Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton reflects on time with princes William and Harry
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, former private secretary to Princes William and Harry, has never been to Club H, a secretive venue at Highgrove House where the princes entertained friends away from media scrutiny. Lowther-Pinkerton, who worked closely with the royal siblings for eight years, admits it was a line he chose not to cross, stating, “if I had gone to this club and reverted to scallywag type it would have been very difficult,” reports BritPanorama.
In Harry’s revealing memoir, Spare, Lowther-Pinkerton emerges as a rare positive figure for the prince, who describes him as “deeply calm, slightly stiff… his finest trait was his reverence for the truth.” During his tenure, Lowther-Pinkerton was a pivotal adviser to Harry, notably when addressing negative press incidents, including the scandal when Harry dressed in a Nazi costume. Reflecting on that moment, Lowther-Pinkerton conveys, “the moment it came out he went, ‘what an idiot’… and afterwards it was his motivation to go back to Berlin and honour the people he had offended.”
Now 65, Lowther-Pinkerton connects with audiences over a video call, ahead of publishing his debut novel, Beyond the Edge of Light. While speaking with fondness about William and Harry, he acknowledges the sadness surrounding their current estrangement, intensified by Harry’s departure from royal duties alongside the Duchess of Sussex in 2018, and the ensuing media narrative that has followed. “I am a perennial optimist,” he states when asked about the possibility of reconciliation.
His novel is a historical romance set during the Second World War, focusing on Missy, a young English woman caught in Germany as conflict looms. The story highlights her romance with Conrad, a German conscripted into the Luftwaffe, who struggles with his new reality. Lowther-Pinkerton, a military veteran with a background in royal service, deems writing an escape, stating, “I just thought it would be the most fantastic escape.”
Lowther-Pinkerton discusses the thematic connections between his novel and historical figures like Wallis Simpson, reflecting on the complexities of duty and love, particularly for members of the Royal Family. He posits, “if people are right for each other, then it doesn’t matter where they come from,” suggesting that personal bonds can transcend nationality.
The novel explores whether one can successfully balance love and duty, a notion Lowther-Pinkerton deems pertinent to modern royal life. “Yes, I think probably it has” when asked if duty has been overlooked by younger royals. He expresses a genuine affection for William and Harry, highlighting his role as a supportive figure during their formative years. His affection extends towards Catherine, Princess of Wales, whom he describes as “a remarkable person” with a strong moral compass.
As the godfather to Prince George, who has recently been confirmed to attend Eton, Lowther-Pinkerton remains connected to the royal family. His book features nuanced perspectives on familial bonds amid historical events, but he insists that he hasn’t discussed the content with them. “If they see the steamy bits in there… I’m dreading people reading those,” he admits, hinting at the unfolding narrative around royal intimacy.
Amidst discussions of past and present, Lowther-Pinkerton embodies a sense of optimism, describing the sentiments of soldiers as inherently romantic, reflecting back on home. His journey from royal aide to author presents a layered narrative that resonates both personally and historically, offering insights into the lives of those tied to the monarchy.
‘Beyond the Edge of Light’ is published by Bantam, £16.99.
