Engrossing royal reads
Want to know more about British royal history? Let these compelling royal books indulge your desire for all-things royally related, from Tina Brown’s latest The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor – the Truth and the Turmoil, to Sean Smith’s Meghan Misunderstood.
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Royal Books: Best Books About the Royals

The Palace Papers: Inside the House of Windsor – The Truth and the Turmoil
Picking up where Tina Brown’s bestseller The Diana Chronicles left off, her latest book, The Palace Papers, promises searing insight on the new era of the Royal Family since the death of Princess Diana.
The former editor of Tatler and Vanity Fair tells a story of survival, chronicling the Queen’s loosening grip with Harry and Meghan; her stoic resolve with the loss of Prince Philip; the ascendance of Kate Middleton; and the disturbing allegations that swirl around Prince Andrew.
With intimate access and sources, Brown promises an understanding of the royal family that Netflix’s The Crown would envy.
Published by Century, out April 2022

Elizabeth II: A Queen for Our Time
Getty Images Royal Photographer, Chris Jackson’s book is a compendium of over two decades of Elizabeth II’s rule. During a time of seismic change and turbulence in the British Monarchy, Jackson is privy to special access to photographing both public occasions and private moments. Documenting the Queen over official engagements, Jackson shares his own insights with behind the scene anecdotes and shots too. Get yours pre-ordered as it drops October 12.
Rizzoli Publications, £26.65 Hardcover, amazon.co.uk

The Diana Chronicles
Another one from Tina Brown is this 20th anniversary commemorative edition of the bestselling book about ‘the people’s princess’, Diana. Chronicling the Princess’s tumultuous life, from her complex family and celebrity status to her relationship with the Queen, Brown looks to her own personal relationship with Lady Diana to share a compelling account of the Princess’ life and legacy.
Anchor Books, £9.99, waterstones.com

Meghan Misunderstood
Leading celebrity biographer Sean Smith brings us this trailblazing book about the Duchess of Sussex. Drawing on Markle’s intriguing life before royalty, from her charitable efforts to her successful acting career, Smith writes of her bitter treatment from the press and palace, and why she has become one of the most ‘misunderstood’ women in Britain.
HarperCollins Publishers, £16.99, waterstones.com

Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters
A dual-biography from author, journalist and renowned royal biographer Andrew Morton, Elizabeth & Margaret delves into the captivating and complex lives of the divergent royal sisters, their early life, relationship, and legacy.
Michael O’Mara Books, £20, mombooks.com

This Is a Book for People Who Love the Royals
A light-hearted, thoroughly interesting and entertaining book for those who can’t get enough of the royals, brimming with historic facts, stories, style notes, profiles and more.
Running Press Adult, £10.99, waterstones.com

Prince Philip Revealed
If you’re eager to learn about the late Duke of Edinburgh’s engrossing life, Ingrid Seward’s biography guarantees an interesting read. Discover more about the Prince’s Greek and Danish royal descent, his complicated time spent at boarding school and role as husband and consort to the most famous woman in the world.
Simon & Schuster Ltd, £15.99, waterstones.com

Finding Freedom
A close look at Harry and Meghan’s captivating life together, Finding Freedom explores the young couple’s divergence from the royal family and progressive aspirations. With exclusive access to the couple’s most intimate circles, as well as profound experience writing about the royals, authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand provide a sincere and engrossing account of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
HarperCollins Publishers, £17.99, waterstones.com

Kensington Palace: An Intimate Memoir from Queen Mary
‘The palace has been described as a royal menagerie, a hive of industrious freeloaders, an ant heap and even a lunatic asylum.’ Author Tom Quinn introduces us to the real Kensington Palace in this enthralling book – a place which, despite playing host to British monarchs for more than 200 years, is not exempt from a series of captivating shenanigans and scandals.
Biteback Publishing, £9.84, amazon.co.uk

HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
One for fashion enthusiasts, Elizabeth Holmes’ HRH dissects the style of royal icons the Queen, Princess Diana, The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex – the intentions and influence behind what they wear, and how royal style has carried through the generations.
Celadon Books, £19.09, amazon.co.uk

Battle of the Brothers: William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult
Historian and technical advisor to Netflix’s The Crown, Robert Lacey’s Battle of Brothers gives readers an inside glimpse into Prince William and Harry’s relationship, their differences bestowed by birth, contrasting duties and ever-growing distance.
HarperCollins Publishers, £20, waterstones.com
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