Royal books to read ahead of the King's Coronation
As the world waits for the Coronation of King Charles III perhaps some light royal reading is in order.
From Prince Harry's explosive memoir to look backs on his mother Diana's short but big life, enjoy this round-up of books that will satisfy your obsession with the royals.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
King Charles: The Man, the Monarch, and the Future of Britain, by Robert Jobson
Released just over a month before becoming king, this book by Robert Jobson details the life of the then Prince of Wales. Delving into his public service and political interests, it also dives into Queen Elizabeth II's guidance towards the transitioning of monarchy – quite a poignant take on the changes in the royal family since.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall: From Outcast to Future Queen Consort by Angela Levin
Camilla Parker Bowles, who was once an extremely controversial figure in the royal family is now seen as one of the most revered. This is one of the first biographies of the Queen Consort since she ascended to the position following the death of the Queen and her husband becoming King.
Spare, by Prince Harry
It has been one of the most talked about books this year, and despite multiple passage leaks and controversy behind the scenes, Prince Harry's memoir Spare has been a huge hit. If you've been living under a royal-sized rock, this revealing autobiography takes a look into the Prince's life growing up in the Royal family, his relationship with his mother, his old party ways and how his life has changed since meeting his wife Meghan Markle. It also dives into his relationship with our new King and the Prince of Wales.
Buckingham Palace: The Interiors, by Ashley Hicks
It has been the official residence of the monarch since 1837, and if walls could talk, it would have some of the most interesting, unbelievable and remarkable things to say. This book is the closest we can come to hearing them speak. With images of the impressive ballrooms, palace gardens and the one and only throne room, this extensive book by Ashley Hicks gives us regular people a glimpse we would never have had before.
Finding Freedom: Harry And Meghan And The Making Of A Modern Royal Family, by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand
This New York Times bestseller has gripped many royal followers since its release in 2020, following the departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as working members of the royal family. Starting from the blossoming relationship between the pair, authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand dive into the headlines that followed the pair as they left the royal family and made their own way in life.
The Palace Papers, by Tina Brown
Lauded by 9Honey's royal expert Natalie Oliveri in our best book wrap-up, this is a heavy read that goes into all the details behind every royal family scandal and controversy in recent times. Going back to the romance between the then Princess Elizabeth and her second cousin Prince Philip, all the way up to the Markle debacle and Prince Andrew's alleged unsavory actions, every corner is covered.
The Queen's Diamonds, by Hugh Roberts
Starting from the jewels of Queen Adelaide in the 1830s, this book takes a look at all the stunning pieces in the royal collection. Published in 2012, this is the first authorised collection of the royal family's jewellery collection and contains images of all the most beautiful, significant and historical items that are seen worn by the royals, as well as others that are firmly kept in their collection.
Remembering Diana: A Life in Photographs
It has been 25 years since her death, yet Princess Diana still remains an influential and revered member of the royal family. This photo book shows all the most important and memorable moments in her life with over 100 images of the People's Princess.
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style, by Elizabeth Holmes
This is a great gift and wonderful coffee table book option, with hundred of photographs of all the recognisable and beautiful outfits worn by arguably the most influential women in the royal family: Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors, by Tom Bower
Delving into the depths of the relationship breakdown between the Sussexes and the royal family, British investigative biographer Tom Bower takes a deep dive into what went wrong and how everything changed behind closed doors. With Meghan Markle starting out in Hollywood before finding her fairytale ending with her Prince, Bower uncovers how everything shifted and what led to the now infamous 'Megxit'. This is one to read if you're after the inside scoop behind all the recent fallouts within The Firm.
The Windsor Diaries: A childhood with the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, by Alathea Fitzalan Howard
This collection of diary entries about the then Princess Elizabeth and her younger sister Princess Margaret gives an insight into the royal family's private lives before Elizabeth inherited the crown. These entries come from Alathea Fitzalan Howard, who lived with the sisters on the grounds of Windsor Castle during the Second World War. The book offers a unique portrayal of the family and their relationships with each other from someone who saw the events first-hand.
Elizabeth II: A Queen for Our Time, by Chris Jackson
Royal photographer Chris Jackson had the opportunity to photograph Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 20 years at public events as well as personal moments outside of public viewing. He has compiled 150 of his best, most impactful images for the public in his book, which offers a new perspective on Britain's longest serving monarch.
The Royal Stuarts: A History of the Family That Shaped Britain, by Allan Massie
We all know the basics behind our modern British royal family, but many don't know the ins and outs of the family that held the crown before them. Allan Massie explores the Stuart family and their bloody history leading up to the modern monarchy as we know today. It includes a wide range of historical insights on Mary, Queen of Scots, King James III and Charles I, as well as a history of the downfall of the dynasty.
Prince Philip 1921-2021: A Celebration, by Sally Goodsir and Deborah Clarke
One of the more controversial figures of the modern monarchy, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, made a huge impact on the royal family and to the world in his 99 years. This book follows all the key moments from his Greek origins, his military service and his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duchess of Cambridge: A Decade of Modern Royal Style, by Bethan Holt
Her wedding to Prince William took the world by storm, not just because of the historical event taking place, but because of the style and beauty of Kate Middleton. This book follows the 10 years since everyone marvelled at her in her wedding dress and shows all the best and most remarkable outfits The Duchess of Cambridge has worn.
Before The Crown: The love story of Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth, by Flora Harding
The marriage between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip was a long and dutiful one that will be remembered fondly for generations. After first meeting in 1943, the book follows the pair's budding relationship in its early years during WWII and before their lives changed forever when Elizabeth ascended the crown.
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