Queen Elizabeth and Charles still dote on him, and more. There is lots of information about the personalities of Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, Harry and Meghan and how they choose to deal with things.

I found it to be an interesting read and there are lots of pictures at the end.  It's hard to say how much is true or not as there as there are many anonymous "sources". He comes across as being pro-Harry and Meghan (not that there's anything wrong with that) but does say nice things about the rest of the family. At times there is a lot of detailed historical background which was heavy and a bit boring. It should be interesting what happens with the monarchy once Charles (the "bridge") has passed on and William becomes king.

Book ~ "Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family" (2020) Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand

From Goodreads ~ The first, epic and true story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s life together, finally revealing why they chose to pursue a more independent path and the reasons behind their unprecedented decision to step away from their royal lives, from two top royal reporters who have been behind the scenes since the couple first met. "Finding Freedom" is complete with full color photographs from Harry and Meghan’s courtship, wedding, Archie’s milestones, and many more unforgettable moments. 

For the first time, "Finding Freedom" goes beyond the headlines to reveal unknown details of Harry and Meghan's life together, dispelling the many rumors and misconceptions that plague the couple on both sides of the pond. As members of the select group of reporters that cover the British Royal Family and their engagements, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand have witnessed the young couple's lives as few outsiders can. 

This book is about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.  It gives the background on who they were before they met, how they met, their courtship, their marriage, the birth of their son and their break from the royal family to move to California.

I like reading bios/autobios and I find this couple interesting.  They come from such different backgrounds and managed to find each other.  It was interesting to get the scoop on what dating each other involved with all the secrecy.  And once their relationship was out in the open, what they had to deal with ... racism, her crazy father and siblings, etc.  It's great that they have the support of Meghan's mother (they have always been close) and each other.  It sounds like even Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles approve, though there is tension between Prince William and Kate.

I found it to be an interesting read and there are lots of pictures at the end.  It's hard to say how much is true or not as there as there are many anonymous "sources" but I would suspect that much of it is true.  It will be interesting to see what they will do with their lives going forward on their own.