Princess Mary

Princess Diana is seen as the first member of the British royal family to tear up the rulebook, and the Duchess of Cambridge is modernising the monarchy in strides. But before them was another who paved the way. Princess Mary was born in 1897. Despite her Victorian beginnings, she strove to make a princess's life meaningful, using her position to help those less fortunate and defying gender conventions in the process. As the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary, she would live to see not only two of her brothers ascend the throne but also her niece Queen Elizabeth II. She was one of the hardest-working members of the royal family, known for her no-nonsense approach and her determination in the face of adversity. During the First World War she came into her own, launching an appeal to furnish every British troop and sailor with a Christmas gift, and training as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital. From her dedication to the war effort, to her role as the family peacemaker during the Abdication Crisis, Mary was the princess who redefined the title for the modern age. In the first biography in decades, Elisabeth Basford offers a fresh appraisal of Mary's full and fascinating life.

The first biography of Australia's own fairytale princess.

Biografie van Mary (koningin van Engeland ; 1867-1953).

'A delightful insight into an eclectic life' The Daily Telegraph 'Very funny and astute . . . a loathly feast for royal-watchers' Hilary Mantel, New Statesman Books of the Year 2018 'A complete delight, conjuring up, with a few sharp strokes of the pen, a mad, exotic species from a world gone by' Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday 'Gloriously indiscreet . . . the best royal book ever' Harry Mount, Financial Times * * * When James Pope-Hennessy began his work on Queen Mary's official biography, it opened the door to meetings with royalty, court members and retainers around Europe. The series of candid observations, secrets and indiscretions contained in his notes were to be kept private for 50 years. Now published in full for the first time and edited by the highly admired royal biographer Hugo Vickers, this is a riveting, often hilarious portrait of the eccentric aristocracy of a bygone age. Giving much greater insight into Queen Mary than the official version, and including sharply observed encounters with, among others, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Duke of Gloucester, and a young Queen Elizabeth, The Quest for Queen Mary is set to be a classic of royal publishing.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 The United Kingdom of 1897 was a far cry from the realm Victoria had inherited in 1837. By the end of her reign, Victoria was known as the Grandmother of Europe having over thirty living adult grandchildren. #2 Princess Mary’s mother was Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, known in the family as May. Princess May was the eldest child and only daughter of Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge and Francis, Duke of Teck. Francis was the child of a morganatic marriage, meaning that he had no rights of succession to the Kingdom of Württemberg. #3 The family returned to England in 1885, and made their home at White Lodge in Richmond. Princess Mary Adelaide was well known for her kindness towards her neighbors and the poor. She was eager that her children learn an empathy with those less fortunate. #4 The match between Eddy and May was announced in December 1891. May was shy and aloof, but Queen Victoria liked her and thought she was suitable for Eddy. However, Eddy had a dissolute life, and May had misgivings about the match.

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

Legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy brings to life the story of Princess Mary Tudor, a celebrated beauty and born rebel who would defy the most powerful king in Europe—her older brother. Princess Mary Rose is the youngest sister of Henry VIII, and one of the few people whom he adores unconditionally. Known throughout Europe for her charm and good looks, Mary is the golden child of the Tudor family and is granted her every wish. Except when it comes to marriage. Henry VIII, locked in a political showdown with France, decides to offer up his pampered baby sister to secure peace between the two mighty kingdoms. Innocent, teenage Mary must become the wife of the elderly King Louis, a toothless, ailing man in his sixties. Horrified and furious, Mary has no choice but to sail for France. There she hones her political skills, bides her time, and remains secretly in love with Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. When King Louis dies after only two years of marriage, Mary is determined not to be sold into another unhappy union. She must act quickly; if she wants to be with the man she truly loves, she must defy the laws of church and state by marrying without her brother’s permission. Together, Mary and Charles devise a scheme to outwit the most ruthless king in Europe and gain their hearts’ desire, not knowing if it will lead to marital bliss or certain death.

The story of Henry VIII's sister Mary Rose, the beautiful princess who married first the King of France and then the great rake of the Tudor era, Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.