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The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne
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.
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.
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.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2021
256 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cathcart
53 books7 followersHelen Cathcart was a prolific writer about the Royal Family, who enjoyed enormous success with her books in the 1960s and 1970s. These emerged with regularity, sold well and were largely enjoyed (if not always at Buckingham Palace). One mystery surrounded the author – she was never seen. Occasionally journalists visited her agent, Harold Albert at his cottage near Liphook, and suspected that Helen Cathcart did not exist. Invariably they left less convinced. Only when Harold Albert died was it revealed – in an obituary written by Hugo Vickers – that Harold Albert and Helen Cathcart were one and the same.
Hugo Vickers explains that the story of Harold Albert himself was considerably more interesting than anything that Helen Cathcart herself wrote. He had a grim early life, his father deserting his mother when he was a child, he was entirely self-educated and became in time a prolific and successful journalist, personally interviewing both Hitler and Mussolini before the war. He wrote a successful novel, Café People. In the war he was imprisoned in Wormwood Scrubs as a conscientious objector and then he created Helen Cathcart. In his later life he ghosted the biography of Prince Philip written by Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia and he wrote the books.
Hugo Vickers explains that the story of Harold Albert himself was considerably more interesting than anything that Helen Cathcart herself wrote. He had a grim early life, his father deserting his mother when he was a child, he was entirely self-educated and became in time a prolific and successful journalist, personally interviewing both Hitler and Mussolini before the war. He wrote a successful novel, Café People. In the war he was imprisoned in Wormwood Scrubs as a conscientious objector and then he created Helen Cathcart. In his later life he ghosted the biography of Prince Philip written by Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia and he wrote the books.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 15, 2021
The title of Princess Royal is usually granted by the British monarch to their eldest daughter. It was Henrietta Maria of France, consort of King Charles I, who wanted to have a title similar to the "Madame Royale" title in France. It was their daughter Mary who became the first Princess Royal in 1642. However, the French Madame Royale was often used for the eldest unmarried daughter and could pass to the next daughter when the elder married. The British Princess Royal title is for life and can only be granted again when the holder dies.
So far, there have been seven Princesses Royal.
Princess Royal by Helen Cathcart covers all seven of these women, but most of the book is spent on the latest Princess Royal, Anne. The information seems to be factual, and the book is easy to read. However, the original version of this book is from the 80s, and although it has been given a new cover, the information has not been updated. I would consider this an enormous miss. I can't even imagine publishing a book again and not updating it, even though so much time has passed.
Don't even bother.
So far, there have been seven Princesses Royal.
Princess Royal by Helen Cathcart covers all seven of these women, but most of the book is spent on the latest Princess Royal, Anne. The information seems to be factual, and the book is easy to read. However, the original version of this book is from the 80s, and although it has been given a new cover, the information has not been updated. I would consider this an enormous miss. I can't even imagine publishing a book again and not updating it, even though so much time has passed.
Don't even bother.
October 24, 2021
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If you follow the blog, then you know that I’ll read anything about the British royals, past and present. When NetGalley offered me a chance to read The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne, I knew I just had to read it. I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book goes through the origin of the title Princess Royal, which dates back to the Stuart era. There were a few others as the years went on, but it’s interesting to note that the title was only used seven times, and three of the princesses were in the 20th century. It was interesting to read about these princesses, since little mention was given to them in my previous readings of royal history. The history of the first six princesses takes up the first half of the book.
The second half of the book focuses on Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter and current Princess Royal. I did not know much about the princess, other than stories of her on the periphery of her mother, father, or brother, Charles, the Prince of Wales.
One of the things I always enjoy with books about the royals is that sometimes you get a glimpse into the inner workings of the Royal Family. The stories of Princess Anne’s early life and her closeness to Prince Charles was sweet to read about, It became clear early on that though the two had genuine affection for each other, they are very different in personality. Princess Anne is always described as being more like her father, the rather matter of fact, blunt, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
With that said, it’s no surprise that Princess Anne has always had a busy work schedule. She really is on of the busiest members of the working Royal Family. But at least here in the United States, you don’t hear much about her work. Maybe it’s different in Great Britain. Or maybe it’s that get-on-with-it attitude that makes her less exciting to write about in the press. I became very impressed with the hard-working ethic of the princess and the breadth of her charitable work.
But here’s my big beef. This book was published in 1988, and a whole lot has happened to Anne in the time since this book was first published. The Princess Royal was not updated when it was re-released. I understand the author has since passed, but it makes me wonder why the book was offered up through NetGalley at all. I did feel a bit deceived, as I wanted to know more about Anne and the breakdown of her marriage and relationship with her children and you know, anything that’s happened to her in this century, too. So while I do recommend this book if you want to learn more about Princess Anne, you’ll be short-changed of the last thirty years of service.
If you follow the blog, then you know that I’ll read anything about the British royals, past and present. When NetGalley offered me a chance to read The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne, I knew I just had to read it. I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of the book goes through the origin of the title Princess Royal, which dates back to the Stuart era. There were a few others as the years went on, but it’s interesting to note that the title was only used seven times, and three of the princesses were in the 20th century. It was interesting to read about these princesses, since little mention was given to them in my previous readings of royal history. The history of the first six princesses takes up the first half of the book.
The second half of the book focuses on Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter and current Princess Royal. I did not know much about the princess, other than stories of her on the periphery of her mother, father, or brother, Charles, the Prince of Wales.
One of the things I always enjoy with books about the royals is that sometimes you get a glimpse into the inner workings of the Royal Family. The stories of Princess Anne’s early life and her closeness to Prince Charles was sweet to read about, It became clear early on that though the two had genuine affection for each other, they are very different in personality. Princess Anne is always described as being more like her father, the rather matter of fact, blunt, the late Duke of Edinburgh.
With that said, it’s no surprise that Princess Anne has always had a busy work schedule. She really is on of the busiest members of the working Royal Family. But at least here in the United States, you don’t hear much about her work. Maybe it’s different in Great Britain. Or maybe it’s that get-on-with-it attitude that makes her less exciting to write about in the press. I became very impressed with the hard-working ethic of the princess and the breadth of her charitable work.
But here’s my big beef. This book was published in 1988, and a whole lot has happened to Anne in the time since this book was first published. The Princess Royal was not updated when it was re-released. I understand the author has since passed, but it makes me wonder why the book was offered up through NetGalley at all. I did feel a bit deceived, as I wanted to know more about Anne and the breakdown of her marriage and relationship with her children and you know, anything that’s happened to her in this century, too. So while I do recommend this book if you want to learn more about Princess Anne, you’ll be short-changed of the last thirty years of service.
September 15, 2021
This book offers a thorough look at not only the history of the role/title of the Princess Royal (which is not something often talked about when the Royal Family is mentioned) but the history of princesses and ladies and the evolution of women’s roles in the monarchy, with an entire section at the end devoted solely to the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne. I appreciated the way the book first laid the foundation of how women existed in their roles among the highborn in the Middle Ages, then showed how those roles changed over time. You really get a mini-lesson on the entirety of the post-conquest British monarchy & Western European history.
You also get to see interesting and insightful little peeks into the inner workings of the modern Royal Family; I enjoyed the stories of Princess Anne’s early years and what a workday looks like for her, being the busiest working member of the BRF.
Even though this book was originally published in 1988, the information in it is still relevant and interesting despite having not been updated. The writing style, however, was often a bit jarring to me. It sometimes read like it had been poorly translated from another language, sounding archaic and stilted. There are phrasing choices that make little sense or are just plain awkward and overwrought. That alone made it a bit of a slog to get through at times. But the bits of fascinating information are worth reading for.
You also get to see interesting and insightful little peeks into the inner workings of the modern Royal Family; I enjoyed the stories of Princess Anne’s early years and what a workday looks like for her, being the busiest working member of the BRF.
Even though this book was originally published in 1988, the information in it is still relevant and interesting despite having not been updated. The writing style, however, was often a bit jarring to me. It sometimes read like it had been poorly translated from another language, sounding archaic and stilted. There are phrasing choices that make little sense or are just plain awkward and overwrought. That alone made it a bit of a slog to get through at times. But the bits of fascinating information are worth reading for.
September 16, 2021
Originally published some years prior to the Queen's Annus Horribilis, this book offers a succinct but lively look at Princess Anne's early years. Nothing really to write home about if you consider that she probably is the least appealing of all the members of the Royal family. But the author was a dedicated biographer of the Windsors and most of his portraits are fun to read and often filled with juicy and gossipy tidbits. This time around we get, besides a rather lackluster portrait of Anne, the interesting history behind the title of Princess Royal which has been bestowed upon a monarch's eldest daughter since the reign of Charles I. A purely honorary title that has been awarded 7 times so far. We get some little biographical sketches of the various princesses and a bit of information about why and when they were given the prestigious title. Suffice to say that most of them had nothing to offer to posterity besides being called Princess Royal with the exception of Victoria, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, the formidable and talented mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II. A fun and entertaining read that should definitely appeal to all the Royal fans on both sides of the Atlantic. Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for this delightful ARC
October 25, 2022
Unfortunately, this is the only book I could find about all the princesses royal. I'm happy at least that the book exists, but the author really does not do a good job with her research. There are simple factual errors throughout. (Some of these could be deduced through simple math.) It is obvious that Cathcart was a royal correspondent who spent quite a bit of time with the royal family because half of the book is about Princess Anne only. In fact, the previous chapters about the previous princesses could be seen as a prologue to the Princess Anne section. Additionally, there is some odd information about the beginning concerning the Tudors. I'm not completely sure why Cathcart included that. It would have been better if she had included information about the history of the French title Madame Royal since that was the precursor to Princess Royal. Overall, this book is a good introduction to the princesses, but you should check all the information against some outside sources and be critical in your reading.
October 5, 2021
The bits of this book that covered the development of the title of Princess and the lives of earlier holders of that title were interesting and fun to read. A good half of the book covered the life of the current Princess Royal. I've always had a soft spot for Princess Anne -- her no-effs-given attitude is one that always appeals to me -- so I didn't object to this, although the writing was more fan-girlish and less scholarly than I would have preferred. The real problem was that that the book is an re-release which was originally published in the late '80s and was was not updated before being republished. A number of things have happened to the Royals and to Princess Anne in the last 30+ years! In the end, although I did enjoy the book, I felt it was a bit of a bait and switch.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
October 16, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
This is an interesting book highlighting the position of Princess Royal, from the complicated status of English princesses in the Middle Ages, then through each era from the Stuarts, when the position was created.
I definitely preferred the first half (parts 1 and 2) to the part solely focused on Anne. She’s still alive and has done so much since this book was first published in 1988 (a fact which is not apparent in promo material for the book). I understand the author has passed on by now, but it still makes it an odd choice to re-release. I did like getting insights into Anne’s early life, especially since she’s one of Queen Elizabeth’s kids who doesn’t get as much media attention, due to her position in the line of succession and it was cool to learn about her.
This is an interesting book highlighting the position of Princess Royal, from the complicated status of English princesses in the Middle Ages, then through each era from the Stuarts, when the position was created.
I definitely preferred the first half (parts 1 and 2) to the part solely focused on Anne. She’s still alive and has done so much since this book was first published in 1988 (a fact which is not apparent in promo material for the book). I understand the author has passed on by now, but it still makes it an odd choice to re-release. I did like getting insights into Anne’s early life, especially since she’s one of Queen Elizabeth’s kids who doesn’t get as much media attention, due to her position in the line of succession and it was cool to learn about her.
December 26, 2021
The early part of the book delves into the history of the title “Princess Royal”, a style customarily (but not automatically) given to the eldest daughter of a British monarch. It was first used in the Stuart era, and has only been given to seven royal daughters.
The first half of the book focusses on the first 6 holders of the title “Princess Royal” and This section of the book really delves into the history, status & changing roles of princesses and royal ladies. I learnt about some princesses that I had hitherto overlooked as little mention is given to them in much other royal history – Princess Mary (daughter of Charles I), Princess Anne (daughter of George II) and Princess Charlotte (Daughter of George III). On the otherhand, I felt that the sections devoted to Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (Daigter of Edward VII) & Princess Mary (Daughter of George V) were somewhat skimpy but I suppose information on them is available elsewhere.
The second half of the book focuses on the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter. It was interesting to read some of Anne’s early life, her schooling & young adulthood, and see the affection between Prince Charles & his sister.
The writing style is clear and accessible and it has been very well researched, and gives an interesting insight into a little used, and thus highly prized title, that will likely pass to Princess Charlotte in due course. However the book was originally published in 1988 and has not been updated for its re-release so the latter part of the book feels incomplete and I can’t really recommend it because of that.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#ThePrincessRoyalFromPrincessMarytoPrincessAnne #NetGalley
The first half of the book focusses on the first 6 holders of the title “Princess Royal” and This section of the book really delves into the history, status & changing roles of princesses and royal ladies. I learnt about some princesses that I had hitherto overlooked as little mention is given to them in much other royal history – Princess Mary (daughter of Charles I), Princess Anne (daughter of George II) and Princess Charlotte (Daughter of George III). On the otherhand, I felt that the sections devoted to Princess Victoria (daughter of Queen Victoria), Princess Louise (Daigter of Edward VII) & Princess Mary (Daughter of George V) were somewhat skimpy but I suppose information on them is available elsewhere.
The second half of the book focuses on the current Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter. It was interesting to read some of Anne’s early life, her schooling & young adulthood, and see the affection between Prince Charles & his sister.
The writing style is clear and accessible and it has been very well researched, and gives an interesting insight into a little used, and thus highly prized title, that will likely pass to Princess Charlotte in due course. However the book was originally published in 1988 and has not been updated for its re-release so the latter part of the book feels incomplete and I can’t really recommend it because of that.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#ThePrincessRoyalFromPrincessMarytoPrincessAnne #NetGalley
September 19, 2021
Very interesting reading! By necessity, and the sheer amount of information available, nearly half of the book is devoted to the current Princess Royal, but the earlier history, starting with Mary Tudor, is fascinating. I learned several things I hadn't known before and felt like I got a fresh perspective on the remarkable lives these women were born into.
The writing style is clear and accessible--this is not dry or stuffy history! The variety of sources used to tell each princess's story adds interest as well.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The writing style is clear and accessible--this is not dry or stuffy history! The variety of sources used to tell each princess's story adds interest as well.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
October 7, 2021
This book takes a look back at the history of the position for the monarch of England’s oldest daughter. Although focusing primarily on Princess Anne, Cathcart explores the position back to the Middle Ages. She discusses all the royal daughters plus how the title developed. It’s an interesting look at royal daughters and the role they played in the family as well as a prominent title and all it entailed. Thanks to NetGalley and Sapare Books for the early read.
October 30, 2022
This was very good. Outlining the history of the princess royal before it was an actual role to then outlining the princesses from one of george III's daughters through to princess Mary the queen's aunt and onto the present holder of the title princess anne. Helen Cathcart writes concisely but with incredible detail about these women. A very good read.
December 30, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A fascinating look at the history of British princesses throughout the ages, and how each one explored the inherited destiny she lived in. Excellent writing.
A fascinating look at the history of British princesses throughout the ages, and how each one explored the inherited destiny she lived in. Excellent writing.
June 8, 2022
A fascinating study of the women who have held this title over the years. Interestingly my copy came with an odd error in that the cover is titled correctly as The Princess Royal but the spine says Princess Margaret, who was definitely never Princess Royal.
September 26, 2021
Absolutely fascinating, this book is well written and superbly researched. I would recommend this to all readers who are interested in the Royal Family and British History.
June 6, 2023
Very surprised that the beginning intrigued me more than the end? Definitely furthered my English history obsession and now it’s a little concerning
January 1, 2022
The Princess Royal: From Princess Mary to Princess Anne
Helen Cathcart
Release date: 19 Oct 2021
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.
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."
Review:
Helen Cathcart wrote this book in 1988. I don't understand why it is being re-released next month. There is no new information on Princess Anne, who is without a doubt, the hardest working royal family member! I found the lives of the other Princess Royals (oldest daughter of the monarch) more interesting than Anne's story - which seemed rushed and piece-meal. I wish this new publication included an update on Anne's life since 1988.
Well researched and easily readable. Recommended.
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Helen Cathcart
Release date: 19 Oct 2021
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.
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."
Review:
Helen Cathcart wrote this book in 1988. I don't understand why it is being re-released next month. There is no new information on Princess Anne, who is without a doubt, the hardest working royal family member! I found the lives of the other Princess Royals (oldest daughter of the monarch) more interesting than Anne's story - which seemed rushed and piece-meal. I wish this new publication included an update on Anne's life since 1988.
Well researched and easily readable. Recommended.
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews