This monumental book is really a history of the British secret services, focusing on the fascinating moments when this intersects with royal history... Authoritative and highly readable... As every page of this book attests, the royals have always been involved in secretly directing the affairs not just of this country but of many others. -- Ben Macintyre ― The Times, 'Book of the Week'
Bizarre and disturbing episodes are revealed in this excellent history of the royal family's relationship with espionage... Richard Aldrich and Rory Cormac's fascinating history argues that modern intelligence evolved out of efforts to prevent Queen Victoria being assassinated... Through unbelievably thorough research - all of it fully referenced for grateful future scholars - they have compiled something comprehensive and compelling.― Guardian
A fascinating history of royal espionage... The book, which stretches back to Elizabeth I and her spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham, has something of interest on pretty much every page.-- Rowland White ― Sunday Times
Gripping ― Daily Mail, 'Books of the Year'
Authoritative and gripping. ― Observer
Their mastery of a subject that is extensive both chronologically and in its geographical scope is assured and impressive... An intriguing alternative narrative of British royal history.-- Matthew Dennison ― Sunday Telegraph
Aldrich and Cormac have written an important book. Packed with new material and fresh insights, it offers an original way of looking at royal history. It's also a very good read.-- Jane Ridley ― Literary Review
[A] thorough and informed survey of how matters of high state have really worked - and work.-- Alan Judd ― Spectator
Intricate, ingenious and determined... Intelligent, fair-minded and a pleasure to read. ― Times Literary Supplement
A valuable and unmissable read. -- Alexander Larman ― The Chap
