The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne (The Royal House of Windsor)
£11.40
Ideal for readers of Gyles Brandreth, Ingrid Seward and Hugo Vickers.
To understand what it is to be a Princess Royal, the ‘doyenne of royal biographers’ Helen Cathcart skilfully portrays the lives of the foremost royal daughters from the days when princesses were ‘ladyes’ and the King’s eldest son was styled Prince Royal, through to our present Princess Royal.
There have been seven Princess Royals throughout British history, the inaugural of whom was Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, followed by Princess Anne (daughter of King George II), Princess Charlotte (daughter of King George III), Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (daughter of King Edward VII), and Princess Mary (daughter of King George V). The current holder of the title, Princess Anne, emerges from this background, clearly demonstrating how the role or Princess Royal has evolved over the generations into one of duty and personal achievement.
Drawing on royal letters, journals and associated material, the author’s fascinating pen captures the first four decades of Princess Anne’s life, from playful child and stylish teenager to champion rider and tireless campaigner for good causes. Along the way are royal engagements and regimental dinners, a love affair with a Dragoon and a terrifying kidnap attempt.
The Princess Royal is the definitive account of what it means to be the first and most royal of royal daughters and how Princess Anne is truly a Princess Royal for our times.
‘Wide acclaim as a royal biographer … objective, uninhibited and penetrating’ – Sunday Express
‘Helen Cathcart writes about royalty as if she were one of them’– The Daily Mail
‘The doyenne ofroyal biographers’ –The Daily Telegraph
‘A tireless chronicler of royalty’–The Guardian
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Additional information
| Publisher | Sapere Books (27 Sept. 2021) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 316 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1800553919 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1800553910 |
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 1.83 x 22.86 cm |
by Mr. D E WALKER
The parts of todays Princess Royal are well covered, and also those previously having the role if that interest you.
by Lucy-Bookworm
The early part of the book delves into the history of the title “Princess Royal”, a style customarily (but not automatically) given to the eldest daughter of a British monarch. It was first used in the Stuart era, and has only been given to seven royal daughters.
The first half of the book focusses on the first 6 holders of the title “Princess Royal” and This section of the book really delves into the history, status & changing roles of princesses and royal ladies. I learnt about some princesses that I had hitherto overlooked as little mention is given to them in much other royal history – Princess Mary (daughter of Charles I), Princess Anne (daughter of George II) and Princess Charlotte (Daughter of George III). On the otherhand, I felt that the sections devoted to Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (Daigter of Edward VII) & Princess Mary (Daughter of George V) were somewhat skimpy but I suppose information on them is available elsewhere.
The second half of the book focuses on the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter. It was interesting to read some of Anne’s early life, her schooling & young adulthood, and see the affection between Prince Charles & his sister.
The writing style is clear and accessible and it has been very well researched, and gives an interesting insight into a little used, and thus highly prized title, that will likely pass to Princess Charlotte in due course. However the book was originally published in 1988 and has not been updated for its re-release so the latter part of the book feels incomplete and I can’t really recommend it because of that.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
by Bronwan Allen
Good