Biography: royalty Books

Book SynopsisThe first book to explore the rivalry between the Houses of York and Lancaster from 1245 right up to the Wars of the Roses

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Book SynopsisPrince Felix Youssoupov was heir to the richest fortune in Russia, and husband to Princess Irina Romanov. He was also involved in the murder of the notorious Rasputin, but protected from prosecution by his Romanov connection. Using recently unearthed sources, this book explores the story of this colourful pair, shedding new light on their lives.Trade Review'Coryne Hall introduces us to Prince Felix and his wife Princess Irina – the glamorous couple who had it all.' -- Majesty Magazine, April 2023'I hope that reading it will enable people to understand Felix and Irina a lot better.' -- Royalty Digest Quarterly, Volume 2, 2023

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Book SynopsisRecounts the lives of the four women who married into the Victorian royal family: Alexandra of Denmark, Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, Louise of Prussia and Helen of Waldeck-Pyrmont.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses for the first time on the lives and loves of those English courtiers responsible for guarding the most dangerous woman in the kingdom.

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Book SynopsisA unique collection of items that between them reveal a fascinating insight into the life of Queen Victoria.

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Book SynopsisFind out more about Edward VIII, the first celebrity monarch.

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Book SynopsisIn the Fall of 1947, an eighty-four-year-old woman receives an extraordinary invitation. Though much that happened was a lifetime ago and in a different world, Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine, now the Dowager Marchioness of Milford Haven, holds the heavy vellum envelop for a moment in her hands. Within is the end of a long journey seeking vindication for a husband who gave his life to the service of the Royal Navy and received, in return, ingratitude. Within is the reminder of a life lived with her family that is mostly gone. However, for one exquisite moment, it returns as she opens the envelope:_The Lord Chamberlain is commanded byTheir Majestiesto invite The Dowager Marchioness of Milford Havento the Ceremony of the Marriage ofHer Royal Highness The Princess Elizabeth,withLieutenant Philip Mountbatten, Royal Navyin Westminster Abbey,on Thursday, 20th November 1947, at 11.30 o'clock, a.m._Thus begins the story of Princess Victoria of Hesse and by Rhine. Victoria, the eldest d

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Book SynopsisFrom the origins of the Seymours to Jane's untimely death, key events in her life are explored as well as some of the most extraordinary events ever to take place in English history.

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Book SynopsisThis book finally brings Arthur Tudor, Prince of Wales, out of the shadows. He is revealed to be far more than simply 'a King who never was.'

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Book SynopsisBrings to life one of Tudor England's most overlooked key players.

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Book SynopsisUsing fresh research and new information, Phil Roberts brings a new perspective on the life of Thomas Wolsey.

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Book SynopsisRobert Dudley, the son Elizabeth never had, is the story of a scholar, an adventurer and Elizabethan seadog that deserves to be better known.

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Book SynopsisInterpreting the Death of Edward VI is an exploration into the life, illness and unusually early death of Henry VIII's overshadowed son.

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Book SynopsisWhat was Queen Victoria's life like without her beloved Prince Albert? Those years without Albert were not barren loveless years, they were not without happiness and pleasure, even if the queen herself might protest.

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Book SynopsisA HISTORY TODAY BOOK OF THE YEAR''Impressive, often brilliant'' THE TIMES''Mesmerising and damning'' DAILY TELEGRAPH''Certain to become the definitive work'' DOUGLAS SMITH''Elegantly written and magisterially researched'' ROBERT SERVICE''Masterful . . . a chilling lesson'' VLADISLAV ZUBOKThe definitive story behind the self-destruction of the autocratic Romanov dynasty, by the world''s foremost expert.When Tsar Nicholas II fell from power in 1917, Imperial Russia faced a series of overlapping crises, from war to social unrest. Though Nicholas''s life is often described as tragic, it was not fate that doomed the Romanovs - it was poor leadership and a blinkered faith in autocracy.Based on a trove of new archival discoveries, The Last Tsar narrates how Nicholas''s resistance to reform doomed the monarchy. Encompassing the captivating personalities of the era, it untangles the struggles between the increasingly isolated Nicholas and Alexandra and the factions of scheming nobles, ruthless legislators, and pragmatic generals who sought to stabilize the restive Russian empire either with the Tsar or without him. By rejecting compromise, Nicholas undermined his supporters at crucial moments. His blunders cleared the way for all-out civil war and the eventual rise of the Soviet Union.Definitive and engrossing, The Last Tsar uncovers how Nicholas II stumbled into revolution, taking his family, the Romanov dynasty, and the whole Russian Empire down with him.

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Book SynopsisQueen. Mother. Servant. Friend. This is the most intimate portrait of our longest serving monarch, an inspiration to her country: Queen Elizabeth II.Get to know the real Elizabeth in the definitive biography from the bestselling British Royal Family writer ''To have any understanding of the Queen you must first read this book'' Amanda Foreman''Emotional, personal, human, insightful and moving. You will be a better person for reading and learning from this book'' 5***** Reader Review ''Extensively researched, fluently written and containing a lot of intriguing information. Much to recommend'' Daily Telegraph ________We knew her as the Queen. But she was so much more.Playing with her children at the Palace, crawling on her stomach to stalk deer, donning yellow Marigolds to wash up after Balmoral cookouts; this was Queen Elizabeth going about her daily life. Performing a dTrade ReviewSally Bedell Smith offers her readers the illusion of knowing the queen as a friend * The Economist *The book has much to recommend it, being extensively researched, fluently written and containing quite a lot of intriguing "new" information * The Telegraph *A worthy addition to the shelves of royal watchers everywhere * Sunday Independent *Incisive... well researched * Choice Magazine *A thoroughly good read * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisHeir. Prince. King. Discover the real Charles - our King - in the definitive biography from the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen ''Brilliant, startling. The royal biography everyone''s talking about'' Daily Mail_________His destiny was to become King. But for 70 years, he was a Prince.From his declared heirdom aged three to his years spent fulfilling royal duty in support of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has spent his entire life serving the nation. But there is still so much we don''t know.In this fascinating exploration of his public and private lives, Sally Bedell Smith - the acclaimed, bestselling biographer of Elizabeth the Queen - has drawn extensively on her access to the Royal Family''s inner circle to reveal a portrait of a misunderstood prince.Beginning with his lonely childhood, Smith details his intellectual quests, his entrepreneurial pursuits, and his Trade ReviewBrilliant, startling. The royal biography everyone's talking about * Daily Mail *What a story. To read this book is to feel... immense pity and sympathy for the man * The Times *Prince Charles: The passions and paradoxes of an impossible life is the first major biography of Prince Charles in more than two decades, with new insights into his family and his two marriages, from the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen. * From the publisher's description *Prince Charles is an eighteenth-century gentleman with a twenty-first-century mission. His love of tradition combines with an outlook that can be bracingly avant garde. Sally Bedell Smith captures his contradictions and his convictions in this fascinating book that is not just about a man who would be king, but also about the duties that come with privilege. -- Walter IsaacsonFor all we know about Prince Charles, there is so much we didn't know until now. Sally Bedell Smith has given us a complete and compelling portrait of the man in the shadow of the throne. It's all here, from the back stairs of the palaces to the front pages of the tabs. Read all about it! -- Tom BrokawNo one writes about life at the top with more panache than Sally Bedell Smith. Her Prince Charles is a delicious blend of glamour and grandeur, jealousy and rivalry, greatness and human foible. Smith writes with wisdom and sympathy and a sharp and knowing eye about the struggles and maturation of the man who would be King. -- Evan ThomasThis great biography is an indispensable guide for anyone eager to understand Prince Charles and the British monarchy in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. What an achievement, what work went into it, and all of it presented with such ease. It is so fair, while suggesting so much. -- Peggy Noonan

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Book SynopsisA tale of triumph, tragedy and the tenacity of a nation.

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Book SynopsisA fresh look at the text which introduced for the first time some of the key figures in British myth and legend.

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Book SynopsisMargaret of Anjou ruled England but lost the Wars of the Roses and her reputation. She was reviled as a murderer and adulterer, This biography restores her rightful place as a powerful medieval queen.Trade Review'Joanna Arman's style is highly readable and conveys a far more nuanced account of Margaret of Anjou's life than other biographies I've read.' -- The Writing Desk

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Book SynopsisA story of chivalry and vanity, loyalty and betrayal. The most brilliant servant of the royal Stuarts was betrayed by them.Trade Review‘Redraws the great general in a readable, lively narrative’ -- Leanda De Lisle‘A splendid new biography of this most charismatic and romantic figure’ -- James Stourton'There is a lot of documentary evidence for this period, there are many names to learn, and a lot of political and military action. That the author has managed to convey all this in such a readable way is a triumph. Highly recommended.' -- Reads, Writes, Reviews'Dominic Pearce deftly clarifies the religious nd historical background for the general reader.' -- The Tablet, August 2023

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Book SynopsisThe British monarchy is at a turning point. Concise and engaging, this book charts the very beginnings of British reign through to the longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II - and looks forward to the reign of King Charles III. Much more than a linear history, this is the intertwined story of royalty and state, of divisions, invasions, rivalries, death and glory; the story of nation fates deeply tied with the personal endeavours of monarchs through the ages. Black expertly weaves together thematic chapters from the origins of monarchy, medieval times and sixteenth-century developments, to the crises of the seventeenth-century, settlement and imperialism, and the challenges of the modern age. Exploring the House of Wessex, the Norman Conquest, Henry VIII and the Tudors, Victorianism and key events such as abdication of Edward VIII, this book is a necessary and comprehensive guide to the British Monarchy and how it has shaped history - and our lives today.Trade ReviewBlack expertly weaves together thematic chapters from the origins of monarchy, medieval times and sixteenth-century developments, to the crises of the seventeenth-century, settlement and imperialism, and the challenges of the modern age . . . This book is a necessary and comprehensive guide to the British Monarchy and how it has shaped history - and our lives today -- Charles Coutinho, PH. D., Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society

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Book SynopsisThe British monarchy is at a turning point. Concise and engaging, this book charts the very beginnings of British reign through to the longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II - and looks forward to the reign of King Charles III.Much more than a linear history, this is the intertwined story of royalty and state, of divisions, invasions, rivalries, death and glory; the story of nation fates deeply tied with the personal endeavours of monarchs through the ages. Black expertly weaves together thematic chapters from the origins of monarchy, medieval times and sixteenth-century developments, to the crises of the seventeenth-century, settlement and imperialism, and the challenges of the modern age. Exploring the House of Wessex, the Norman Conquest, Henry VIII and the Tudors, Victorianism and key events such as abdication of Edward VIII, this book is a necessary and comprehensive guide to the British Monarchy and how it has shaped history - and our lives today.Trade ReviewBlack expertly weaves together thematic chapters from the origins of monarchy, medieval times and sixteenth-century developments, to the crises of the seventeenth-century, settlement and imperialism, and the challenges of the modern age . . . This book is a necessary and comprehensive guide to the British Monarchy and how it has shaped history - and our lives today -- Charles Coutinho, PH. D., Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society

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Book Synopsis''This riotous and engaging biography has it all''GUARDIAN''As much fun to read as a good political thriller''WALL STREET JOURNALAt the outbreak of war, the British monarchy was in turmoil. Edward VIII had abdicated, leaving his brother Bertie to take on a role he never expected: King George VI. Meanwhile, as Edward awaited the decree that would allow him to marry his mistress, Wallis Simpson, he took an increasing interest in Hitler''s expansionist plans. How did this squabbling, dysfunctional family manage to unite in the face of the greatest conflict in their lifetimes? And what was the true extent of Edward''s betrayal?''Genuinely revealing, politically insightful, scrupulously researched . . . has the narrative pace of a champion thoroughbred''Tina Brown, author of THE PALACE PAPERSTrade ReviewAlexander Larman's 'The Windsors at War' is genuinely revealing, politically insightful, scrupulously researched, and has the narrative pace of a champion thoroughbred. It is also an eloquent study of two royal brothers, and of duty and betrayal. -- Tina Brown * author of The Palace Papers *A worthy successor to Larman's excellent account of the Abdication Crisis, exhaustively researched and written with wit and brio, The Windsors at War proves conclusively that the Duke of Windsor betrayed both his brother King George VI and his country. If there is ever a prequel to Netflix's The Crown, it should be based on this book. * Saul David *As profound and exhilarating as it is revelatory - and it is highly revelatory. Larman is a natural-born storyteller with a keen eye for a precious anecdote. I relished this -- Daisy Dunn * author of Not Far From Brideshead: Oxford Between the Wars *Alexander Larman's masterful follow-up to The Crown in Crisis combines thrilling action scenes with political skulduggery and intimate character studies of everyone from King George VI to his brother and nemesis, the Duke of Windsor. Deeply researched, fascinating and compelling from start to finish. -- Dan Jones * author of Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages *The definitive version of how the Royal Family behaved in World War Two, by turns fast paced and furious. I couldn't put it down, except for occasional gasps of incredulity. Larman combines forensic investigative skills with some beautiful prose as he lays out in grim, unremitting detail how the Windsors wavered at critical moments in the war. What a story this is, and what a family -- Anne Sebba * author of Ethel Rosenberg: A Cold War Tragedy *Alexander Larman's enjoyable The Windsors at War [is] a buoyant account of the period from Edward's abdication to the end of the Second World War. -- Matthew Dennison * Telegraph *A detailed and fascinating account -- Tessa Dunlop * The Spectator *A lively, informative book, enriched by its author's fondness for gossip and sharp eye for absurdity... a pitch-black comedy * SPECTATOR WORLD *The Windsors at War opens with a bravura prologue ... Larman sharply contrasts the grim reality the world was facing with the solipsistic petulance of the duke and duchess ... Fortunately, The Windsors at War is about a great more than them. If it has a hero it is the shy, complex man who never had the slightest desire to be king and made extraordinary efforts to rise to the job, finally earning the unqualified admiration of world leaders ... What makes it fresh is Larman's use of recently disembargoed diaries and letters ... The recounting of the story of the handsome, sexually omnivorous, dope-addicted Kent, who reeled from affair to affair (Noël Coward was said to be among his lovers) but was transformed by war service into a brilliantly effective commander until his still-mysterious death in an air crash in the Highlands, is particularly vividly done. Nothing in the book, though, can compete for sheer entertainment with the Windsors' governorship of the Bahamas ... Every detail of it seems to have been penned by the Queen of Crime herself -- Simon Callow * The Sunday Times *A dashing prince with a respectable war record squandered public support by marrying an American divorcée, moving abroad and sponging off dodgy acquaintances. He was obsessed with titles, more than a little pleased with himself and flirted with dangerous causes, but thought he could bypass the British establishment by using the US media. The more he moaned, the worse became his lot. Prince Harry should read Alexander Larman's The Windsors at War ... breezily written [it] retells a cautionary tale * The Times *Larman tells the story with enough brio to make it worth revisiting. Along the way he reveals a handful of details that have never been published before, including a fascinating first-hand account of the kind of conversations that took place among the Royals on the eve of war ... it is when Larman is at his most scathing that the story really comes alive ... Readers can make up their own minds about whether there are any parallels among today's public figures -- Keith Lowe * Mail on Sunday *An insightful, pacy study of the original feud between royal brothers ... It shows how George VI became a Second World War hero after the abdication of Edward VIII - and suggests that the latter may have given insider information to the Nazis. Better than Spare -- Laura Hackett * The Sunday Times *This riotous and engaging biography has it all ... This book is even more rollicking than its predecessor - this is an author having an enormous amount of fun with his subject ... What Larman does so brilliantly is to give us two brothers who could not be less alike, two wives who clearly loathe one another, visions of two very different, but very loving marriages -- Alex Preston * Guardian Online *Larman has given us a great follow-up to The Crown in Crisis ... What shines through are the primary sources he has mined, the diaries and letters, he has worked his way through, yet wearing his scholarship lightly. We are transported back to the pre-war and wartime era, now made famous in Netflix's The Crown (which, to the author's credit, he never once refers to). That series is a dramatised and often fictionalised interpretation of the past, whereas Larman gives us solid factual evidence ... we are reminded that the new king loathed the debonair confidence of "the king across the water", fearing that if he made a hash of the kingship he never wanted, his scheming elder brother might return. This is one theme that runs throughout Larman's fine scholarship ... [a] compelling read -- Peter Caddick-Adams * The Critic *A gripping, fast-paced and absorbing work * CATHOLIC HERALD *Forget Prince Harry; here we have the truly jaw-dropping story of two kings, where the spare had become the heir and believed his brother was trying to kill his family with German bombs. Forget about the American wife who frets about royal titles and wears blood diamonds gifted by a murderer; here is one of the most stylish women of the 20th century, mingling with the Nazi enemy. This is an important story, as well as a gripping one, informed by never-before-used material. We hear the verdict of history on a couple who wanted privilege without responsibility and dealt with the devil to achieve it. I read this brilliant book in one sitting -- Leanda deLisle

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Book SynopsisThe names of few medieval monarchs and their queens are better known than Eleanor of Aquitaine, uniquely queen of France and queen of England, and her second husband Henry II. Although academically labelled medieval', their era was the violent transition from the Dark Ages, when countries' borders were defined with fire and sword. Henry grabbed the English throne thanks largely to Eleanor's dowry because she owned one third of France. Their daughters also lived extraordinary lives. If princes fought for their succession to crowns, the princesses were traded - usually by their mothers - to strangers for political power without the bloodshed. Years before what would today be marriageable age, royal girls were despatched to countries whose speech was unknown to them and there became the property of unknown men; their duty the bearing of sons to continue a dynasty and daughters who would be traded in their turn. Some became literal prisoners of their spouses; others outwitted would-be rapists and the Church to seize the reins of power when their husbands died. Eleanor's daughters Marie and Alix were abandoned in Paris when she divorced Louis VII of France. By Henry II, she bore Matilda, Alienor and Joanna. Between them, these extraordinary women and their daughters knew the extremes of power and pain. Joanna was imprisoned by William II of Sicily and worse treated by her brutal second husband in Toulouse. If Eleanor was libelled as a whore, Alienor's descendants include two saints, Louis of France and Fernando of Spain. And then there were the illegitimate daughters, whose lives read like novels

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Book SynopsisThe story of Henry Tudor's march to Bosworth and the throne of England began long before the fatal summer of 1485, with his birth in Pembroke Castle. The gigantic fortress where he spent his childhood years lay some 12 miles inland from the spot where Henry was supposed to have landed in Milford Haven when he came to challenge Richard III in August 1485. Henry's landing and progress to Bosworth Field were a gamble, but by 1485 the last of the Lancastrian princes had little option but to chance his arm'. He had worn out his welcome on the Continent and, despite his unpopularity in some quarters of English society, there was the real risk that Richard's reign might finally begin to create stability and financial success - Yorkist stability and success. A gamble, yes, but one that had to be taken if the House of Lancaster was to survive. In Following in the Footsteps of Henry Tudor, we hear of the many fascinating stories from Henry's march and the places he visited - a journey that took just over two weeks. It was a time of treachery and double dealing but it culminated with the establishment of the Tudor dynasty, the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginnings of the modern world.

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Book Synopsis'When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.' - HM Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch and celebrated role model for our times. Examining such underrated virtues as duty, kindness and discretion, as exemplified by HM The Queen, Mary Killen has created a transformative guide for all who aspire to become happier, wiser and more adept at navigating life's ups and down with integrity and dignity. (We must always try not to swear.)In our throw-away fashion culture we'd all do well to follow The Queen's make-do-and-mend example. Sit up straight with a regal posture, and your digestion will benefit. Fit more into your life by following routines. Tidiness is a primary skill - as a small girl The Queen would arrange her shoes and sea shells into neat rows. To help with everyday anxieties we can study the mysterious but time-honoured techniques Her Majesty calls upon to rise above her own challenges. Packed with invaluable wisdom and insight, this small book carries a big purpose.

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Book SynopsisA myth-busting biography of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I, which retells the dramatic story of the civil war from her perspectiveA TIMES BOOK OF THE YEARSHORTLISTED FOR THE ELIZABETH LONGFORD PRIZEHenrietta Maria, Charles I's queen, is the most reviled consort in British history. Condemned as the 'Popish brat of France' and a 'notorious whore', she remains in popular memory the woman who turned the king Catholic - so causing a civil war - and a cruel and bigoted mother.Leanda de Lisle unpicks these myths to reveal a very different queen. We meet a new bride who enjoyed annoying her uptight husband, who was a passionate advocate for the female voice in public affairs and who, when civil war came, proved crucial to Charles's campaign. The image of the Restoration queen as an irrelevant crone is replaced with Henrietta Maria as an influential 'phoenix queen'. It is time to look again at this despised queen and judge if she is not in fact one of our most remarkable.'Brilliantly written, mesmerising, superb scholarship and totally immersive... A total game changer' KATE WILLIAMS, author of Rival Queens'This is revisionist history at its absolute best' ANDREW ROBERTS author of Churchill'Beautifully written and endlessly fascinating' ALEXANDER LARMAN author of The Crown in Crisis'Popular history of the finest kind' RONALD HUTTON author of The WitchTrade ReviewA thrilling biography -- DANIEL BROOKS * The Daily Telegraph *Competent, intelligent, fun... de Lisle...has a visceral understanding of the complex emotions that swirled inside Henrietta Maria * The Times, *Books of the Year* *A shrewd and elegant reassessment of Charles's I consort and widow... She was certainly a fighter -- Clare Mulley * Spectator, *Books of the Year* *Brilliantly written, mesmerising, superb scholarship and totally immersive . . . a total game changer -- KATE WILLIAMS, author of Rival Queens: the Betrayal of Mary Queen of ScottsWith grace and sensitivity, de Lisle cuts through the misogyny to reveal a different Henrietta Maria . . . De Lisle understands that history is a story of people; she possesses a visceral understanding of the emotions that swirled inside Henrietta Maria . . . she was not England's greatest queen, but she was probably the most remarkable -- GERARD DEGROOT * The Times * Book of the Week * *De Lisle has made a speciality of bringing Tudors and Stuarts back to blazing life... The result is deeply satisfying and makes an excellent companion to her earlier much-admired biography of Charles I, White King -- Kathryn Hughes * Sunday Times *A captivating, richly detailed historical tale that shines a light on the hidden genius of an extraordinary woman * Literary Review *de Lisle turns her attention to [Charles I's] wife, Henrietta Maria, similarly shading with nuance a character who can sometimes be reduced to primary-colour simplicity * History Today *A glorious resurrection of one of the most misrepresented queens of England . . . finally, thanks to Leanda de Lisle's meticulous research, she has a biography worthy of her fascinating life -- AMANDA FOREMAN, author of A World on FireHenrietta Maria's remarkable life is recounted with gusto in this sharp, sparky book... it makes vivid use of recent work on her court and queenship, brings people and personalities to the fore and will be a particular delight to those new to the period -- ANNA KEAY * Spectator *Leanda de Lisle has brilliantly overturned nearly four centuries of misogynistic, religiously bigoted and politically motivated myths about Henrietta Maria, who now emerges as a fascinating, fearless, but ill-fated woman, wife and mother. This is revisionist history at its absolute best -- ANDREW ROBERTS, author of George III: The Life of Britain's Most Misunderstood MonarchA formidable historian -- ALLAN MALLINSON * Country Life *With supreme skill and style, Leanda de Lisle provides not only a welcome revision of Henrietta Maria's reputation, but also a revival of her fierce energy and a reanimation of the entire age. A superb and vital biography -- JESSIE CHILDS, author of The Siege of Loyalty HouseA captivating, richly detailed historical tale that shines a light on the hidden genius of an extraordinary woman * Woman's Own *This is popular history of the finest kind, vivid, immediate, well researched and telling a compelling story. It is also serves the first duty of biography, by making its subject more wholly understandable than before -- RONALD HUTTON, author of The WitchLeanda de Lisle's beautifully written and endlessly fascinating new biography of Henrietta Maria brings one of the 17th century's most misunderstood women to glorious life . . . This salutary and important book restores her to her rightful place as one of the most important figures of her time -- ALEXANDER LARMAN, author of The Crown in CrisisIf the Stuarts are having their time in the sun at last, then Leanda de Lisle is one of the reasons they are. Masterful and pleasurable about a transformative century and a neglected, underestimated woman's role in it -- what more can one want from history? -- SARAH FRASER, author of The Prince Who Would Be King: The Life and Death of Henry StuartA fascinating book about a fascinating woman -- Henrietta Maria's story deserves to be better known, and this book brings her completely alive -- FRANCES QUINN, author of The Smallest ManHenietta Maria's perspective allows this book to become something much more than mere analysis of politics and war. De Lisle understands that history is a story of people; she possesses a visceral understanding of the emotions that swirled inside Henrietta Maria * The Times, *Book of the Week* *[A] thrilling story... a revisionist life of one of the most compelling and controversial women in British history... a book, like a life, should be measured against its own mission. And in this - to tell the story of Henrietta Maria's extraordinary life from her own perspective - Leanda de Lisle triumphs where her subject could not * The Critic *

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Book Synopsis'Lovely... delivers the warmest of glows' - Telegraph'Who wouldn't love this chocolate-box delight of insights and snapshots of The Queen...A treasure chest' - Good HousekeepingA sparkling celebration of our much-loved Queen Elizabeth II including special writings and illuminating insights around key moments in her 70-year reign, introduced and edited by her biggest fan Joanna Lumley.In 2022 Queen Elizabeth II celebrated seventy years as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth. She was Britain's longest reigning monarch and the very first to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. A Queen For All Seasons, edited and introduced by Joanna Lumley, is a perceptive, touching and engaging tribute to this unique woman. A treasure chest of first-hand writings, insights and snapshots of the Queen during key moments of her reign to form a vibrant portrait of the woman herself and the extraordinary role she played. Joanna Lumley guides us as we meet Princess Elizabeth in 1952, aged just twenty-five, and about to become Queen, and in more recent events, as our matriarch, the Queen kept the national ship steady through seven decades, including in moments of crisis and suffering. Here are unique perspectives into some of the most fascinating aspects of the Queen's life - her role as head of state at home and abroad, her private passions and public interests and a bird's-eye look at key events that have held the nation together and the Queen in our affection throughout Britain and beyond.This book is a special and unique portrait of the life of Queen Elizabeth II.Trade ReviewLovely...Delivers the warmest of glows * TELEGRAPH *Lovely...Delivers the warmest of glows * TELEGRAPH *You couldn't ask for more cheerful company than Joanna Lumley to lead you through an anthology of the Queen...moving * Daily Mail *You couldn't ask for more cheerful company than Joanna Lumley to lead you through an anthology of the Queen...moving * Daily Mail *A fascinating portrait of Her Majesty * My Weekly *A fascinating portrait of Her Majesty * My Weekly *You'll find interesting snippets about protocol, fashion and events - its definitely one to pull out after the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day. * PRESS ASSOCIATION *You'll find interesting snippets about protocol, fashion and events - its definitely one to pull out after the Queen's Speech on Christmas Day. * PRESS ASSOCIATION *A touching tribute to a remarkable woman * Woman *A touching tribute to a remarkable woman * Woman *Full of golden memories from people of all walks of life, it offers a wonderful and unique insight into Her Majesty's life * THE PEOPLES FRIEND *Full of golden memories from people of all walks of life, it offers a wonderful and unique insight into Her Majesty's life * THE PEOPLES FRIEND *Who wouldn't love this chocolate-box delight of insights and snapshots of The Queen...A treasure chest * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Who wouldn't love this chocolate-box delight of insights and snapshots of The Queen...A treasure chest * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *

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Book Synopsis**The Times and Sunday Times Books of the Year 2020****The Times Best Biography Audiobook of the Year 2021**'Vickers gives breathing, alarming life to a woman who puzzled and thrilled her contemporaries'SUNDAY TIMES 'Best Paperbacks of 2021''A continuously astonishing and ultimately moving account of a unique figure, the stuff of great literature' Simon Callow, SUNDAY TIMES'Gripping . . . jaw-dropping story, brilliantly told' Ysenda Maxtone Graham, THE TIMES'Mr. Vickers, with his sharp eye for detail, splendidly captures the drama of Gladys's life and the amazing cast of characters she encountered' WALL STREET JOURNAL 'This biography is truly wonderful - a masterclass in storytelling'SUNDAY TIMES'The most extraordinary, rackety life' William Boyd, DAILY TELEGRAPH'Richly anecdotal and oddly captivating' Miranda Seymour, FINANCIAL TIMES'At the end of the book the reader can only say, "Whew! What a story!"' Anne de Courcy, SPECTATOR'Hugo Vickers's life of Gladys Marlborough is an extraordinary and tragic story, with special resonance today' EVENING STANDARD*******************One of the most beautiful and brilliant women of her time, Gladys Deacon dazzled and puzzled the glittering social circles in which she moved.Born in Paris to American parents in 1881, Gladys emerged from a traumatic childhood - her father having shot her mother's lover dead when Gladys was only eleven - to captivate and inspire some of the greatest literary and artistic names of the Belle Epoque. Marcel Proust wrote of her, 'I never saw a girl with such beauty, such magnificent intelligence, such goodness and charm.' Berenson considered marrying her, Rodin and Monet befriended her, Boldini painted her and Epstein sculpted her. She inspired love from diverse Dukes and Princes, and the interest of women such as the Comtesse Greffulhe and Gertrude Stein.In 1921, when Gladys was forty, she achieved the wish she had held since the age of fourteen to marry the 9th Duke of Marlborough, then freshly divorced from fellow American Consuelo Vanderbilt. Gladys's circle now included Lady Ottoline Morrell, Lytton Strachey and Winston Churchill, who described her as 'a strange, glittering being'. But life at Blenheim was not a success: when the Duke evicted her in 1933, the only remaining signs of Gladys were two sphinxes bearing her features on the west terraces and mysterious blue eyes in the grand portico. She became a recluse, and the wax injections she'd had to straighten her nose when she was 22 had by now ravaged her beauty. Gladys was to spend her last years in the psycho-geriatric ward of a mental hospital, where she was discovered by a young Hugo Vickers.Intrigued and compelled to unmask the truth of her mysterious life, Vickers visited her over the course of two years, eventually publishing Gladys, Duchess of Marlborough, a biography of her life - and his first book - in 1979, two years after Gladys's death. Forty years on, Vickers has now completely rewritten and revised his original biography, updating it with previously unavailable material and drawing on his own personal research all over Europe and America. He once asked Gladys, 'Where is Gladys Deacon?' She answered him slowly, 'Gladys Deacon? . . . She never existed.' The Sphinx is a fascinating portrait of this elusive but brilliant woman who was at the centre of a now bygone era of wealth and privilege - and a tribute to one of the brightest stars of her age.Trade Review'Vickers gives breathing, alarming life to a woman who puzzled and thrilled her contemporaries' * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisR is for Revenge Dress explores the celebrated life of Princess Diana through the alphabet.“A-mazing to ‘C’ the younger generation B-eing so interested in the legacy of HRH.” —Andrew Morton, Author of Diana: Her True Story Though “R” is for Revenge Dress, this book is rather sweet—about a cheeky princess whose laughter you could hear from the street. Not a nursery rhyme for babies, but more suitable for a teen...this is a tale about a woman who refused to go unseen. Princess Diana is no longer here, but her legacy still shines. Hopefully this tribute is one of your new favorite finds!Trade Review"With Kinsey's storytelling and illustrations...revenge has never been such fun!" -- Eamonn Holmes OBE, legendary broadcaster and journalist"The more women who celebrate and talk about Diana, the Princess of Wales, the better! She was an extraordinary, giving, loving woman. I am excited she is being celebrated by Kinsey!" -- Ashley Longshore, artist and author of I Do Not Cook, I Do Not Clean, I Do Not Fly Commercial and Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women“A-mazing to ‘C’ the younger generation B-eing so interested in the legacy of HRH.” -- Andrew Morton, author of New York Times bestseller Diana: Her True Story“I is for Icon, and no one knows better than Kinsey Schofield that Diana outshines them all. Evoking more smiles than tears, R is for Revenge Dress captures the fun-loving, carefree, disarmingly human side of the modern era’s most celebrated woman. Diana would have loved it.” -- Christopher Andersen, author of the No. 1 New York Times bestseller The Day Diana Died“The highly talented royal journalist and broadcaster Kinsey Schofield has produced a stunning tribute to Diana. This book is as beautiful, heart-warming, and inspiring as Diana herself.” -- Mark Dolan, GB News

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Book SynopsisThe lives of the Scottish queens, both those who ruled in their own right, and also the consorts, have largely been neglected in conventional history books. From Lady Macbeth to Anne of Denmark, this collection of mini-biographies reveals the fascinating lives of these unusual women, who all found themselves at the helm of a kingdom.

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Book SynopsisChosen as a Book of the Year in The Times and the Daily Mail'Highly entertaining' Sunday Times'Enthralling' Daily TelegraphFor more than six decades, Queen Victoria ruled a great Empire at the height of its power. Beside her for more than twenty of those years was the love of her life, her trusted husband and father of their nine children, Prince Albert. But while Victoria is seen as the embodiment of her time, it was Prince Albert, A. N. Wilson expertly argues, who was at the vanguard of Victorian Britain's transformation as a vibrant and extraordinary centre of political, technological, scientific and intellectual advancement. A composer, engineer, soldier, politician, linguist and bibliophile, Prince Albert, more than any other royal, was truly a 'genius'.Trade ReviewWilson has produced in this biography what has hitherto been an oxymoron, a highly entertaining book about Albert. -- Daisy Goodwin * Sunday Times *Mesmerising... An irresistible and informative read... A.N. Wilson's brilliant book is a treat: an absorbing and entertaining guide to the complex tensions of Albert's world. * The i *Enthralling... [Wilson] writes so exuberantly and perceptively... What keeps his portrait so animated is not only the extensive use of primary sources - chiefly the correspondence lodged in the Royal Archives - but also a novelist's ability to make character vivid and narrative swift... Wilson's account of this remarkable man is unfailingly enjoyable and sharply astute. -- Rupert Christiansen * Daily Telegraph *Wilson's approach is admiring, argumentative and astute. He is a brisk, irreverent revisionist who likes to find other people's ticklish points. -- Richard Davenport-Hines * The Times *Subtle, amusing, gripping... Brilliant * Spectator *This entertaining and beautifully illustrated account supports the claim that Albert was "the man who saved the monarchy." It also confirms that A.N. Wilson is one of those rare biographers with the gift of finding words "at once true and kind" in which to present the trickiest subject. * TLS *Engrossing... Mr. Wilson makes good use of documents from the period and has consulted experts, particularly on details having to do with Albert's German background. His most striking contribution, though, is a psychologically astute approach to Victoria and Albert, one that results in a persuasive and humane account of their marriage. * Wall Street Journal *Absorbing... [Wilson] argues persuasively that Albert's many talents helped reshape the monarchy, fitting it for the modern world and giving it a role in British society that has lasted to the present day. * Daily Mail, Books of the Year *Waspish AN Wilson delights in stinging comfortable historical prejudices... Albert was a man of culture and intelligence who saved the British monarchy. * The Times, Books of the Year *Incisive and entertaining -- Helen Rappaport * Literary Review *One of the pleasures of Wilson's book is the wit and verve with which it's written, and he does a fine job of reminding us of the many reasons to admire Albert. -- Kate Hubbard * The Oldie *Absorbingly readable and impressively succinct. * Michael Hall, Country Life *Thorough, well-written, and insightful -- Simon Heffer * New Criterion *This lively, delicious portrait of Prince Albert by distinguished biographer Wilson shows how much the United Kingdom owes to Queen Victoria's adored consort (and cousin)... Anglophiles will relish the inside story of this royal personage. * Publishers Weekly *Excellent... A delightfully vivid, opinionated biography that pays almost equal attention to Albert's wife and a colorful supporting cast of early Victorian notables. * Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) *A magnificently understanding biography of Victoria's spouse....Albert led a brief life-dying at age 42 - but his impact on his adopted homeland, Great Britain, especially on the functioning of the monarchy, was immense, hence the subtitle of this wise new portrait. That is the thesis Wilson develops, comfortably resting his narrative on two legs: complete thoroughness and joyful buoyancy. * Booklist (Starred Review) *Table of Contents1: Princess Beatrice's War Work 2: His Mother 3: The Wettins 4: Childhood: 'Tout rappelle l'homme à ses devoirs' 5: 'These dearest beloved Cousins': Albert's First Visit to England 6: European Journeys 7: A Somewhat Rough Experience 8: Unbounded Influence 9: Public Art, Public Life 10: Neptune Resigning His Empire to Britannia 11: Malthusian Calamity 12: Cambridge 13: The Year of Revolutions 14: Balmoral 15: The Great Exhibition of 1851: The Making of the Modern World 16: The Great Exhibition: 'so vast, so glorious' 17: Stormy Weather 18: The Prince Consort at Last 19: King in All But Name 20: The Care and Work Begin 21: She Was the Strong One

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Book SynopsisDespite its reputation as the longest established in Europe, the history of the English monarchy is punctuated by scandal, murders, betrayals, plots, and treason. Since William the Conqueror seized the crown in 1066, England has seen three civil wars; six monarchs have been murdered or executed; the throne of England has been usurped four times, and won in battle three times; and personal scandals and royal family quarrels abound. Dark History of the Kings & Queens of England provides an exciting and dramatic account of English royal history from 1066 to the present day. This engrossing book explores the scandal and intrigue behind each royal dynasty, from the ‘accidental’ murder of William II in 1100, through the excesses of Richard III, Henry VIII and ‘Bloody’ Mary, to the conspiracies surrounding the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, William and Kate Middleton’s on-off courtship before they married, and Prince Harry’s years of partying, girlfriends and Las Vegas strip poker, before his 2018 marriage to American divorcée Meghan Markle. Carefully researched, superbly entertaining and illustrated throughout with more than 200 colour and black-and-white photographs and artworks, this accessible and immensely enjoyable book highlights the true personalities and real lives of the individuals honoured with the crown of England—and those unfortunate enough to cross their paths.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Conspirators and Conquerors: A Dirty Business — The Normans Chapter 2: Unholy Alliances — The Plantagenets Part I Chapter 3: Crusading Kings and Troublesome Barons — The Plantagenets Part II Chapter 4: Lovers, Land and Treason — The Plantagenets Part III Chapter 5: Insanity, Civil War and Child Murder — The Plantagenets Part IV Chapter 6: Conspiracy and Bloodshed — The Tudors Part I Chapter 7: Decapitation and Divorce — The Tudors Part II Chapter 8: Turmoil, Terror and Fatal Illness — The Tudors Part III Chapter 9: Gloriana and Gore — The Tudors Part IV Chapter 10: Roundheads and Regicide — The Stuarts Part I Chapter 11: A Not-So-Merry Monarchy — The Stuarts Part II Chapter 12: Mistresses and Madness — The Hanoverians Part I Chapter 13: Battle Royal — The Hanoverians Part II Chapter 14: Scandal Behind Closed Doors — The House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Chapter 15: A Loose Cannon — The Windsors Part I Chapter 16: A Modern Monarchy? — The Windsors Part II Index

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Book SynopsisThroughout her life, until her untimely death in 1997, Diana frequently gave interviews and shared her thoughts with many people. In this fresh portrait over almost 20 years, Nigel Cawthorne gathers her most salient words - some known, some forgotten. They show a remarkable woman who is still able to inspire us two decades on.

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Book SynopsisAt the age of twenty-one, the future Prince Philip wrote to a relative: 'I know you will never think much of me. I am rude and unmannerly.' This affectionate compendium, brings together many known and less well-known stories about the prince, giving an insight into the royal world where he 'traipses around' rather than being professionally qualified in 'something'. From his constantly forthright speech-making, to his fearless mocking of official ceremonies, to his teasing of Her Majesty herself, here is a truly rude celebration of daily life in royal circles.Trade ReviewTHE TIMES Diary Book of the Week; TELEGRAPH ‘By far the funniest… a celebration.’; EAST ANGLIA DAILY NEWS ‘Affectionate.’; NORTHERN ECHO ‘Absolutely hilarious.’; EASTERN DAILY PRESS ‘You’ll be royally impressed.’; THE LADY ‘Priceless gems.’; ABERDEEN EVENING PRESS ‘Amusing.’Table of ContentsPhilip on Philip The Queen’s Business Education The Sporting Life Official Duties Industry and Science Travel Lady Folk Arts and Entertainment Food and Drink All Creatures Great and Small The Environment and Overpopulation Politics and Officialdom Theology and Religion Professional Bodies The Youth of Today Public Speaking North of the Border Johnny Foreigner More Princely Antipodean Balls The Press and Media Finale Biography

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Book SynopsisHow does the machinery of government respond when a King steps out of line? The relationship between Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson created a constitutional crisis that has fascinated the public for decades. Unwilling to accept the idea of the twice-married American as future Queen of England, the government was determined to pressure the King into giving up Mrs Simpson and, when that failed, into giving up his crown. The King's phone lines were tapped by his own government, dubious police reports poisoned Mrs Simpson's reputation, and threats to sabotage her divorce were deployed to edge the King towards abdication. The hopeless attempts of the King's allies, particularly Winston Churchill, to keep him on the throne were dismissed as sinister conspiracy, whilst the King wrecked his own chances with wildly unrealistic goals and ill-thought-out schemes that served only to frame him as erratic and unreliable as a monarch. As each side was overwhelmed by desperation and distrust, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin fought to steer events to a smooth conclusion. In this fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the royal abdication crisis of 1936, Adrian Phillips reveals the previously untold story of the hidden political machinations and insidious battles in Westminster and Whitehall that settled the fate of the King and Mrs Simpson.

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Book SynopsisA BBC History Magazine Book of the Year A writer, soldier, politician, courtier, spy and explorer, Sir Walter Ralegh lived more lives than most in his own time, in any time. The fifth son of a Devonshire gentleman, he rose to become Queen Elizabeth’s favourite, only to be charged with treason by her successor. Less than a year after the death of his Queen, Ralegh was in the Tower, watching as the scene was set for his own execution. Patriot or Traitor is the dramatic story of his rise and fall.Trade Review‘What brings the book to brilliant life is Ralegh’s voice. In conversation with his writing, Beer’s prose soars… It’s hard not to think Sir Walter would have approved.’ * Guardian *‘Beer’s book is a rigorous and readable take on her subject – it captures the full scope of the character of Ralegh, one that remains frustrating, but endlessly fascinating.’ * The Times *‘This beautifully written and impeccably researched biography offers a fresh perspective on one of the most colourful and controversial characters of the Tudor and Stuart age. The hero of Elizabeth I and the scourge of her successor, Ralegh is brought to life as never before.’ -- Tracy Borman, author of The Private Lives of the Tudors‘With colourful detail and astute interpretation, esteemed historian Beer follows Ralegh’s dramatic rise and disastrous fall… the full story is well-told here.’ * Booklist *‘Heroic, grasping, gifted, a poet and politician, an explorer, dreamer and schemer – an iconic renaissance man brought vividly to life in this work of maturity, judgement and humanity.’ -- Sarah Fraser, author of The Prince Who Would Be King‘A fascinating investigation of Ralegh – bringing to life this complex, mysterious character, and the beginnings of the Elizabethan Empire in all its brutal reality – showing us the world he travelled and the Queen herself, commanding, frustrating, and unpicks the truth of his shocking and rapid fall from power.’ -- Kate Williams, author of Rival Queens‘A fascinating reappraisal. Beer brings Ralegh to life as a man, as well as providing exceptional detail on the times in which he lived. I highly recommend it.’ -- Elizabeth Norton, author of The Lives of Tudor Women‘Writing with pace and personality, Anna Beer captures Sir Walter Ralegh in all his paradoxical complexity: his bravery and intellectual energy, the man of violence who also wrote passionate poetry, his lust for life competing with a desire for a good death. Sometimes drawn to Ralegh and at other times repelled by him, Anna Beer assays his career with honesty and sharp observation.’ -- John Cooper, author of The Queen’s Agent‘Much of what we think we know about Sir Walter Ralegh – potatoes, tobacco, spreading his cloak over a “plashy place” – is fable. The real story is far more exciting. Here was a man who both achieved and failed extravagantly, who was both hated and loved excessively, and who both lived life and faced death courageously. In this fascinating, eloquent and scholarly new book, Anna Beer reveals the full measure of the man.’ -- Suzannah Lipscomb, author of The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII

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Book SynopsisWITH NEW AFTERWORD FROM THE AUTHOR.When you're the most famous woman in the world, can you really love in secret?When Princess Diana flew to Pakistan in May 1997, she went to meet the family of Dr Hasnat Khan, the man she wanted to marry. One of the most well-known and beautiful women in the world, she hoped to persuade Dr Khan's mother that she would make a suitable wife for her son. However, this was not the only hurdle to overcome: the man she called her 'Mr Wonderful' was a dedicated professional who sought to avoid the limelight – a fact that would test their love to the limits. Had their relationship succeeded, the events of that summer might have been very different.Sharing powerful testimony from Diana's closest confidants, and that of Dr Khan's own family, as well as information released during the inquests into the deaths of Diana and Dodi Fayed, this book offers a unique insight into Diana's world and the events central to her last years.This special new edition of an international bestseller, released in the year that would've marked Diana's 60th birthday, features a new afterword from the author reflecting on the legacy of this most extraordinary of women.Table of ContentsForeword • Prologue • PART ONE - The Real Diana: 'I am unwanted' • 'I want to turn back' • The Unthinkable Happens • Home Alone • 'Just call me Diana' • 'I am destroyed, I am destroyed' • PART TWO: 'What can I do to help?' • 'Do you know Imran Khan?' • 'Maybe it's time!' • 'Isn't he drop dead gorgeous!' • 'Natty' • PART THREE: 'He's doing everything he tells his patients not to do!' • 'I'm sure we've met before' • 'I have finished my ironing. Would you like me to do yours?' • 'We should invite Ms. Bhutto for a special viewing!' • 'We are laughing ourselves silly over this' • 'I wouldn't be seen dead in virtually any of them!' • Caught between a rock and a hard place • PART FOUR: 'I want to marry Hasnat Khan;' 'Tell Dr. Hasnat to marry the Princess!' • 'Tell Hasnat I'm coming back' • Anatomy of a Kiss • 'Look here, I'm not for sale!' • The Rescue Mission • Her Last Love • The Funeral • Epilogue • Appendices: 1. Timeline; 2. Sources; 3. List of illustrations • Acknowledgements • Index.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLER 'Explosive' The Sun 'Accounts from insiders who have never spoken before' The Times 'Bombshell' The Mirror The British Royal Family believed that the dizzy success of the Sussex wedding, watched and celebrated around the world, was the beginning of a new era for the Windsors. Yet, within one tumultuous year, the dream became a nightmare. In the aftermath of the infamous Megxit split and the Oprah Winfrey interview, the Royal Family's fate seems persistently threatened. The public remains puzzled. Meghan's success has alternatively won praise, bewildered and outraged. Confused by the Sussexes' slick publicity, few understand the real Meghan Markle. What lies ahead for Meghan? And what has happened to the family she married into? Can the Windsors restore their reputation? With extensive research, expert sourcing and interviews from insiders who have never spoken before, Tom Bower, Britain's leading investigative biographer, unpicks the tangled web of courtroom drama, courtier politics and thwarted childhood dreams to uncover an astonishing story of love, betrayal, secrets and revenge.

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Book Synopsis'Diana was the very essence of compassion, of duty, of style, of beauty. All over the world she was a symbol of selfless humanity. All over the world, a standard bearer for the rights of the truly downtrodden, a very British girl who transcended nationality. Someone with a natural nobility who was classless and who proved in the last year that she needed no royal title to continue to generate her particular brand of magic...'From Charles Spencer's address at his sister Diana's funeral, Westminster Abbey, 6 September 1997Today, twenty-five years since Diana's death, seems the right moment for a reassessment of this remarkable woman. Did the Royal Family learn lessons from her life, about protection and privacy, about how to incorporate 'outsiders' into their ranks, about how to manage scandal? Did it take any lessons from her death, and the public's reaction not only to that, but to the behaviour of, in particular, the Queen and Prince Charles, in the aftermath? Or have the family and the Palace - 'the men in grey suits', as Diana called them - continued on the same track, unchanged, repeating many of the mistakes made with her, from her first nervous ventures in royal circles to her later defiance of traditional protocols?These and many other questions are explored in this authoritative book, written by two people closely associated with Diana: Inspector Ken Wharfe was the Princess's police protection officer for six years during the most turbulent period of her marriage to Prince Charles. Ros Coward was chosen as author of the official book by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Trust. Their book is both an examination of the people and events of the time, and an elegiac tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the late twentieth century.

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Book SynopsisQueen Elizabeth II was much more than Britain's oldest or longest-serving monarch. Admired around the world for her serenity, wisdom and unwavering devotion to duty, she was a rock of stability in turbulent, changing times.Served by no less than 15 prime ministers, her extraordinary reign saw her visit more than 100 countries as she rubbed shoulders with powerful leaders and influential thinkers. And as Britain's empire declined, she pledged her 'heart and soul' as Head of the Commonwealth, made up of 54 richly diverse countries.The 170 quotes inside capture the queen's personal reflections on everything from history, world affairs and the monarchy to service, sacrifice and the family. Teeming with inspirational words and pearls of royal wisdom, this book is a fitting tribute to a much cherished sovereign.Table of ContentsThe Crown • The Sweep of History • The Commonwealth • Duty • The Firm • Observations • We Are Amused • Wisdom.

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Book SynopsisHistorians and broadcasters Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan tell the real stories of the most powerful men and women in British history.Kings & Queens explores the lives, loves, triumphs and disasters of a monarchy that is the envy of the world. Snow and MacMillan offer a unique insight into those born to rule, whether villains or heroes – from cruel King John and warrior-king Edward III, to our own Elizabeth II: dutiful, discreet and the longest-reigning queen in the world.This is the story of modern civilization through the lens of those who have ruled.Table of ContentsThe Anglo-Saxons c.800-1066 • William I the Conqueror 1066-87 • William II 1087-1100 • Henry I 1100-35 • Stephen 1135-54 • Henry II 1154-89 • Richard I 1189-99 • John 1199-1216 • Henry III 1216-72 • Edward I 1272-1307 • Edward II 1307-27 • Edward III 1327-77 • Richard II 1377-99 • Henry IV 1399-1413 • Henry V 1413-22 • Henry VI 1422-61 • Edward IV 1461-70 • Henry VI 1470-71 • Edward IV 1471-83 • Edward V 1483 • Richard III 1483-85 • Henry VII 1483-1509 • Henry VIII 1509-47 • Edward VI 1547-53 • Mary I 1553-58 • Elizabeth I 1558-1603 • James I (VI of Scotland) 1603-25 • Charles I 1625-49 • Charles II 1660-85 • James II 1685-88 • William III and Mary II 1689-1702 • Anne 1702-14 • George I 1714-27 • George II 1727-60 • George III 1760-1820 • George IV 1820-30 • William IV 1830-37 • Victoria 1837-1901 • Edward VII 1901-10 • George V 1910-36 • Edward VIII 1936 • George VI 1936-52 • Elizabeth II 1952-

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Book SynopsisMary Queen of Scots is perhaps one of the most controversial and divisive monarchs in regal history. Her story reads like a particularly spicy novel, with murder, kidnap, adultery, assassination and execution. To some she is one of the most wronged women in history, a pawn used and abused by her family in the great monarchical marriage game; to others, a murderous adulteress who committed regicide to marry her lover and then spent years in captivity for the crime, endlessly plotting the demise of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England.This book covers the breathtaking scope of her amazing life and examines the immense cultural legacy she left behind, from the Schiller play of the 1800s to The CW teen drama Reign. Temptress, terrorist, or tragic queen, this book will give you the lowdown on one of history’s most misunderstood monarchs.Trade Review'A bright and breezy account of the complex life of Mary Stuart' -- Philippa Gregory

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Book SynopsisExplore the political and moral significance of the famous and more obscure incidents in the lives of Britain's monarchs

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Book Synopsis***Published in honour of our late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, The Platinum Queen presents seven decades of world history through the words of Britain's longest-reigning monarch: over 256 exquisitely designed pages, packed with 130 photos and featuring every single major speech given over the course of Her late Majesty's time on the throne, a foreword by Jennie Bond and historical context to each decade.***For the first time, all 70 of our late Queen's Christmas speeches are published together in full, along with six additional feature speeches made at significant points in her life.Organised by decade, each chapter opens with a narrative essay on the key events that follow, providing an important contextual backdrop to the speeches. From times of national and global turmoil - including wars, terror attacks and health crises - to times of joy - such as the new millennium and Olympics - The Platinum Queen is a testament to the late Elizabeth's unwavering resolve, faith and dedication to her role.

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Book SynopsisCatherine, Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a new life when she married Prince William, Duke of Cambridge in April 2011. Now she is the wife and mother of future monarchs. She has proved herself more than equal to the demanding life of a member of the Royal Family, and meanwhile has become a fashion icon and ambassador for several charities. This superbly illustrated souvenir guide follows her life, from her happy childhood and prestigious education to her fairy-tale wedding and the births of her two beautiful children. Catherine, with her natural charm, easy manner and kind nature, has won hearts in Britain and around the world. This is her story.

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Book Synopsis'A hell of a tale and Jonathan Beckman gives it all the verve and swagger it deserves . . . I read it with fascination, delight and frequent snorts of incredulity' The Spectator On 5 September 1785, a trial began in Paris that would divide the country, captivate Europe and send the French monarchy tumbling down the slope towards the Revolution. Cardinal Louis de Rohan, scion of one of the most ancient and distinguished families in France, stood accused of forging Marie Antoinette's signature to fraudulently obtain the most expensive piece of jewellery in Europe - a 2,400-carat necklace worth 1.6 million francs.Where were the diamonds now? Was Rohan entirely innocent? Was, for that matter, the queen? What was the role of the charismatic magus, the comte de Cagliostro, who was rumoured to be two-thousand-years old and capable of transforming metal into gold?This is a tale of political machinations and extravagance on an enormous scale; of kidnappings, prison breaks and assassination attempts; of hapless French police disguised as colliers, reams of lesbian pornography and a duel fought with poisoned pigs. It is a detective story, a courtroom drama, a tragicomic farce, and a study of credulity and self-deception in the Age of Enlightenment.Trade ReviewGlittering and gloriously goofy . . . This is a terrific tale, told with assurance and gusto * Guardian *Jonathan Beckman has an eye for a good story. His account of the affair is full of human drama, including illicit sex, assassination attempts and prison escapes . . . a superb piece of research that separates myth from reality * Sunday Business Post *A really fascinating history * Dan Stevens *Stranger than fiction and told with a verve that suggests the author relishes his dodgy tale * Country Life *Jonathan Beckman has tunnelled into the warren of misinformation . . . and has come out with what must be as near to the truth as we'll get * Daily Mail *Jonathan Beckman tells his complicated tale with gusto * Observer *A wonderfully enjoyable account of one of the most audacious cons ever perpetrated * John Preston, Evening Standard Books of the Year *Jonathan Beckman dazzlingly rehabilitates Marie Antoinette in an atmospheric and evocative account of diamonds, fraud, intrigue and a 1785 case that stoked antiroyalist feeling in France * Telegraph Books of the Year *A richly enjoyable account of one of the most audacious scams ever perpetrated * Mail on Sunday *Beckman's tale of the Diamond Necklace Affair is full of character and tawdry details, and glistens with wit and insight * Daily Telegraph *Beckman has waded through masses of evidence from the trial to retell this fascinating and complicated story * Daily Mail *Gripped me like a whodunnit . . . That's not surprising. It relates the story of the greatest crime caper of the 18th Century * The Times *Beckman has waded through masses of evidence from the trial to retell this fascinating and complicated story * Irish Daily Mail *Beckman's diligent detective work uncovers the murky truth behind this cause celebre * Mail on Sunday *Stranger than fiction but just as gripping, How to Ruin a Queen is a masterly exploration of the 'diamond necklace' affair * Hilary Mantel *A work of scholarship and imagination, that focusses new light on the famous and extraordinary affair of Marie Antoinette and the stolen diamonds. The narrative is like an ingenious chess game showing us the complex moves of bishops, knights and pawns round the king and queen. Jonathan Beckman is the new Wilkie Collins of biographical history * Michael Holroyd *How to Ruin a Queen is a fascinating and impeccably researched account of one of the great scandals of the 18th century. Beckman is a master-storyteller whose consummate skills are evident on every page * Amanda Foreman *A murky story of the Ancien Regime including diamonds and sex, brilliantly told * Lady Antonia Fraser *Necklace to neckless! This is the murky tale of the diamond heist that led to Marie Antoinette's demise * Tatler *A rollicking whodunit * Independent *A hell of a tale and Jonathan Beckman gives it all the verve and swagger it deserves . . . I read it with fascination, delight and frequent snorts of incredulity - and I strongly suspect you will too * The Spectator *Fascinating . . . a gripping detective story and a witty revelation of a scandal that shocked Paris * BBC History Magazine *In his intriguing history, Jonathan Beckman has spun out of this dirty tangle of source material a clear and compelling narrative line . . . with its exuberant use of language and subtly ironic storytelling, it is almost as colourful as the scandal it explores * Sunday Times *Gripped me like a whodunit . . . Beckman tells this scarcely believable story with flair * The Times *Jonathan Beckman skilfully unfolds the intricacies and absurdities of this extraordinary episode . . . Beckman provides us with an engaging and finely researched study of an affair that, despite having the plot of a frothy operetta, was of genuine historical significance * Literary Review *As gripping as a heist movie * Mail on Sunday *A gem . . . glistening with wit and insight * Sunday Telegraph *Fast-paced, colourful and rich * The Economist *Vivid and compelling * History Revealed *

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