Books for Royal Watchers
Where are all my royal watchers? Royal Watching has become more nuanced in the last four years and I’m grateful for it. I will always have a fascination with it IRL but it’s also one of my favorite literary tropes! I rounded up some of my favorite royals reads, fiction and nonfiction, and a few that are on my TBR!
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
The OG Royal Novel that I loved so much when it first came out in 2015. It’s a fictionalized version of Will and Kate’s relationship and spans the years between them meeting in college until their wedding. It’s packed full of drama and has a fantastic friend group. I’ve reread it often. There’s a sequel…but tbh you can skip it. Fun fact, my husband (Nick) gave me this book as a graduation present because it stars Prince Nick. Subtle.
American Royals by Katharine McGee
Imagine an America where George Washington accepted the bid for King after the Revolutionary War. Now mix in his modern day descendants, Gossip Girl esque drama, the elegance of The Crown, and the grandeur of Crazy Rich Asians and you’ve got this fun series. The third book, just out in May, made my jaw DROP.
Red White and Royal Blue by Casey Mcquiston
Similar to American Royals, imagine the 2016 election with a happier outcome: a female president! Now add in her young adult children and a Prince of England. it’s a little enemies to lovers and a lot of fun moments with a great group of diverse friends.
A Princess in Theory by Alexa Cole
I love finding non-Eurocentric royal romances and A Princess in Theory is just that. It has a STEM heroine and an African prince (the audiobook narration is so good cause of his voice 🤤 ) trying to save his home country from a terrible pandemic.
Tokyo Every After by Emiko Jean
The Princess Diaries, but make it better. This is the story of Izumi who finds out that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan! It’s SO GOOD and there’s some fun romantic tension between Izumi and her bodyguard. The second book just released in May!
The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory
This one has been on my TBR for a while! I have the audio saved on Scribd so hopefully I’ll get to it soon. It’s about a jilt princess bride who is so over the princess thing after being left at the altar. So, as the title suggests, she takes off!
The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
If you’re looking for a Hallmark After Dark romance that address people around the royals, look no further! Imagine that Harry and Meghan escaped the press to a small island off the coast of Canada and brought their bodyguard with them…who ends up falling for the neighbor. It’s so fun!
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
Princess Margaret is one of the most fascinating members of the Windsor family and this book explores her side of the story! Now I want this to be a movie with Vanessa Kirby.
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
This is a fun YA series about Millie, who finds out her girlfriend has been cheating on her. So she heads off to boarding school in Scotland and ends up rooming with a Princess and sparks fly.
Twisted Love by Anna Huang
Another spicy, bodyguard romance!
Non-Fiction
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown
This book released recently and is by the same author who did a profile on Diana. I haven’t read it yet but Tina Brown is a no nonsense type of reporter.
HRH by Elizabeth Holmes
Have to include the one and only book by E.Holmes! I love her smart takes on royal fashion through the years.
This is a Book for People Who Love the Royals by Rebecca Stoeker
From corgis to crowns, this book is straight up fun.
Let me know your favorite royal recs!