The Palace Letters: real nature of relationship between Queen and Sir Kerr exposed in new book

A new title delves into the palace letters to expose the ‘real nature of the relationship’ between Buckingham Palace and Sir John Kerr.

The Queen and Sir John Kerr at Perth airport in 1977. Picture: Getty Images

A new title from The Australian’s Paul Kelly and Troy Bramston delves into the palace letters to expose the “real nature of the relationship” between Buckingham Palace and Sir John Kerr, while exploring the implications for Australia’s Constitution, democracy and the republic debate today.

Drawing on previously unreleased archival documents and new interviews, The Truth of the Palace Letters provides a detailed analysis of the recently released correspondence, casting a new light on one of the country’s greatest controversies.

Two of Australia‘s pre-eminent political journalists and commentators, co-authors Kelly and Bramston said the letters “reveal our system under its greatest trauma”, while providing a rare insight into how the Queen operates as head of state.

“The Palace letters are a treasure trove and their insights demand a fresh book-length account of the dismissal. They will inspire different reactions among Australians — some will be delighted by them, others will be appalled,” Kelly and Bramston said in a joint statement.

“This is not speculation or conjecture. With so much fake news and phony history, here at last is the evidence. Whether you are a constitutional monarchist or a republican these letters will inform and shock.”

The Truth of the Palace ­Letters will be published in ­November.