Review: The People's Princess

Title: The People's Princess

Author: Flora Harding

Publisher: 31st March 2022 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 400 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Buckingham Palace, 1981

Her engagement to Prince Charles is a dream come true for Lady Diana Spencer but marrying the heir to the throne is not all that it seems. Alone and bored in the palace, she resents the stuffy courtiers who are intent on instructing her about her new role as Princess of Wales…

But when she discovers a diary written in the 1800s by Princess Charlotte of Wales, a young woman born into a gilded cage so like herself, Diana is drawn into the story of Charlotte’s reckless love affairs and fraught relationship with her father, the Prince Regent.

As she reads the diary, Diana can see many parallels with her own life and future as Princess of Wales.

The story allows a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life in the palace, the tensions in Diana’s relationship with the royal family during the engagement, and the wedding itself.

My Thoughts

‘She is living the fairy tale. She has found her prince and she is determined to be the best of princesses and they will live happily ever after.’

I read and enjoyed Flora’s, Before The Crown and was therefore eager to read her latest, The People’s Princess, a story of fiction based on fact. This story will take you through the build up to Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles. Lovers of all things Royal will certainly enjoy this one. 

Much is sure to be familiar if you are a Royal watcher, knowing of Princess Diana or have even watched the series, The Crown. There is not much new with regards to this well told tale, that being, her relationship with Prince Charles and the demands of Royal life. What was new was the story of Princess Charlotte. Flora cleverly interweaves the tale of these two Princesses with illuminating results. 

‘Will comfortable be enough, though? She can’t help thinking wistfully of Charlotte’s passionate affair with the handsome Prince Frederick. Diana is quite envious of Charlotte having found someone so perfect, and being resolute enough to resist the marriage of convenience.’

Princess Diana found consolation in reading Princess Charlotte’s diary and herein the parallels between the two were expertly drawn. I came to find Charlotte’s story probably more engaging and endearing. Flora presents a dual timeline for the two - one in 1813 and the other in 1981 - and how both women faced fears and insecurities, hopes and desires. 

The People’s Princess is an entertaining read with Flora cleverly combining the tale of two princesses - both sad tales in their own way - with timelines interweaving for an overall engaging story. 

‘Alone, she walks back up the silent stairs to her apartment. She doesn’t belong here. She doesn’t belong in the kitchen. She doesn’t belong anywhere here, she thinks miserably.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Before the Crown

Title: Before the Crown

Author: Flora Harding

Publisher: 18th September 2020 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter

Pages: 262 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, romance

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Before the crown there was a love story…

Windsor Castle, 1943

As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.

One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.

But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.

He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…

Step through the palace gates and discover a captivating historical novel of royal secrets and forbidden love exploring the tempestuous courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the wake of WWII.

My Thoughts

‘You don’t ever resent having a life of behaving well mapped out for you?’

I am such a fan of the TV series, The Crown, it therefore was only natural to delve into this story, Before the Crown. If you are too, then stop reading and go grab yourself a copy of this tale as I can guarantee you will love it. Apart from the stunning cover, you will lose yourself in what will be a timeless tale. 

‘Everybody else behaves to her in exactly the same way: they are often charming, always polite and deferential. At social occasions, the onus is on her to put people at their ease, but there is never anyone to put her at her ease. They treat her like a princess. Philip treats her as Elizabeth.’

This is, of course, a fictional retelling of Elizabeth and Philips early courtship and it is delightful. I feel that the author has really captured the voice of them both and it is fascinating to consider that this is what they may have been thinking and feeling in the early days of their relationship. There were definite obstacles to their marriage and it was fascinating to consider how they may have worked together to become the strong and solid duo we see today. Elizabeth was determined, Philip was not approved of, and all of this set against the backdrop of royal life mid century.

‘In that case, let’s forget about what your father thinks and what the government thinks and what the public thinks,’ he goes on. ‘Let’s decide what we want.’ His hand tightens around hers. ‘Will you marry me, Elizabeth, and be my wife so that we can face whatever the future brings side by side?’

Whilst it is fiction there are events that most definitely did occur and the trip to South Africa was a definite highlight that I enjoyed reading about. This is wonderful historical fiction with good character portrayed and well researched societal expectations of the day - inclusive of royal protocols. I thoroughly enjoyed what I could easily foresee as an insight into the mindset of both Philip and Elizabeth. He gave up everything to be her consort. 

‘It is less daunting than it once seemed. South Africa has given Elizabeth a new confidence. Her genuine interest in the country has helped her relax and it is easier now to talk to people. She will always be shy, but sitting on the horse under that acacia tree, Elizabeth feels a sense of purpose click into place, as if for the first time she fully understands the destiny that awaits her.’

For some light reading (with mandatory tea and scones of course!), I suggest you lose yourself for a few hours to this fascinating tale and step back into the early days of when it all began for this now iconic couple. 

‘Elizabeth’s quietness is obscurely restful. It is as if some quality in her absorbs some of his restlessness and smooths down his rough edges.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.