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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The Royal Nanny exceeded my expectations.
It is a beautifully written tale about Charlotte Bill, a young woman who is soon to be employed by the royal family. Her job is to be working under Mrs. Peters, caring for the sons of the Duke and Duchess of York. David and Bertie have behavioral issues. It doesn’t take Charlotte long to discover Mrs.Peters is responsible for much of the boys problems, David cries every time he sees his parents, Bertie stutters and is under fed, due to physical and emotional abuse. Charlotte discloses this to the parents and Mrs. Peters is institutionalized. Charlotte becomes head nurse and forms a strong bond with both boys. Other children follow and the beloved “Lala” as they call her, lovingly cares for them. The last child, Prince John, is born frail and requires more of her attention. John is thought to have epilepsy and must be watched constantly.
This is a story of love and loss, sacrifice and satisfaction. Broken hearts and broken dreams. A lovely mix of historical fact and fiction.
I appreciate Book Club Girl and NetGalley making this book available to me. Now to read more of the author, Karen Harper’s work. I am a fan.
I enjoyed the background information but didn’t care for the end.
I enjoyed The Royal Nanny. Looking into how children of Royals were raised in the 1890’s through WWI is so interesting. The children, David and Bertie, both to become future Kings of England were really raised by a nanny. “Lala” Charlotte Bill was hired as an under nurse maid. She discovered and reported that David was being abused by the head nanny. Who was fired. Lala devotes her life to them and their two younger siblings especially Johnny who had many problems. Not an easy life for her and also for the children who do not have a normal parent-child relationship. I appreciate the research that the author did to write this book. I do think the book might have been better without the love interest. I have found myself thinking about this book after I finished. Thank you Harper Collins , The Book Club Girls, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
What a great peek into royal life as told through the eyes of Charlotte Bill, otherwise known as LaLa. What a wonderful royal nanny she was to the children especially to Johnnie who was neglected in many ways by his parents who saw him as a blemish upon the family. Charlotte made sacrifices especially in the area of settling down with her own love in order to be there for these children who she knew needed her. I loved seeing royalty from this point of view.
I’ve always been fascinated with the Royal Family. This book is based on accounts from the household, Charlotte Bill was hired to be the nanny for the princes, David and Bertie. David and Bertie, grew up to be King Edward VIII and King George the VI, who then became king after King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. It’s heartbreaking that Charlotte sacrificed her own life, but choices were made. Thanks to the Book Club Girl, William Morrow, and NetGalley for an ebook copy. This is my honest review.
I learned so much from this book
It was written about the young Royals and the family, describing the lovable qualities and the not so lovable ones. Good historical background and colorful descriptions of ceremonial events – – – – – – -feasts and rich costumes and jewels.
Since it was based on facts, there were some tragic events as in real life.
As a lover of stories of about the British Monarchy, I deeply enjoyed this often sad, but based on historical truth, inside saga of the nanny to King George V’s children. They included King Edward who abdicated and King George VI, the current Queen’s father. Told with great heart in the voice of the royal nanny who truly loved the royal children.
this was very good. amazing how the royals think and live. after watching The Kings Speech many times i thought the book followed King George
vi telling of life within the royal family
This is one of my favorite reads! Love the story and the history. The behind the scenes look at the life of royals was fascinating.
I enjoyed how the characters were fleshed out and made you feel like you knew them. So many events in the book were historically documented yet woven smoothly into the story line. I felt like I was an insider in the outer ring of the royal family.
I loved the history included in this novel, but wonder how the author did her research. Interesting story. Pretty sad story.
Great historical novel.
Kept my interest the whole book
This was a very compelling read. The author did a great job of bringing history to life.
I really liked this book. It was like looking into the lives of royalty and finding they have some of the same problems as “commoners”.
Interesting take on a group of royals (Victoria’s grandchildren) we usually don’t hear about., told from the viewpoint of a dedicated nanny.
Interesting.
I think this driven character is the best in this book, and its character driven story
Insights and characters not usually explored.