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If you ask the average person what they spend many hours of their day doing, they might tell you something productive.
But since I’m part of Gen Z, it looks a little different.
I have a sort of unhealthy obsession with royalty, and the British monarchy, in particular, is one I am absolutely fascinated by.
I love reading about how different dynasties started and ended – the coups, the strife, the political entanglements, the individuals – because it’s all amazing. Period.
In fact, the very first paperback I bought with my own money was a biography of Elizabeth I, who, regardless of whatever historians say, is the most iconic woman to ever exist.
I have watched a lot of documentaries about the British royal family, and trust me, once you go down the rabbit hole, there is no resurfacing.
Anyway, if you’re a fellow nerd like me and you’d like to read some books about the British royal family that explore their growth and influence from different angles, you’re going to enjoy the books on this list.
The People’s Princess by Flora Harding
This one is so close to my heart (who doesn’t love and still miss Princess Diana?).
This one is about Lady Diana Spencer, who becomes Princess Diana after marrying Prince Charles.
The story is set in the 1980s at Buckingham Palace, and it shows how Diana struggles with the royal lifestyle.
She feels trapped and alone, but her discovery of Princess Charlotte’s diary offers some solace.
The connections Diana makes to Charlotte’s life are so relatable and offer a deep look into her inner world.
I love how the book reflects Diana’s early days in the royal family, and it’s an eye-opening peek into her life before the fame.
The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman
If you love historical fiction that brings forgotten royals to life, this novel is a must-read.
It tells the story of Richard III, a king who has been unfairly remembered as a villain.
Instead, this book presents him as a loyal, intelligent man who got caught up in the dangerous politics of the time.
I love how it challenges what we think we know about history because sometimes, the bad guys weren’t really that bad.
The Windsor Knot by SJ Bennett
This is a cozy mystery with an adorable twist – Queen Elizabeth herself is the detective.
I love how the book imagines the Queen solving a murder in Windsor Castle.
It’s so fun to think about Her Majesty living a secret double life as a crime solver.
This story is quirky, but it also shows the depth of the Queen’s intelligence and her quiet strength.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good mystery with a royal touch.
The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden
This book takes us into the life of Marion Crawford, Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved governess.
It paints a vivid picture of the royal childhood and how Marion defied royal protocols to bring some fun and normalcy into the lives of Princess Elizabeth and Margaret.
The historical details are fantastic, and I love how the story shows the tender bond between Marion and the princesses.
It’s a warm, beautiful read that made me reflect on what it must’ve been like to live so close to royalty while still remaining human.
The Queen’s Secret by Karen Harper
Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was such a fascinating woman – elegant on the outside but tough as nails when it came to protecting her family.
And this novel reveals a side of her that’s often overlooked: the secrets she kept and the power she held behind the scenes.
Set during the time of World War II, it takes a deep dive into the royal family’s personal challenges during that era.
The way Elizabeth manages the pressures of the throne and the challenges with her husband, King George VI, is captivating, especially in the light of her demise.
This is a story about power, loyalty, and family, with some intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
If you enjoy stories about the early days of England’s monarchy, this one is a must-read.
Set in the 9th and 10th centuries, it focuses on King Alfred the Great and the Vikings who threaten to tear apart England.
Uhtred, the main character, is an outsider who’s forced to choose between two worlds – one as a Dane and one as an Englishman.
I love how it makes history feel alive and it’s like watching a movie. Also, this lovely book inspired me to leap headfirst in the bestest rabbit hole ever.
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
I’ve always been intrigued by Princess Margaret, and this book dives into her life and the chaos she often caused.
The story is told from the perspective of one of her ladies-in-waiting, Vera, who gets caught up in Margaret’s whirlwind life.
The book beautifully contrasts the glamorous world of royalty with the struggles of those who serve them.
It’s a fun and dramatic read, especially if you love the juicy details of royal life.
The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer
Georgette Heyer’s take on William the Conqueror is a thrilling historical novel.
William, a determined and ambitious man, fights against betrayal and conspiracy to take control of Normandy.
It’s a gripping story of power and passion that changes the course of history.
The historical details are rich, and the book brings to life the intrigue of the Norman court in a way that makes it feel like you’re right there with them.
Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
This book tells the story of Mary Tudor, the daughter of Henry VIII, and it’s a beautifully told tale of her struggles with love, jealousy, and loss.
The story is full of the royal intrigue that surrounded her, from her father’s relationships to her own tumultuous path to the throne.
It’s such a well-crafted narrative that makes you empathize with Mary’s hardships and see her as more than just a queen with a bloody reputation.
Princess Elizabeth’s Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal
If you love a good spy thriller with a royal twist, this is the book for you.
Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) becomes the focus of a dangerous conspiracy during World War II, and Maggie Hope, a young MI-5 agent, must protect her.
The story is fast-paced and full of twists, with some wonderful moments that highlight the royal family’s life during such a critical time in history.
The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick
Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women in medieval history, and this book does her justice.
She became queen at just 13 years old, and her life was filled with adventure, romance, and political intrigue.
If you love historical fiction with strong female leads, this is a must-read.
In Royal Service to the Queen by Tess Arlen
Another look at Queen Elizabeth’s governess, but this one focuses on her later years – when Elizabeth fell in love with Prince Philip.
I love how it shows the emotional side of royal life, the sacrifices made behind the scenes, and the relationships that shaped the Queen.
If you like The Crown, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Are you also a fan of the British monarchy? I don’t mean it in a political sense – I mean just interested in them as a whole.
Let me know in the comment section below!
And if you want to read even more fantastic nonfiction and fiction books about lots of other topics, check out the related posts below.
