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Crowned heads, ancient titles, boundless powers: royal families have always exercised an unparalleled fascination and influence. Whether you were a subject or simply curious, as in our case, it makes little difference. And, on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II on the throne of England, the attention of the world and the spotlight from all corners of the earth remain focused more on the monarchy. This institution, in the past as in the present, has been idealized and revered – regardless of political positions – and today it is even pop and cult, shrouded in a veneer of glamor and steeped in appetizing scandals.
Whether they are real anchored in history or fiction (or in the middle, like Bridgerton and the other costume series born first on paper and then often moved elsewhere), here we are devouring volumes upon volumes, to find out more.
Thus, after the readings on female empowerment and those dedicated to nature, a handbook of unmissable titles arrives to learn more about princes, queens and co.
Other stories of Vanity Fair that may interest you:
10 books on women’s empowerment
10 green books
Not just Bridgerton: 10 costume books
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1/10Sissi by Nicole Avril
Romy Schneider has fictionalized the myth thanks to a film trilogy, but behind that loving and generous figure represented on the big screen there is much more to discover. One of the most memorable sovereigns in history, chosen by the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph when she was only 15, left her mark on the European political balance. Rebellious, indomitable, unconventional and always restless, she has become a legend not only for her grace and charm but also for a series of talents and circumstances that will forever be engraved in the collective imagination.
(Already available. Mondadori, pp. 350)
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2/10Real loves by Cinzia Giorgio
This essay traces the background of the best-known royal marriages, as well as the most famous forbidden relationships. From Caesar to Cleopatra to Grace Kelly and Rainier of Monaco to Prince William of England and Kate Middleton, the author reconstructs a mosaic of passions and torments, of public promises and private whispers and explains how these choices have changed history forever. . The happiness or sadness in these unions shaped events and sealed the fate of millions of people, with repercussions that still echo after several generations. Peering through royal corridors and chambers of power has never been easier and more accessible.
(Already available. Newton Compton, pp. 336)
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3/10Elizabeth, the infinite queen by Alberto Mattioli and Marco Ubezio
A journalist and a lawyer join forces to tell an extraordinary sovereign of impeccable composure, despite the passage of time and the multiplication of scandals. This portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is hatched with passion, reverence and a sense of humor. Behind the crown that 70 years ago placed her at the head of one of the greatest world powers, there is a woman who is always faithful to herself, with a strong character and shrewd disposition. That coronation, the first broadcast on TV, remains in history as the first of many records that the sovereign is destined to break.
(May 26. Garzanti, pp. 160)
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4/10Diana Spencer, the people’s princess by Tim Clayton and Phil Craig
The essay that shocked the world is in reprint, just in time for the 25th anniversary of the death of the People’s Princess, Lady Diana Spencer, whom Le Figaro called “the woman who threatened the British monarchy”. This biography looks like a novel, instead it is made with a meticulous use and comparison of sources, with in-depth interviews and testimonies to bring to light the truth of a key figure in contemporary history. No beatification, no hypocrisy, no attack: the authors put together the pieces of a complex puzzle between lights and shadows, from the engagement with Prince Charles to the flirtations after the divorce up to the tragic death of her.
(Already available. Newton Compton, pp. 334)
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5/10The Queen by Sali Hughes
This colorful volume shows a rainbow Queen, in style and soul, a composed but determined figure who through style has marked crucial pages of our history in almost a century of life. Through an exquisite collection of photos of her and her most iconic outfits, the Guardian journalist Sali Hughes reconstructs the magnetism of this exceptional sovereign. From the inevitable Launer bag to the typical square heels to the kilts and the sober twin-sets, everything you need to know about Queen Elizabeth II.
(Already available. Vallardi, pp. 368)
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6/10Elizabeth forever queen by Antonio Caprarica
Antonio Caprarica, journalist from Lecce and RAI correspondent in London, leading Italian expert of the British Royal House, paints an effective and accurate portrait by intertwining world history with the personal one of Elizabeth II. This woman, a symbolic institution of the Crown and of the whole country, has managed to establish herself with unparalleled charisma and measure. From the birth to the abdication of Edward VIII, the destiny of a nation changes its face for 70 years thanks to this so composed and powerful figure. Behind that mask of inscrutability we hide torments, feelings and emotions that in these pages try to come to the surface.
(Already available. Sperling & Kupfer, pp. 549)
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7/10Elizabeth and the others by Eva Grippa
The journalist talks about Queen Elizabeth II through ten women who have been or are still part of her life. These relationships that she has woven with the rest of the female universe allow us to understand what kind of figure the sovereign is. Author Eva Grippa categorized them with delightful irony: Marion Crawford, the forgotten nanny; Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the indomitable Queen Mother; Sister Margaret, princess without a fairy tale; Wallis Simpson, the woman of the scandal; Princess Anna, the only daughter; Lady Diana Spencer, queen of hearts; Sarah Ferguson, the Bridget Jones of the royal family; Camilla Parker Bowles, daughter-in-law on blackmail; Kate Middleton, the Queen to be; Meghan Markle, the American Duchess.
(Already available. DeAgostini, pp. 320)
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8/10The selection by Kiera Cass
Netflix is ​​making a film about this quadrilogy of dystopian novels that transform the search for the sovereign into a kind of reality show. The heir to the throne of a monarchy lost in the future, Prince Maxon, decides who to marry among the debutants of the Selection called by extraction with the aim of involving the public in the fate of the royals. The nation is tormented by hunger and war (as well as divided into castes) and this event brings a bit of lightness and distraction to the people. 17-year-old America is pushed by her secret boyfriend, Aspen, of a lower class, to participate and, surprisingly, is drawn, with her great shock to her. So she leaves, with the other competitors, for the Royal Palace.
(Already available. Sperling & Kupfer, pp. 298)
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9/10The king at the edge of the world by Arthur Phillips
The novel traces the last mortal days of Queen Elizabeth I (in the year 1601 in England), who is about to leave this land without heirs and with a potential civil war over her succession. Through a compelling storyline such as a well-orchestrated chess match, the sovereign’s spies take action to investigate the most likely candidate to ascend the throne, James VI of Scotland. The greatest fear is that he may secretly confess Catholicism, sweeping away the new tradition of Protestantism inaugurated by Henry VIII and his schism. The dangerous and secret mission is entrusted by Geoffrey Belloc who hires Mahmoud Ezzedine, a Muslim doctor, to bring the truth to the surface.
(Already available. Fazi, pp. 300)
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10/10Diana, the true story from her words by Andrew Morton
It was only after Lady D’s death that it was revealed that the People’s Princess did indeed collaborate in the making of this portrait. To write it is the investigative journalist Andrew Morton who wants to unearth the truth about one of the most iconic figures of his time using the same words as him. The ex-wife of Prince Charles has in fact devised a sophisticated and ingenious way to secretly send the reporter some tapes with her revelations. This is why this book tells a story with the voice of the protagonist: it retraces the suicide attempts, the indifference of the Crown, the eating disorders, the suspicions of her betrayal with Camilla, the coldness of her husband. And so a portrait with lights and shadows comes to light that does justice to a princess who did not want the throne but love.
(Already available. Sonzogno, pp. 366)
Source: Vanity Fair
