Monarchs, murders & mistresses - David Hilliam

Which 'ill-prepared monarch was on the throne at the turn of the last millennium? How many English monarchs have been crowned on St. George's day? When, how and why did England 'lose' eleven days? Monarchs, Murderers and Mistresses answers these questions and more, presenting a royal event for each day of the calendar year in vivid detail with close-ups of the personalities involved. It reveals the recurring occupational difficulties faced by the royal family over the centuries: as Shakespeare's Henry IV so memorably concludes, 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.' Today the royal family is plagued by the Press, but even 300 years ago, Charles II felt the need to apologise to a crowd of onlookers for taking so long to die. This fascinationing book brings alive the drama of what it was, and is, to be a king or queen. Entertianing, provocative and always amusing, here is the perfect gift and an ideal reference guide for anyone interested in the English monarchy.