Kenneth Rose used his meticulousness and style to produce six million words in various books, journalism and correspondence. As an historian, Rose made objective observation a sculpted craft. He recognised that sensitivity and respect were required to be a successful confidant, friend and mouthpiece to the people. Just as 'the cobbler must not criticise leather', delicate mastery of gossip - the tool of his trade - was required to thrive. He was capable of writing history that was substantial as well as readable, such as his priceless material on the Abdication Crisis. Kenneth Rose's impeccable social placement located him within the beating heart of the national elite for half a century. He maintained sufficient distance to achieve objective documentation whilst working among political, military, clerical, literary and aristocratic circles. Relentless observation, avid interest and self-confessed difficulty 'to let a good story pass me by' presented Rose with the ingredients of a legendary social chronicler and gossip columnist.

He embodied independent mindedness tinged with radicalism, and coupled with an unswerving loyalty to his friends. Growing up in mid-twentieth-century Yorkshire he mastered the deployment of deeply layered wit in his 'Albany' column in the Sunday Telegraph . Rose knew everyone of consequence, and it was said of him that 'it was not a party unless Kenneth Rose was there'. As a friend of the royal family he dined with the Queen Mother, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and accompanied the Duke of Kent to the opera. Kenneth Rose's attention to detail, impressive breadth of interests and personal ambition were underpinned by tremendous respect for the subjects of his enquiry. As a result, he was brilliantly equipped to witness, detail and report with accuracy and honesty on some of the most important events - and people - of the past century.