For our December book club post here at The Court Jeweller, I thought I’d highlight some of my very favorite royal books that were published (in the US) this year — just in case you hadn’t decided what to ask Santa to put under your tree just yet!
Angela Kelly
Angela Kelly, official dresser to Queen Elizabeth II, packs her second book with lots of tales about her life and her history working as one of the Queen’s closest staff members and confidantes. There are lots of juicy tidbits about the royal household, the royal wardrobe, and even some of the royal jewelry. (The secret to the Queen’s sparkling diamonds is … gin???)
Sali Hughes
This delightful little bonbon of a book chronicles the colors, patterns, and textures of the Queen’s wardrobe over the past seventy years. As you can imagine, there are a whole lot of royal jewels included as well! The perfect stocking stuffer for anyone who loves royals or fashion.
Jennifer Robson
There were several major novels with royal themes released this year, and one of the most inventive was Jennifer Robson’s novel. The story follows the seamstresses who made Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown in the lean years that followed World War II, and there’s a present-day mystery woven through the text as well.
Jasmine Guillory
Inspired by the mother of a certain American duchess, this fantastically fun book imagines a charming Christmas romance at Sandringham between an American woman and the Queen’s private secretary. There’s also a can’t-miss scene involving one of my favorite museums and a royal tiara!
Lucy Worsley
Released here in the US right at the beginning of the year, Worsley’s biography of Queen Victoria takes a fresh perspective on well-worn territory by honing in on some of the most pivotal days of the monarchy’s very long life. Highly recommended.
Francesca Cartier Brickell
Brickell, who is a Cartier descendant, writes a fascinating history of her family’s famous jewelry firm, with all the twists and turns you’d expect from a good novel. It’s great to learn even more backstory about the people who made some of the most famous jewels worn by royals.
Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
This fantastic book takes a journey through the year, highlighting all sorts of important (and even infamous) moments in sartorial history along the way. There are lots of royal clothing moments included! Fun for anyone who loves both history and fashion.
Which royal books are you hoping to read this holiday season?
Note: Some links on this website are Amazon affiliate links. I put all money that I receive from these affiliate links back into materials for review on the site, so if you want to read more reviews, please consider purchasing items through the affiliate links in this post and throughout the site. Thanks, everybody!
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