Publication June 2, 2026
There are countless detailed reviews out there, so I'm going to focus on my own reactions to the book and characters. I liked the book and, much to my only casual interest in the royals, found it fascinating in spots. What can I say? I'm a history buff and it was intriguing to ponder how one woman's actions, Wallis, may have changed history, not to mention how the others responded similarly themselves.
I found myself understanding Wallis Simpson a bit better perhaps, learning of her background and determination not to be put in the position of ever having to beg for the, let's say, perks of being rich ever again. Despite this, I simply couldn't find much sympathy for her. She was vain, self-centered, and manipulative, determined to have more, more, more. Her mean streak was a mile wide, too, as she seemed to take such pleasure in stabbing her potential and eventual sister-on-law Elizabeth in the back. Actually, many of her nasty digs were barely disguised even in Elizabeth's presence. Don't get me wrong. According to this book, Elizabeth was no saint, either. She was focused on more of the whole picture, however, and not just her own sense of well-being, making her more likable. That said, she was devious at times.
As for the men, David was well liked and popular with the public, able to engage in idle chatter with strangers easily. Bertie? Not so much. As the "spare" heir, he was never expected to be king and it appeared to be fortunate. Shy and seemingly uncomfortable around crowds, he was seen as, let's say, rather hapless at times, preferring to be among close friends and family. Heck, he even had to propose to Elizabeth three times before she finally accepted. Talk about something that would have definitely changed history had he given up. Overshadowed by his personable older brother, he seemed headed to lots of secondary royal duties and, quite frankly, both Elizabeth and he probably would have preferred it stay that way had Wallis not come along and threatened the monarchy. I came away thinking I would have quite liked him and his attentions to his daughters, one of whom grew up to be rather memorable herself. Grin. Bertie definitely seemed to come into his own as WWII progressed and David and Wallis seemed to fall under the spell of Germany. Did Germany really promise David he'd be returned to the throne if Germany won?
Queen Mary, David and Bertie's mother, injects a few times, adding some background and weight to the circumstances of what was going on. It's difficult to view the royals as "real people" at times, people who have the same hopes, fears, strengths and weaknesses we all do, so this added a fuller picture of the people involved. And, there were lots of them. Some assistants, aides, other family members, advisors, politicians, and, well, the like. The palace walls seemed to hold few secrets thanks to this mix and rumors and possible repercussions probably reverberated off the tapestry at times. Many of the names are will known, of course, such as Winston Churchill, while others remain in the shadows. Actually, I loved the few moments the author allowed the royal daughter so emerge from the shadows for a bit, including some tidbits about the romance between young Elizabeth and her Prince. Again, this gives you a more personal view of the participants as you learn all that David's vow to give up the throne if he wasn't able to marry Wallis would mean. I could go on and on, of course, but will simply say thank you #Ballantine - #DelacortePress for this sort of time machine early peek back at a time that was before me but still makes headlines in ways today. I've never been a huge royal watcher but it gives me more respect for the Royal Families as they make their way through what must seem like a minefield of publicity with eyes watching them every second of every day.
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