The Royal Oak Foundation

Charleston | Malice in Wonderland: Hugo Vickers on Cecil Beaton
2026-03-31 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Charleston Library Society, 164 King St, Charleston, SC, 29401, United States
Visiting from the UK, author and renowned speaker Hugo Vickers brings us Malice in Wonderland, an investigation into the whirlwind life of the photographer, diarist, painter, interiors and costume designer that was Sir Cecil Walter Hardy Beaton. Cecil Beaton invited Hugo Vickers to be his authorized biographer only days before his unexpected passing. Undeterred, Vickers used diaries, letters, and precious friendships and connections in Beaton’s circle to compose, in paper, the story of this life well-lived. For five years, Vickers travelled the world and talked to some of the most fascinating and important social and cultural figures of the time, including royalty such as the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, Lady Diana Cooper, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Truman Capote, Irving Penn and Diana Vreeland. As part of our ongoing partnership with The Royal Oaks Foundation, we look forward to this special reflection and a personal exploration of the a legacy of a man enveloped by a disappearing era of glamour.
If you are unable to attend the event, but would like to purchase one or more copies, please visit Buxton Books.
Hugo Vickers is well known as a biographer, lecturer and broadcaster, and is an acknowledged expert on the Royal Family. He has covered events from the first wedding of the Prince of Wales and other royal weddings; the funerals of the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, the State Funeral and Committal of The Queen; and the Coronation of Charles III. The Financial Times recently described him as ‘the most knowledgeable royal biographer on the planet.’ He has written many biographies of 20th-century figures, including Cecil Beaton, Vivien Leigh, the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Andrew of Greece, and the Queen Mother. In 2022, he published a book with HRH The Duke of Kent, entitled A Royal Life. In 2024, Mr. Vickers published a novel – Pining in Paradise – and his biography of Clarissa, Countess of Avon (widow of PM Anthony Eden). When not writing, he travels through the Commonwealth and Overseas Territories, establishing Commonwealth Walkways. Mr. Vickers is a Deputy Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire and Captain of the Lay Stewards of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. He has given too many lectures in too many places to keep track.
Tuesday, March 31 | 6:00 p.m. (ET)
Lecture is preceded by 5:30 p.m. reception
Location: Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street, Charleston
Lecture, Reception, & Book-signing:
$25 Members; $35 Non-Members and guests
Click here to register with the Charleston Library Society or go to:
https://charlestonlibrarysociety.org/event/malice-in-wonderland-hugo-vickers-on-cecil-beaton/

You may also call the Charleston Library Society at 843-723-9912 to register!
Since its founding in the Charleston Library Society has continued to strengthen the intellectual and cultural fabric of the Lowcountry as a private lending library and comfortable gathering spot for reading, exploration of treasured collections, scholarly research and lively programs on literature, history, world affairs, and music. After 275 years, the Charleston Library Society remains the oldest cultural institution in the South and second-oldest circulating library in the country.
