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.
more
I had no idea how the future king of England had been raised.
What a great story. A really good read.
Reading the insider’s view of the royals and their heart aches and concerns is interesting. A nanny’s perception of real people. The sadness and lonliness of these children is concerning in terms of later demands on their emotions to lead a nation.
Good book! Easy read – and a unique perspective! Will certainly make you grateful you were not born into royalty!
I enjoyed this novel about real people and what might have happened.
I love history and to hear it from another perspective is wonderful.
Based on the Windsors and a semi-fictional nanny, the book is more of a commentary on the lives of the privileged and those who serve them. Provides some insight into the childhoods that led to abdication, coronations, tragedy and history.
Even though it’s a fictional account it reads very much like a memoir. I found the historical details accurate to what I’ve read.
I enjoyed this book very much as I learned about what a royal nanny’s duties are and about the royals at this time period. I admired the main character for her commitment to the children especially the youngest child who had some developmental issues. The author wrote in an efficient and entertaining style. At times, I couldn’t wait until my daily read to see what was up with the family and with the other adults that cared for the children. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
I wish you offered he other books.
I really enjoyed this book for the insight to the royal family (compelling characters) and the insight into the social changes happening in society.
Casual reading, enjoyable but easy to put down
Not bad. I never really cared about her enough, though. Her (lost) love life was told as important, but I never felt her conflict. I think the main problem was in trying to cover too much time, and too many people. also, her regard for Johnnie seemed unbalanced rather than protective.
There’s so much about this family that was never discussed — we were kept on the fringes and not allowed to develop a real caring for any of them. I rather felt the author was afraid of saying anything controversial, so just glided along the surface.
Well written story of a person who lived an interesting life ” behind the scenes.”
The stories of the Windsor nannies are well known. It was nice to read one with Prince John given such a prominent part. Servants lives were complicated and compelling and often lasted a life time.
If you like stories about English royalty this is a good read. I found it very informative.
Loved this story and the plot. Turned it around when finished and read it again!
I enjoy historical novels, and especially this one!
Fans of Downton Abbey would love this book. Behind closed doors with royalty from Queen Victoria to King George VI
Really enjoyed reading about life in the royal family. Interesting story although a bit sad.