Three Times a Countess

Debutante of the year. Able politician. Femme fatale. Evil stepmother. Astute businesswomen. Just a smattering of the many labels attached to the irrepressible Raine Spencer: Countess, socialite and stepmother to Diana, Princess of Wales. But who was the real Raine? What was hidden behind the immaculately manicured and coiffed public fa ade?

From upper-middle-class Berkshire schoolgirl, to Westminster councillor, Countess and perhaps most famously, wife of Earl Spencer, Three Times a Countess recounts Raine's scintillating, sometimes scandalous life, demystifying her scathing tabloid reputation and revealing how, after a tumultuous relationship with the Princess, she became Diana's closest confidante.

To her friends, Raine was shrewd, witty and loyal. To her enemies, pushy, overly flamboyant and ruthless. Whichever side you were on there was one certainty - Raine was not devoid of character or personal strength. Indeed, it was clear from the get-go that as the daughter of prolific novelist Barbara Cartland, Raine was destined for a glamorous life. From winning Deb of the Year in 1947 and then 'Bride of the Year' on her first marriage to Gerald Legge; from a career spanning local politics, to dealing with the fortunes of Althorp; from taking on the Spencer family estate to a board position at Harrods - it was evident that Raine was possessed of both charm and and intellect. Yet she could not sway the media, who insisted on pitting her against her stepdaughter at every turn. Their fractious relationship, which reconciled towards the end of the Princess' life, provided solace for both women and yet another excuse for frenzied newspaper coverage. Perhaps most crucially, Raine was a vital witness during the inquest into the Princess' death, providing a gripping, unexpected and moving testimony.

Gaudoin's vibrant history of the Countess sets the record straight once and for all, drawing insight from those who knew Raine most. A societal whirl of London Seasons, marshalling mamas, adulterous affairs, family feuds and more, Three Times a Countess also offers a gripping commentary on high society: a must-read for those fascinated by social history, the inner workings of the Royal Family, or what life was really like for Diana behind closed doors.

An excellent book about a difficult, but life-enhancing woman -- Julian Fellowes
Enthralling -- Nicholas Coleridge
Perceptively examines the life of one of the twentieth century's original "tough, ambitious women" -- Lindy Woodhead
Wonderful. A great friend brought vividly back to life. -- Lady Glenconner
A sparkling biography of a fascinating woman. **** -- Lynn Barber Telegraph
Gaudoin's book is revealing and hugely entertaining. Highly recommended. Daily Mail, Royal Books of the Year
Delicious Sunday Times
This book is a vindication, both of Raine herself and of a type of person - of woman - whom it became uncool to value TLS
Gaudoin elegantly depicts the esoteric life of an aristocrat Observer
Tina Gaudoin sets out to rehabilitate Raine as a far more nuanced woman, an insouciant, sexy survivor uncredited for her many achievements . . . A colourful life. The Times
I lapped up this tale of London seasons, family feuds, politics, big hair and Raine's carpe diem attitude Gloss *

Tina Gaudoin is a renowned journalist, author, editor and brand consultant. Throughout her career she has been the Editor in Chief of: Frank Magazine, The Times Luxx, WSJ magazine and Elle Decoration. She was Style Editor of Saturday Times magazine and Wall St Journal Europe. She has edited and written for international and national media titles including Tatler, the FT , Guardian , The Times, New York Times , Vogue USA and UK , Harpers Bazaar USA and UK and Departures USA. She was a co-founder of Triyoga and is the founder and owner of Roadscents.

Debutante of the year. Able politician. Femme fatale. Evil stepmother. Astute businesswomen. Just a smattering of the many labels attached to the irrepressible Raine Spencer: Countess, socialite and stepmother to Diana, Princess of Wales. But who was the real Raine? What was hidden behind the immaculately manicured and coiffed public fa ade?From upper-middle-class Berkshire schoolgirl, to Westminster councillor, Countess and perhaps most famously, wife of Earl Spencer, Three Times a Countess recounts Raine's scintillating, sometimes scandalous life, demystifying her scathing tabloid reputation and revealing how, after a tumultuous relationship with the Princess, she became Diana's closest confidante.To her friends, Raine was shrewd, witty and loyal. To her enemies, pushy, overly flamboyant and ruthless. Whichever side you were on there was one certainty - Raine was not devoid of character or personal strength. Indeed, it was clear from the get-go that as the daughter of prolific novelist Barbara Cartland, Raine was destined for a glamorous life. From winning Deb of the Year in 1947 and then 'Bride of the Year' on her first marriage to Gerald Legge; from a career spanning local politics, to dealing with the fortunes of Althorp; from taking on the Spencer family estate to a board position at Harrods - it was evident that Raine was possessed of both charm and and intellect. Yet she could not sway the media, who insisted on pitting her against her stepdaughter at every turn. Their fractious relationship, which reconciled towards the end of the Princess' life, provided solace for both women and yet another excuse for frenzied newspaper coverage. Perhaps most crucially, Raine was a vital witness during the inquest into the Princess' death, providing a gripping, unexpected and moving testimony.Gaudoin's vibrant history of the Countess sets the record straight once and for all, drawing insight from those who knew Raine most. A societal whirl of London Seasons, marshalling mamas, adulterous affairs, family feuds and more, Three Times a Countess also offers a gripping commentary on high society: a must-read for those fascinated by social history, the inner workings of the Royal Family, or what life was really like for Diana behind closed doors.

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