One Sentence Summary:
A revealing biography of the British Royal Family, filled with scandalous secrets and controversial revelations.
Book Genre:
Biography/Non-Fiction
Main Topic of the Book:
The British Royal Family and their lives behind the palace walls.
Key Ideas:
- The Royal Family’s obsession with maintaining their image and how it affects their personal relationships.
- The intense media scrutiny and public pressure the Royals face.
- Their lavish and often excessive lifestyles.
- The scandals and controversies that have plagued the family, including affairs, divorces, and even allegations of murder.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Part One: Childhood and Early Years – This section delves into the childhoods of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Prince Charles, painting a picture of their strict upbringings and the pressures placed upon them as future monarchs.
- Part Two: The Monarch and Her Consort – This section explores the early years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and her tumultuous relationship with Prince Philip.
- Part Three: Charles and Diana – Here, Kelley delves into the infamous marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, revealing details of their loveless and tumultuous relationship and the affairs on both sides.
- Part Four: The Next Generation – This final section focuses on the younger generation of royals, including Prince William and Prince Harry, and their struggles with fame and the responsibilities of their future roles.
Key Takeaways:
- The Royal Family is not immune to scandal and controversy, despite their carefully crafted image.
- Being a part of the Royal Family comes with a heavy burden and intense pressure.
- The family’s traditional values and strict protocols often clash with their personal desires and needs.
- The Royal Family and their private lives are heavily scrutinized by the media and the public.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Kitty Kelley is a renowned and controversial biographer, known for her revealing and scandalous works on iconic figures such as Frank Sinatra, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Queen Elizabeth II. She has spent years researching and interviewing sources close to the Royal Family to compile this comprehensive and controversial biography.
Target Audience:
Readers interested in the British Royal Family, scandalous celebrity biographies, and those curious about the inner workings of the monarchy.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
The book ‘The Royals’ was published by Warner Books on October 3, 1997.