In the book Lownie touches upon several aspects of the Mountbattens' lives. Discussed in one part is the intervention of
Queen Elizabeth II to dissuade Mountbatten from plotting against the crisis-stricken Labour government of
Harold Wilson to become leader of a government of national salvation. Lownie also wrote that the United States
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) maintained files regarding Mountbatten's alleged homosexuality. He had previously interviewed several young men who claimed to have been in a relationship with Mountbatten. John Barratt, Mountbatten's personal and private secretary for 20 years, said Mountbatten was not a homosexual, and that it would have been impossible for such a fact to have been hidden from him. Also discussed within the book are Lord Mountbatten's chequered naval career, and Lady Mountbatten's desire for independence, which she sought it in wartime nursing, world travel and affairs. The couple's affairs are discussed in detail, including Lady Mountbatten's alleged relationship with the Indian prime minister
Jawaharlal Nehru. Lownie also talks about the numerous relationships Lord Mountbatten had, both before and following his wife's demise, including with his goddaughter
Sacha Abercorn who was 46 years his junior. ==Reception==