Based on a seldom-told true story, this novel is perfect for everyone who is fascinated by Britain’s royal family—a behind the scenes look into the nurseries of little princes and the foibles of big princes.
April, 1897: A young nanny arrives at Sandringham, ancestral estate of the Duke and Duchess of York. She is excited, exhausted—and about to meet royalty. . . .
So begins the unforgettable … the unforgettable story of Charlotte Bill, who would care for a generation of royals as their parents never could. Neither Charlotte—LaLa, as her charges dub her—nor anyone else can predict that eldest sons David and Bertie will each one day be king. LaLa knows only that these children, and the four who swiftly follow, need her steadfast loyalty and unconditional affection.
But the greatest impact on Charlotte’s life is made by a mere bud on the family tree: a misunderstood soul who will one day be known as the Lost Prince. Young Prince John needs all of Lala’s love—the kind of love his parents won’t…or can’t…show him.
From Britain’s old wealth to the glittering excesses of Tsarist Russia; from country cottages to royal yachts, and from nursery to ballroom, Charlotte Bill witnesses history. The Royal Nanny is a seamless blend of fact and fiction—an intensely intimate, yet epic tale spanning decades, continents, and divides that only love can cross.
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Did you see the movie The King’s Speech? A great peek into the lives of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (parents of Britain’s current Queen Elizabeth II), this shared the challenges the King had in performing his duties as a monarch, especially in making speeches, as he had had a stutter from childhood. The King talks briefly about being left with nannies most of the time, and the one who especially wreaked emotional turmoil in his life and the lives of his siblings.
This book ISN’T about that nanny, but Charlotte Bill, one who initially saw the rough treatment the young royals were put through. I love any glimpse into the royal family, in any generation, so this went straight to the top of my reading list when I saw it!
You learn a great deal about the monarchs at the time, King Edward VII with his Queen Alexandra, and following that, King George V with Queen Mary. The stage is set for the abdication of King Edward VIII as young “David” (as he’s then known) spends his childhood proclaiming that he doesn’t want to be king, and his adolescence acting out. It’s the youngest of the siblings, Prince John, who captures Charlotte’s heart. He suffers from what is now easily identified as epilepsy, yet he is kept away from the public and notices the shame his parents seem to feel about his condition.
In the midst of “royal” goings-on, Charlotte finds a bit of romance with a fellow servant of the household – one that is rather complicated.
If, like me, you can’t get enough of behind-the-scenes information about the royals, check out this novel!
Loved this story of a devoted nanny to English royal family. Great insights into the character of history makers especially the Prince of Wales who renounced his kingdom for a woman.
Good book about Charlotte Bill, the actual Royal Nanny of the title who was in charge of the great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria, including the two oldest who became the kings Edward VIII and George VI. It is a fictionalized account of about 20 years of her time as the main care-giver to six children of the Duke and Duchess of York, who became King George V and Queen Mary. The author skips to Charlotte’s old age, when she is visited by the Duke of Windsor, the abdicated King Edward VIII, to tie off the tale. She also gives the true information about the characters in the book at the end, which was very much appreciated. Excellent book.
Based on a true story, this is the story of the Charlotte Bill, known as Mrs. LaLa, the Head Nanny for the children of Edward VII and his wife. The story starts in 1987 when the children’s grandmother, Queen Victoria is still on the throne.
LaLa basically raises the future King Edward VIII and King George IV as well as their siblings. She sees to their needs and travels with the family. There are lots of famous people who are mentioned in the book.
Easy, light read that is full of history and real people.
Well written and a real look into the workings of a family of royals and their children.
I enjoyed learning about this era through the story.
I didn’t want to put it down.
Very interesting look at the British monarchy in the late 1800’s up to just before WWI. Wonderful love story and characters.If you like historical novels you will enjoy this book.
Interesting read with Royal history, but somewhat more soap opera-y than I expected.
Informative and thought provoking
I have always had an interest in the British royals and I certainly recommend this book especially if you enjoy reading about their private lives. I learned so much regarding Queen Elizabeth’s father and his brothers when they were children. It even included her great grandparents and grandparents. It appears that even if you are royalty you are not immune to tragedy. I enjoyed this author and will look for more her books.
I found this book fascinating in its detailed portrayal of the life of royals and those who served them a hundred years ago. In fact I couldn’t put it down. I particularly appreciated the nobility of character displayed in the romance of Nanny Charlotte and Chad. Highly recommend.
I enjoyed reading this book. The story followed the early lives of the future kings of England.
Learned more about links between British Royal families and other European royalty. Also about children of Victoria, and those of her son and successor.
Interesting viewpoint during a momentous time period. Wether royal or common families all face challenges and often one member can be the solution. Great love requires great sacrifice.
You will walk in the shoes of Queen Elizabeth’s paternal family as you read this book! It really is a must read!
A great look behind the scenes in the nursery of the British Monarchy. Brings familiar historical characters to life in a new and humanizing way.
Expecting one thing another thing happening very different story. Not what I usually read, glad I did!!
I enjoyed this book a lot. The story was easy to read and I looked forward to picking it back up every time I could. I especially liked the character building. Good for insight into the British Royal Family.
Great read. Interesting and entertaining.