Palace Letters: The Queen, the governor-general, and the plot to dismiss Gough Whitlam

The Palace Letters is a groundbreaking book that reveals secret letters between the Queen and the then Australian governor-general, Sir John Kerr, during the dismissal of prime minister Gough Whitlam in the 1970s. The letters have remained hidden in the National Archives of Australia for decades, but Professor Jenny Hocking secured their release through a 10-year campaign and legal battle. The book reveals the collusion and deception behind the dismissal and charts the role of High Court judges, the Queens private secretary, and the leader of the opposition, Malcolm Fraser, in Kerrs actions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Scribe Publications

The Palace Letters is a remarkable and important work that sheds new light on an important period in Australian history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in politics,history,and the power of the judiciary.
The Palace Letters: Uncovering a Hidden Correspondence, Political Betrayal, and Constitutional Crisis

The story of The Palace Letters revolves around a historian's relentless pursuit to uncover secret letters between Queen Elizabeth II and the then Australian governor-general, Sir John Kerr, during the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in the 1970s. Whitlam, a progressive leader whose reforms sparked division after two decades of conservative rule, found himself at a political crossroads when he could not secure budget approval. This led to a political stalemate that ultimately culminated in his unexpected and deeply controversial dismissal by Kerr.

Over 200 letters between Kerr and the Queen from the period in question exist in the National Archives of Australia, and historians have long speculated that these letters could shed light on the extent to which Buckingham Palace was aware of or approved of Kerr's actions. However, these letters remained hidden, protected under the guise of "personal" and shielded from public scrutiny.

Determined to uncover the truth, Professor Jenny Hocking embarked on a 10-year campaign and a four-year legal battle to secure the release of the letters. Her unwavering determination and the support of a stellar pro bono team led her case all the way to the High Court of Australia, where she finally prevailed in 2015. The court ruled in her favor, mandating the release of the correspondence.

In this groundbreaking work, Professor Hocking unveils the previously hidden trove of letters, providing a detailed account of the collusion and deception behind the dismissal. Drawing on never-before-published material from Kerr's archives and court submissions, she meticulously traces the role of High Court judges, the Queen's private secretary, and the leader of the opposition, Malcolm Fraser, in Kerr's actions. Additionally, she explores any prior involvement of the Queen and Prince Charles in Kerr's planning.

The Palace Letters is a remarkable and important contribution to Australian history. It sheds new light on an important period when the power of the judiciary played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political landscape. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, and the power of the judiciary.

The release of The Palace Letters has sparked widespread interest and debate, with many questioning the role of the monarchy in Australian politics and the extent to which it influenced the dismissal of Whitlam. The letters have also raised concerns about the preservation of historical records and the importance of transparency in government.

As Professor Hocking herself notes, the story of The Palace Letters is not just about the past but about the present and the future. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical records and the need for transparency in government. It also highlights the power of individuals and communities to fight for justice and the truth, even in the face of formidable obstacles.

In conclusion, The Palace Letters is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on an important period in Australian history. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of justice. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, history, and the power of the judiciary.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913348472