40+ Great Books Like The Crown for Fans of the Hit Series
**UPDATED ON 3/20/2023****
Are you as obsessed with Netflix’s The Crown as I am? Then you will love these books like The Crown!
The Crown is QUALITY TV in my honest opinion. Politics, affairs, royal protocol, gorgeous fashions, and, of course, tiaras galore…what’s not to love?
I binged watched each season and learned so much about Queen Elizabeth’s life and rule. Now that QEII has passed away, I imagine the show will grow in popularity again.
I had no idea how many scandals Queen Elizabeth II has weathered over the years. From Wallis Simpson to a cheating husband to her own sister’s affair with a married man, there is so much to uncover.
It’s kind of not surprising given the history of the British Royal Family, but it sure is entertaining.
I decided to round up book recommendations for my fellow monarchy-obsessed friends.
You might also want to look at this post about books similar to Bridgerton, another amazing historical fiction TV show or our list of Royal Reads.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Non-Fiction Books about the British Monarchy:
Spare by Prince Harry
I’m still reeling from the revelations and truths woven throughout Prince Harry’s narrative. His candor in taking us from the death of his mother to the death of Queen was refreshingly real and often poetic, no doubt thanks to the incredible skills of his ghostwriter.
I was struck by how much I had believed the press’s story of his life; accurate or not. To think that an entire family’s stories could be so fabricated or twisted into untruth was astonishing.
In revealing his own truths, however, he illuminated the dreadful antics of his family. Wills, Charles, Camilla, and the courtiers do not come out of this book without tarnish – and with good reason. There is so much to talk about, this is our book club book for next month.
At the end of the day, it’s hard not to judge everyone for lack of compassion but it’s a generational cycle that needs to be broken. I felt proud to see Harry putting in the work to make sure his own children don’t go through what he did.
This is a must for fans looking for books like The Crown and stories about royalty. This book is a best book for book clubs and a perfect pick from beach reads. Even if you don’t usually read memoirs, this is one of the best non-fiction books I have read in a long time.
Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedell Smith
After reading Prince Harry’s memoir, I was keen to read a book about Queen Elizabeth II. Sally Bedell Smith examines not just the events of the Queen’s life but the people she was surrounded by as a way to explain how Elizabeth was shaped into a beloved monarch.
While the book was originally published in 2012, I found the background knowledge within the pages to be helpful in framing the events Harry explores in his own book about the royal family. It’s a perfect for this list of books similar to the crown.
The Palace Papers
Author: Tina Brown
Year: 2022
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This was like reading a JUMBO issue of People magazine. All gossip in the best way! This book covers every royal scandal from the Duke of Windsor and Wallace Simpson to Megan and Harry leaving, and Everything in between. You get juicy details of everything like Diana’s years and Prince Philip’s racist comments.
It’s perfect for our Beach Reads 2023 list! Tina Brown goes deep into the scandals of the British Royal Family over the past 40 or so years. I didn’t learn anything new, but I loved hearing the hot gossip laid out in book form.
Why Kirsten loves it
You know that I am a royal lover and this book is right up my alley. Is there anything more fun than reading about a real royal scandal?
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / 15 Captivating Books about the Royal Family / 14 Delightful Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
The Other Side of the Coin
Author: Angela Kelly
Year: 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: Sunday Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Angela Kelly is the Queen’s headdresser and long-time companion. She details her process for dressing the queen, talks about some of her most iconic looks, and even reveals a few personal stories about her time with Her Majesty.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had palace fever this month while working on our Royal Reads post, so it’s no surprise that when my library hold for this autobiographical audiobook came through, I dove right into it. I absolutely loved this inside look about life with the Queen. I really felt like I learned about the Queen’s personality through this book.
Find this book in: Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Books about the Royal Family / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Books about Fashion /
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes
I’m an avid follower of Elizabeth Holmes’ account (you should be too) where she explains the significance of the Royal Family’s wardrobe. The nuance and attention to detail the Royals use when
Elizabeth breaks it down in an accessible and understandable way. I’m thrilled that her book delivers everything I’ve come to expect from her and more. This in-depth look at The Queen, Diana, Catherine, and Meghan is informative and beautiful. This is the perfect coffee table book for any fashion lover and is a must for books about The Crown!
Long Live the Queen by Bryan Kozlowski
I absolutely adore this non-fiction book about Queen Elizabeth II’s life. Told in 23 chapters each about a rule the Queen lives by, it’s one of the most unique looks into the Queen’s life I’ve ever read. Instead of a boring biography, we are treated to moments and stories of the Queen’s life relevant to the “rule” being discussed.
When looking at why one’s life needs order, we see the various influences which created a
If you like these books about the British Royal Family, we recommend our list of books about Queen Elizabeth II
Historical Fiction Books like The Crown about The House of Windsor and Queen Elizabeth II
Before the Crown by Flora Harding
After all the royal reads I’ve read over the years, I can’t believe this is my first story about The Queen’s romance with Prince Philip. With the Jubilee coming up now in England, this was a perfect read!
I was wondering about how Philip won the heart of then Princess Elizabeth, and this fiction story filled in some fun details. Think of it as a prequel to the first episode of The Crown in the best way!
The Queen’s Secret by Karen Harper
I don’t think enough is written about Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She was a dynamic lady who was a guiding light for her husband, King George, as well as Queen Elizabeth. This biographical novel focuses on her work behind-the-scenes during WWII.
We get an inside look at the issues between her husband and his brother, King Edward, who abdicated to be with Wallis Simpson. Churchill’s relationship with the then Queen consort is also examined. We love the unique perspective of this pick from books about WWII.
The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock
I knew a little about Princess Margaret from what I gleaned from
She actually reminded me a lot of Wallace Simpson. She was most definitely a royal rebel. She’s still not my favorite royal but this historical fiction biography helped me understand her life, personality, and pressures. This book about QEII will give you a different perspective on being a royal.
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
I thought this was going to be a wedding book about Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip based on the cover, but I was wrong. Instead, it was about a couple of seamstresses who worked on the now-Queen’s wedding dress.
Part historical fiction, part romance, part mystery – this pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II reminded me a bit of The Lost Vintage. This story is definitely not a royal romance but instead offers brief glimpses into the wedding dress-making process.
The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden
Well, this was a juicy bit of royal historical fiction!!! I had no idea that Crawfie, Queen Elizabeth II’s governess wrote a book about their time together later in her life, essentially banning her from the royal fold.
This work of historical fiction is based on the information gleaned from that book as well as Mary Crawford’s own history. It was so interesting to see the lives of the Queen and her sister through the eyes of their governess. This is perfect for royal lovers!
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn does it again with this story about three female code breakers working during WWII. Beth, Mab, and Osla’s stories each could have been their own story, instead, we got an epic tale of intertwining friendship with a spy mystery to boot!
Oh, and did I mention that Osla dates Prince Philip before he marries Queen Elizabeth II AND that part of the storyline takes place in the lead-up to the royal wedding?
Contemporary Fiction Books like The Crown About Queen Elizabeth
The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett
This cozy murder mystery was an absolute treat. I loved
Together they figure out who was behind the murder at Windsor Castle during one of the Queen’s Dine-and-Stays. This pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II is perfect for fans of Maggie Hope, Maise Dobbs, and the Royal Family.
Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn
Not a romance fan? This one is for you then. Imagine what would happen if Queen Elizabeth decided to just stroll out of the palace and hop on the train. This is a hilarious pick from our list of books about Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth is feeling particularly stressed out and wishes to visit her old pleasure yacht for the day. Watching her try to navigate the world on her own was quite amusing.
This novel was right on the mark and I adored it! For our Ultimate List of Feel Good Books, click HERE!
Fiction Books about Wallis Simpson and The Duke of Windsor
The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull
Set after World War 1 in London, this book is perfect for those who loved the royal pageantry of the first Downton Abbey movie.
Lady Thelma Furness was the woman before Wallis Simpson. History remembers Wallis as the woman for whom King Edward VIII giving up his throne. In this book about Wallis Simpson and Thema, we get to see King Edward’s relationship with Thelma and why it unraveled leading him into Wallis’s arms.
Thelma is herself the aunt of Gloria Vanderbilt and a great-aunt to Anderson Cooper. There was a lot of juicy info in this historical fiction. It was also great on audio!
Another Woman’s Husband by Gill Paul
I had only a vague understanding of who Wallis Simpson was going into this royal novel, and boy was she a pistol. Cold, calculating, and selfish, I loved to hate her. It was so interesting to see her machinations from another point of view.
She was ruthless in her pursuit of what she wanted. Gill Paul also wove in a mystery set in London at the time of Princess Diana’s death which I found to be well done too. This is one of our favorite historical fiction books about the royal family in more recent parts of history.
The Duchess by Wendy Holden
This intimate look at Wallis Simpson was wonderfully written. Never have I had compassion for the Duchess of Windsor in the way I did when I read this historical fiction biography.
Holden’s portrayal of this controversial historical figure focused on the time period when Wallis and King Edward fell in love, but also the time period after his death.
I actually felt bad for both the king, who clearly didn’t want the crown, and the woman he both loved and used to get out of his royal duties. There is so much to talk about it this book about Wallis Simpson, which is why we love this book for book clubs.
Love royal reads? Check out the dozens we’ve rounded up here!
The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams
This historical fiction story takes place in the Bahamas during WWII. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are prominently featured, though the main story revolves around the murder of a man named Harry Oaks, life in Nassau, and the romance between the female lead and her beau.
There is also a bit of a flashback-type story that plays out in parts too. It’s set in a tropical location whose location sets it apart from most historical fiction stories.
Why I Like it: It’s a lovely little royal novel that had me flipping pages quickly and kept me entertained by the pool.
Find this book in Books Like the Crown / Royal Reads Books with Colors in the Title
Retelling Books about The British Monarchy
The Royal We
Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Year: 2015
Genre: Fiction
More info: Royal We #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This novel spans from the time Bex and Prince Nick meet in college until the night before their wedding. It goes through the ups and downs of the relationship and ends on a cliffhanger. But do not worry. The Heir Affair is already out and you can read that one next.
Why Kirsten loves it
Look no further than this royal romance. If you haven’t read this romance loosely based on Wills and Kate’s love story, read no further. This is the end-all, be-all of Royal Reads.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Royal Reads / Books Like The Selection / Best Beach Reads / British Books
Wife after Wife by Olivia Hayfield
Billed as a modern-day account of Henry VIII and his wives, this could not be more up my royal-loving alley. In this modernization, Harry is a media mogul and owner of Rose Corp.
Obviously, I know all about the wives of Henry VIII, but I had no idea that Anne would be a magazine editor or Jane would be recast as a lowly secretary.
I gobbled up the details and I can say that it’s been a pure indulgence. It’s been absolutely delicious to see how the ladies go down. Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived.
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
This story is semi-based on Meghan and Harry’s romance. Prince Jameson is a reclusive royal who doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. Dani AKA “Duchess” is an American rapper who wants to give up rap to focus on her beauty line.
When Jameson is tasked with creating a concert for the Queen, he books Duchess before listening to her music. Eager to take a break, Duchess ends up in London early and stays with Jameson in his castle. Romance blooms in a MAJOR way.
I had to suspend belief a lot while reading this one. As someone that reads many royal romances, I considered myself well-versed in the British Royal Family. So there were many scenes I had to remember this was fiction because in no way would some of these scenarios happen.
Still, I was entertained and I loved the ending. I really hope there is a sequel to this one because I’d love to see this story expanded on.
Historical Fiction Books about The British Monarchy
An Indiscreet Princess: A Novel of Queen Victoria’s Defiant Daughter by Georgie Blalock
Well before Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, and Wallis Simpson, there was another royal rebel – Lady Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. And what a rebel she was! Why are there not more royal reads about her?
In the late 1800s, it was Louise, an artist, and sculptor, who was seen as quite rebellious. She took courses for the arts at a public school, talked back to the queen, and even had pre- and extra-marital affairs! Quite the scandal for the time.
I loved getting a look at one of the lesser-known (to me) royal figures. I hope to learn about more of Queen Victoria’s offspring in the future.
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
This is one of 3, yes 3 Philippa Gregory books on the list, but here’s the deal – She just nails British historical fiction. The White Queen is one of my favorite Philippa Gregory novels, revolving around Elizabeth Woodville and her relationship with the King of England. I love the magical elements of this book as Elizabeth and her mother were said to be witches.
It’s really a wonderful story. I learned so much about the tumultuous history of Britain. Also of note, Elizabeth was the mother of the boys in the tower which this book covers as well.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
The modern-day monarchy has NOTHING on Henry VIII’s England. That man was a serial philander who literally changed the course of history over his love of Anne Boleyn. While everyone knows about Anne, this particular story is about Mary, her sister whom he fell in love with first.
We see the entire sequence of events through the eyes of Mary, the only member of Anne’s family to survive. This book is also a movie starring Scarlett Johanssen and Natalie Portman.
The Virgins Lover by Philippa Gregory
Queen Elizabeth II might be the focus of The Crown, but her namesake is really as fierce and cunning as any man in British history. The challenges that faced Queen Elizabeth I as a female ruler were quite unique.
In this book, Philippa Gregory suggests that Elizabeth loved a man, but refused to be with him because she wanted to put her country first. She was very nervous that should she marry, her husband would take over ruling England. I also loved learning about how ruthless she could be when threatened.
Historical Fiction Books Like The Crown about British Aristocracy
American Duchess by Karen Harper
This particular biographical fiction book spans the same time period at Downton Abbey. It too features an American Heiress wed in London society to infuse a ducal estate with much-needed funds.
Unlike Lady Cora, the heroine of this story is a real historical figure. Consuelo Vanderbilt’s wedding to the Duke of Marlborough was considered the wedding of the century at the time, but their marriage left something to be desired.
Consuelo is forced to take up the mantle of duty for her estate and title, and in doing so, she finds her inner strength.
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Goodwin’s debut novel about Cora Cash, an American Heiress on the hunt for a titled husband and a big estate. But once she gets everything she wished for, she needs to decide if it’s what she wants after all.
When I first saw Downton Abbey, I had to look to see if this was the same Cora from the show. I thought for a brief moment that this book must have been a sort of prequel to the show.
The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George
Like most of the rest of the world, I binged Netflix’s Bridgertons on Christmas Day. The regency romantic drama ended and I needed more! I immediately turned to this book to fill my need for a historical romance. It takes place in the Gilded Age when a Duke needs to marry an American heiress to get her dowry to help restore his estates to their former glory.
Are you a fan of The Gilded Age? Check out this post of books just like it!
Books Similiar to The Crown about The Romanovs
The Tsarina’s Daughter by Ellen Alpsten
I’ve been enthralled with the Romanovs since I saw my first Faberge egg. While most of my reading has focused on the fall of the dynasty, I was intrigued by this biographical fiction novel set after the reign of Peter the Great.
Why We Liked It It was FASCINATING to see the cultural backdrop of Russia’s imperial court. I loved learning about the court intrigue and the ruthless way power changed hands.
Find this book in Cozy Winter Books / Royal Reads / Romanov Novels
The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull
I love stories about the Romanov Dynasty. Ever since I saw a collection of Faberge eggs when I was a child, the story of the last members of the Russian Imperial family have always fascinated me.
This biographical historical fiction story revolves around the eldest daughter, Olga. Its dual timeline switches between the family’s life after the revolution and Olga’s childhood and the events that lead to the revolution in the first place.
Why We Loved It: We all know how this tragic story ends, so this book is all about the journey. I love that Turnbull focused on a sister other than Anastasia.
Find this book in Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Romanov Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction
I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon
I’ve had an obsession with Anastasia since I saw the Fox animated classic of the same name. I was a firm believer that she had escaped the evil clutches of her captures when I was younger.
I later learned the truth, but I still choose to believe otherwise. This novel has a dual timeline from the perspective of young Anastasia and her most famous imposter. I loved it!
The Lost Daughter by Gill Paul
I was OBSESSED with Gill Paul’s book Another Woman’s Husband when I read it earlier this year so I was eager to try another of her books. The Lost Daughter follows a similar format of skipping between two different timelines, this time exploring the Romanovs. The first tells the story of Grand Duchess Maria in 1918 and the second is set in 1973 when Val Doyle seeks to investigate her father’s dying words.
Why We Liked it: Maria’s story drew me in immediately, but I floundered a bit when it skipped over to Val’s portions. I just didn’t feel a connection to her and found myself wishing it would get back to Maria’s parts. Still, it was a good biographical historical fiction royal novel if you are interested in a lesser-known Romanov.
Find this book in Books about the Romanovs / Books like The Crown / Biographical Fiction
The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner
If you are into biographical historical fiction, this is a great one for your list. I had no idea that the Tsarina was such a force.
Think the British Monarchy is the only one with scandalous stories worth telling? Think again! This book is all about Empress Marina’s life. As the mother of the last Tsar of Russia, it was compelling to read about the events of the Russian Revolution as they unfolded.
I loved how the author laid out the family’s struggle with adjusting to the people’s needs. Empress Alexandra and her dependent relationship with Rasputin is also covered in the novel. I’d love to see a mini-series made about this family.
Historical Fiction Books like The Crown about other European Royal Families
The Girl in White Gloves by Kerri Maher
I adored this royal read about Grace Kelly and had trouble putting it down. The storyline is split between Grace’s rise to Hollywood stardom and her future as a settled princess. The writing was so captivating that I found myself sneaking pages on my Kindle all over town.
Kerri Maher brought Grace Kelly to life in this biographical fiction book about her life. I had no idea about her home life struggles, her many romances, or the state of her marriage to Rainer.
Find this book in Biographical Fiction / Books Like Evelyn Hugo / Books with a color in the Title / Books Like the Crown
The Queen’s Fortune by Allison Pataki
The Queen’s Fortune had everything I love in a historical fiction novel – royalty, drama, a touch of romance, a strong female protagonist, and action. This book starts out all action and it doesn’t let up!
I devoured the story of Napoleon, his former lover, and the dynasty that he helped her create with her eventual husband, who happened to be his #1 frenemy. They didn’t know what frenemies we’re back then but Napoleon and Bernadotte were the OGs.
This is one of the biographical fiction books set in France that we could have put in so many categories and is a great place to start.
The Lost Queen
Author: Signe Pike
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Book 1 of 3 in The Lost Queen
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you love Outlander, The Mists of Avalon, or The Clan of the Cave Bear, then you will love this pick from royal reads. Set in Britain/ Scotland when Christianity is poised to become the religion of the country, a future queen who swore to the old ways is learning how to balance the needs of her people and her religion with the role she’s expected to play.
Meanwhile, her twin brother is training to be the man history knows as Merlin. The first in a new trilogy about Arthurian legend.
This book is a perfect pick for a list of books like A Discovery of Witches or a list of books like Outlander. If you love books set in Scotland, this book is a must-read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction books and I also love stories about King Arthur. This series is perfect for me especially because it also takes place in Scotland. This is a triple win in my books.
Why Jackie loves it
When I first got this book, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it. I had a very difficult time reading it since I could not pronounce any of the names. As soon as I started listening to this book, I was immediately drawn into the story. If you love historical fiction or historical fantasy, I would highly suggest listening to this series.
Find this book in: Best Books About Scotland / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / The Best Witch Books / Books like Outlander
Meet Me in Monaco by Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor
I was so excited to get a copy of this story which is set against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s wedding to the Prince of Monaco. It was a second-chance romance, a story of female friendship, and it was fantastic.
It’s hard for me to figure out which character I loved the most – possibly Grace herself. Just know that Grace is more of a minor character in the story. I listened to parts of it on audiobook as well, and I can recommend that one too!
Books for Fans of The Crown about American Royalty
Plot
I had no idea the Kennedy girls were just as interesting at the Kennedy boys. This Historical Fiction biography told the story of Kick Kennedy during her stay in London before and during WWII. I found her to be a fascinating character.
Kick was a rebel, following her heart and standing up for what she believed in. I had so much sympathy for everything she went through in her life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I always love Kerri Maher’s historical fiction novels and this was no exception. Kick was one of the most fascinating subjects for a biographical fiction that I have ever read. I spent so much time googling photos of her during this time of her life that I felt like I knew her by the time the book was finished.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Best Books about WWII / Books About Women in Politics
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
The Bushes are modern-day American royalty. This story, while heavily fictionalized, is based on the life of Laura Bush. It covers her young life, meeting her husband and his illustrious family, and also his presidency.
I didn’t know much about the Bush dynasty prior to reading this and while I realize it is fiction, it gave me some good insight into the political world of America. It is definitely perfect for a list of books like The Crown.
American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton
We all know I love a good Royal Read but I don’t usually get to read a book about American royalty. We may not have an actual royal family, but dynasties like the Vanderbilts, Carnegies, Kennedys, and Roosevelts serve as good replacements. This story is about Alice Roosevelt, daughter of our 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt.
This historical fiction novel covers her life from the moment her father became President to her second breast cancer surgery. And what a doozy of a life she led! I couldn’t help wondering how her antics would have been perceived had she lived in today’s society. I read it in a few days and adored it! It’s a fun pick for books similar to the crown because it would make an amazing show.
Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman
Empty Mansions reads like a novel for sure. Huguette Clark’s life was one of opulence and riches, but she died a recluse with a $300 million dollar estate and a vast number of decrepit homes in her portfolio.
The book outlines her life, her struggles, and the people who took advantage of her good nature. I couldn’t put it down! The splendor of her life reads like a soap opera and the photos of her homes included in the book are jawdropping.
When it comes to books like The Crown, this one is a hit if it’s the palace upkeep you are most interested in.
One Comment