Book Description

An engrossing account of the life of Princess Anne and how her role was shaped by the six women who served as Princess Royal before her. Ideal for readers of Gyles Brandreth, Ingrid Seward and Hugo Vickers. To understand what it is to be a Princess Royal, the 'doyenne of royal biographers' Helen Cathcart skilfully portrays the lives of the foremost royal daughters from the days when princesses were 'ladyes' and the King's eldest son was styled Prince Royal, through to our present Princess Royal. There have been seven Princess Royals throughout British history, the inaugural of whom was Princess Mary, the eldest daughter of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, followed by Princess Anne (daughter of King George II), Princess Charlotte (daughter of King George III), Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (daughter of King Edward VII), and Princess Mary (daughter of King George V). The current holder of the title, Princess Anne, emerges from this background, clearly demonstrating how the role or Princess Royal has evolved over the generations into one of duty and personal achievement. Drawing on royal letters, journals and associated material, the author's fascinating pen captures the first four decades of Princess Anne's life, from playful child and stylish teenager to champion rider and tireless campaigner for good causes. Along the way are royal engagements and regimental dinners, a love affair with a Dragoon and a terrifying kidnap attempt. The Princess Royal is the definitive account of what it means to be the first and most royal of royal daughters and how Princess Anne is truly a Princess Royal for our times. 'Wide acclaim as a royal biographer ... objective, uninhibited and penetrating' - Sunday Express 'Helen Cathcart writes about royalty as if she were one of them' - The Daily Mail 'The doyenne of royal biographers' - The Daily Telegraph 'A tireless chronicler of royalty' - The Guardian