Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton
Sep 25, 2026
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton is a writer, former SAS soldier, and one-time aide to the Queen Mother and Princes William and Harry. He recalls a free-range Suffolk childhood, family secrets, Eton, military ideals, and the surprise “pea-flicking” test that led to royal service. He also shares affectionate royal anecdotes, reflections on guiding the young princes, and the extraordinary mother who inspired his WWII novel.
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Privilege Should Lead To Public Service
- Jamie sees privilege as carrying an obligation to serve and repay society.
- Eton’s relentless ranking system taught him to handle failure and motivated him to become more determined.
The Knight That Shaped His Destiny
- Jamie’s father placed a painted knight beside his bed and connected it to their ancestor’s service at Agincourt.
- That childhood symbol gave Jamie an enduring, if initially innocent, desire to become a soldier.
Passing The Queen Mother’s Pea Test
- During his interview lunch with the Queen Mother, Jamie was challenged to flick peas into a chandelier.
- His willingness to attempt the absurd test mattered more than whether he actually succeeded.
