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At Home with the Queen The Inside Story of the Royal Household
Behind the scenes of the private world at the heart of royalty, as revealed by a distinguished royal commentator. This is the real story of what goes on inside the royal palaces, as witnessed by members of the royal staff and household past and present. Buckingham Palace is effectively an independent kingdom with its own rules and customs, now explained by Brian Hoey. Hundreds of anecdotes reveal the conditions in which the staff live and work and also their relationship with the Royals they serve.
How does one get a job as personal footman to the Queen? Why does Prince Charles still have to send a note to her Page of the Backstairs requesting a meeting with his mother? How much do members of the household earn? Why does the Queen hate men in three-piece suits? Why are the Queen's bedsheets six inches longer than Prince Philip's? Why do her maids have to vacuum walking backwards? Why doesn't the Queen allow square ice-cubes to be put in her drinks?
How does one get a job as personal footman to the Queen? Why does Prince Charles still have to send a note to her Page of the Backstairs requesting a meeting with his mother? How much do members of the household earn? Why does the Queen hate men in three-piece suits? Why are the Queen's bedsheets six inches longer than Prince Philip's? Why do her maids have to vacuum walking backwards? Why doesn't the Queen allow square ice-cubes to be put in her drinks?
317 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
264 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Brian Hoey
52 books21 followersBrian Hoey is one of the united Kingdom's best informed royal chroniclers. He has written a wide variety of books on the royal family.
He was one of the BBC's first television newscasters and has been a writer and broadcaster for over 40 years at 2002.
He lives in South Wales with his wife and the couple have three grown-up children.
He was one of the BBC's first television newscasters and has been a writer and broadcaster for over 40 years at 2002.
He lives in South Wales with his wife and the couple have three grown-up children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 28, 2024
I enjoyed this book, which could be called Backstairs at the Palace. Buckingham Palace operates with its own rules, customs, personnel, and history, described in detail by the author. It discusses all kinds of minutiae interesting to royally obsessed people like me, such as the difference between a footman and a page, the conditions in which staff live and work in the palace (who gets a room and where), and the relationship between the staff and the Royals. The book also goes into detail about a myriad of other admin items related to the Palace, including transportation for the royals, the function of the press office and relations with the press, the jobs of equerries and ladies in waiting, and the process for getting a royal warrant. A lot of good detail for royal enthusiasts but it is a bit dated as the book was published in 2002. Still good stuff.
December 16, 2017
While there were some parts that began to drag-I really didn't care for the salaries of every single one of the staff in all of the departments during Victoria's reign-I really enjoyed this book. It was a good mix of history, biographical information and of course a bit of gossip. Can't be the royal family without that. Although the staff is much pared down from prior sovereigns, there are still a diverse lot employed by the Palace.
Besides the Queen & Prince Philip, the book is pretty heavy on the Princess Royal & Prince Charles. There's also a fair amount on Prince & Princess Michael of Kent-who I felt the author could have backgrounded a little more for context. As this was only four years after the death of Diana, there's a lot on her without going too heavy into the Charles & Diana/Diana's death saga. Read through the lens of 2015, it's almost odd not to be reading about Kate & Camilla.
A very solid Kindle Unlimited read.
Besides the Queen & Prince Philip, the book is pretty heavy on the Princess Royal & Prince Charles. There's also a fair amount on Prince & Princess Michael of Kent-who I felt the author could have backgrounded a little more for context. As this was only four years after the death of Diana, there's a lot on her without going too heavy into the Charles & Diana/Diana's death saga. Read through the lens of 2015, it's almost odd not to be reading about Kate & Camilla.
A very solid Kindle Unlimited read.
April 26, 2019
Very insightful, info is not available on newspapers. No gossips, focused on F (Food), G (General), H (Housekeeping), literally “at home”.
A total trivia to commoners.
A total trivia to commoners.
July 22, 2019
I have always had a fascination with British history and the royal family. I have always been drawn to learning more about them. While I have never taken and official class about British history, my family and friends will tell you I am well versed in knowledge. So it was bound that happen that I was going to pick up this book. The description had very interested and when I saw it was on Kindle Unlimited I jumped at it and man am I happy I did.
If you have ever wanted to learn about the different positions and what it takes to run the royal households, this book is for you. There were some juicy bits like which royals pay their staff more money and which royals are easier to work with. The book is jammed packed with details.
While there are plenty of details, sometimes they book sort of repeats itself in the same chapter. Like almost word for word, as a way of going into more detail on a subject matter. But other than that the flow of the book worked, and I liked how they chapters were broken down to different aspects
I learned so many things in this book like how the inner household runs. Also which royals are the hardest to work for. If you have every wanted to learn more about the royals, this is the book for you. I made so many notes for a project I am currently working on.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. It is chock full of new information and keeps your interest. While sometimes it does repeat it’s self, that can easily be overlooks. Overall a good read.
If you have ever wanted to learn about the different positions and what it takes to run the royal households, this book is for you. There were some juicy bits like which royals pay their staff more money and which royals are easier to work with. The book is jammed packed with details.
While there are plenty of details, sometimes they book sort of repeats itself in the same chapter. Like almost word for word, as a way of going into more detail on a subject matter. But other than that the flow of the book worked, and I liked how they chapters were broken down to different aspects
I learned so many things in this book like how the inner household runs. Also which royals are the hardest to work for. If you have every wanted to learn more about the royals, this is the book for you. I made so many notes for a project I am currently working on.
I would recommend this book to just about anyone. It is chock full of new information and keeps your interest. While sometimes it does repeat it’s self, that can easily be overlooks. Overall a good read.
May 2, 2022
I was wondering how the author had access to so many details and information regarding salaries, organization chart of the palace with exact position names and job descriptions of each. Very impressive and well done. Internal gossips I didn't knew. Tons of highlights that for sure I will review over and over.
Interesting facts about likes and dislikes of the queen, day to day running operations of the palace, expenses of travels and so on.
Interesting facts about likes and dislikes of the queen, day to day running operations of the palace, expenses of travels and so on.
September 21, 2020
Good read! Hyacinth Bucket would love it!
Although a little dated, it’s an excellent look at the support staff behind the royal family of England. It is food for thought that if Britain did away with the monarchy, it would amount to a devastating loss of lifetime careers, jobs, tradesmen, tradition, and sense of honor which is part of being the most colorful country!
Although a little dated, it’s an excellent look at the support staff behind the royal family of England. It is food for thought that if Britain did away with the monarchy, it would amount to a devastating loss of lifetime careers, jobs, tradesmen, tradition, and sense of honor which is part of being the most colorful country!
January 17, 2018
Informative
#3 of 120 books pledged to read in 2018.
Interesting book about the various jobs which exist to work for the British Royal family, their official and private residences, and the expenses involved in running a modern-day monarchy.
#3 of 120 books pledged to read in 2018.
Interesting book about the various jobs which exist to work for the British Royal family, their official and private residences, and the expenses involved in running a modern-day monarchy.
January 8, 2019
Nuts and Bolts of How the Queen Lives
Very detailed book about inner workings of the palace(s) and the staff who serve Queen Elizabeth II. Only the most dedicated royalty readers will love this book, as it is a bit of a slog to read through to the end.
Very detailed book about inner workings of the palace(s) and the staff who serve Queen Elizabeth II. Only the most dedicated royalty readers will love this book, as it is a bit of a slog to read through to the end.
February 19, 2019
Super interesting and quick read about the house of Windsor. I have always empathized with the lack of freedom the royals have but it comes with perks too. Of you are interested in learning more about the day to day operations and the way the Queen likes her world to be...you will enjoy this book!
December 13, 2019
Written as if Hoey is a Queen fan, but by the end you'll wonder how anyone can stand working for her. This depiction would have you believe she has a jar of jam between her ears. Fans of The Crown, avoid this!
January 26, 2019
Really enjoyed this book on the queen
May 13, 2020
Informative
Quick read on the Royal family. Daily life at Buckingham Palace. It is an old book as it references Princess Diana. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Quick read on the Royal family. Daily life at Buckingham Palace. It is an old book as it references Princess Diana. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 7, 2020
Enjoyed It
So much information about how the castle is ran, staff and different departments. I really enjoyed it.
Might have to read it again!
So much information about how the castle is ran, staff and different departments. I really enjoyed it.
Might have to read it again!
February 2, 2021
Too long and too much talk of money
Interesting but the minutia got old. Nothing scandalous or surprising; but still entertaining look at the pomp and rules behind the throne.
Interesting but the minutia got old. Nothing scandalous or surprising; but still entertaining look at the pomp and rules behind the throne.
October 15, 2021
Some chapters were more interesting than other, but I suspect that would be personal preference as each chapter deals with a different part of the “home”
December 16, 2017
I loved reading about the behind-the-scenes life with the royal household. Its full of facts and reveals a lot of the Queen's eccentricities - an enjoyable read.
Back Cover Blurb:
The private world at the heart of royalty is authoritatively exposed, with the help of many past and present members of the royal staff and household, in this wide-ranging account of palace life. For Buckingham Palace is effectively an independent kingdom, with its own elaborate rituals and customs.
Hundreds of anecdotes illuminate the conditions in which the staff live and work; we learn how much members of the household earn, how they are appointed, and which members of the royal family are the best to work for.
Back Cover Blurb:
The private world at the heart of royalty is authoritatively exposed, with the help of many past and present members of the royal staff and household, in this wide-ranging account of palace life. For Buckingham Palace is effectively an independent kingdom, with its own elaborate rituals and customs.
Hundreds of anecdotes illuminate the conditions in which the staff live and work; we learn how much members of the household earn, how they are appointed, and which members of the royal family are the best to work for.
December 16, 2017
Thank goodness I'm a mere commoner; after reading this gripping book (perhaps a strange adjective in view of the subject - but believe me it is) I'm delighted I could speak to my Mum anytime without having to go through the Page of the Backstairs to ask if she was available! Prince Charles still does not have that luxury of just approaching his Mum without making an appointment.
The book is a most revealing account of life within the royal household and there are plenty of people (unattributed in the main) who are prepared to give out some anecdotes. Life generally, expenditure, salaries, the running of the whole shooting-match are there for all to read, and it is well worth doing so - royalist or otherwise.
The book is a most revealing account of life within the royal household and there are plenty of people (unattributed in the main) who are prepared to give out some anecdotes. Life generally, expenditure, salaries, the running of the whole shooting-match are there for all to read, and it is well worth doing so - royalist or otherwise.
December 16, 2017
I found the book mostly interesting because of my interest in the monarchy of Great Britain. Little tidbits like the fact the Prince of Wales has to send a note to HRM's Page of the Backstairs for an appointment with his mother or to find out if she is walking in the gardens of Sandringham before he goes out, since she likes to be alone - all interesting. But then there's a lot of detail I didn't care about: salaries of all the staff (they're all underpaid), how the valet packs and unpacks a suitcase and the class system in all things including Ladies-in-Waiting(Mistress, Lady or Woman of the Bedchamber). Egads! Would have loved more gossip, but then the author would have been sent off to the Tower. Fun and quick read.
December 16, 2017
This was an interesting and mildly amusing look at life in the Royal Household. I enjoyed it as it wasn't a taxing read but there was lots of information and anecdotes to keep me interested. At times it was a bit fact heavy, do I really need to know down to the penny exactly how much someone working for the Queen is paid? But nonetheless there was plenty of juicy gossip about the goings on in the the world of the Queen's Household. I would recommend it to anyone interested in getting a behind the scenes look at the people who run and manage the Royal Household, more-so than people who want to know more about the Queen.
May 8, 2014
AT HOME WITH THE QUEEN by Brian Hoey is THE manual for royalty junkies (like myself). Chapter by chapter, Mr Hoey explains the inner workings of HM's court and how life for the Queen and family runs so effortlessly.
From Lord Chamberlain to the Necessary Women, he details the duties of all employed at BP and all the Palaces. He explains the many awards and honors the Queen bestows each year in the UK and the Comminwealth.
Mr Hoey explains Ladies in Waiting, precedence and the etiquette of the Court of St James.
He reviews the changes in court life from Queen Victoria and then King Edward VII's reign and modern day. The trivia is fascinating.
From Lord Chamberlain to the Necessary Women, he details the duties of all employed at BP and all the Palaces. He explains the many awards and honors the Queen bestows each year in the UK and the Comminwealth.
Mr Hoey explains Ladies in Waiting, precedence and the etiquette of the Court of St James.
He reviews the changes in court life from Queen Victoria and then King Edward VII's reign and modern day. The trivia is fascinating.
April 11, 2016
Read my full thoughts on this book and hundreds more over at Read.Write.Repeat.
It's a good read for royal watchers and those interested in how their world comes to be every day. I actually learned a lot. I had no idea just how many people worked behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace and the like. The royals have Downton Abbey beat by a long shot. The book did have a very interesting upstairs-downstairs element to it which will likely interest those who aren't even interested in the royals specifically, just how the master and staff relationship has evolved and carried over into the twenty-first century.
It's a good read for royal watchers and those interested in how their world comes to be every day. I actually learned a lot. I had no idea just how many people worked behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace and the like. The royals have Downton Abbey beat by a long shot. The book did have a very interesting upstairs-downstairs element to it which will likely interest those who aren't even interested in the royals specifically, just how the master and staff relationship has evolved and carried over into the twenty-first century.
August 2, 2015
Not the most exciting book on the royal family. It provided great insight, but I think I was wanting more of a personal feel. I did get that in a few portions. A lot of the facts surprised me and intrigued me. Honestly it's just dry, but what was I expecting out of a book on the Queen? I mean she is one of the most private of monarchs in the world.
If you are just looking for factual, historic, and monetary things then this is a great book. If you want to know more on the relationships the Queen has with her family and servants... Move along, and good luck ever finding it.
If you are just looking for factual, historic, and monetary things then this is a great book. If you want to know more on the relationships the Queen has with her family and servants... Move along, and good luck ever finding it.
June 24, 2014
This was a very interesting read with some very amusing stories about the royalty, staff and operations of the Palace. It is a bit outdated as it was published before Prince Charles married Camilla. It was difficult for me to get a grasp on the true amount of the salaries paid to people because it was shown in pounds. There were a lot of British terms that I was not familiar with as well. However, it was highly entertaining as well as informative.
July 22, 2014
Fantastic book
This book is such an awesome read for anyone even remotely interested in the British Monarchy. It covers all the little areas and provides just enough "gossip" to be believable without being salacious. It even covers the usually taboo subject of finances, from the cost of running things to the salaries of staff. it even provides historical references and backstroke where appropriate. I highly recommend this book. My only complaint is that it ended!
This book is such an awesome read for anyone even remotely interested in the British Monarchy. It covers all the little areas and provides just enough "gossip" to be believable without being salacious. It even covers the usually taboo subject of finances, from the cost of running things to the salaries of staff. it even provides historical references and backstroke where appropriate. I highly recommend this book. My only complaint is that it ended!
January 18, 2015
Great start to my year of studying British monarchs. This was a fun inside glimpse into the workings of the palace--lives of servants, roles of officials, the image that the Queen radiates to her subjects. This is a pretty smooth operation, and I appreciate that the Queen knows what she does and does not like.
Some parts got a little bogged down in tedious details, but overall a compelling insight into the behind-the-scenes lives of the Royals and those who work with/for them.
Some parts got a little bogged down in tedious details, but overall a compelling insight into the behind-the-scenes lives of the Royals and those who work with/for them.
September 30, 2014
Oh to the be queen! But oh, to be the queen... This book included some really interested information about life as a royal and that of the royal servants. I don't know if it was true of the physical book, but the e-version has some odd organization problems and got a bit bogged down in parts. Also, it is now a little dated in that most of the information is from the early 2000s.
May 30, 2014
A fun little book
A fun little book
Royalty has always been fun to read about. This was a quick read that answered some questions about how the royal household works. I skipped over large sections regarding salary of staff.
A fun little book
Royalty has always been fun to read about. This was a quick read that answered some questions about how the royal household works. I skipped over large sections regarding salary of staff.
December 16, 2017
Really didn't anticipate enjoying this book as much as I did. Totally worth a read.
December 16, 2017
boring.
December 16, 2017
Interesting. Who knew the Queen likes catching bats?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews