Royal Nonfiction Books
There are loads of royal nonfiction books out there, and I’ve read many of them! With interest in the British Royal Family at an all-time high, it’s no surprise that there are so many books about them out there. But what are the best ones? Well, that’s what I’m here for!
With my love of royal reads, it wasn’t a stretch for me to fall into royal nonfiction. I’ve read biographies, histories, and deep dives into royal fashion – and I’ve reviewed them all for you below!
The Best Royal Nonfiction Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Fashion Royal Nonfiction
HRH: So Many Thoughts by Elizabeth Holmes – Jump to section
The Best Biography Royal Nonfiction
Spare by Prince Harry – Jump to section
The Best Royal Nonfiction History
The Palace Papers by Tina Brown – Jump to section
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Fashion Royal Nonfiction
HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style
Author: Elizabeth Holmes
Year: 2020
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 12+
Plot
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
Why Kirsten loves it
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. It is the perfect coffee table book for any fashion lover.
Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Books about the Royal Family / Books about Queen Elizabeth II / Best Nonfiction Books / Royal Nonfiction Books
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 / Royal Nonfiction Books
Biography Royal Nonfiction
Plot
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. 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.
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Beach Reads 2023 / Books About the Royal Family / Best Non-Fiction Books / Royal Reads / Royal Nonfiction Books
Elizabeth the Queen
Author: Sally Bedell Smith
Year: 2012
Genre: Nonfiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
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.
Find this book in: Books About the Royal Family / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Royal Nonfiction Books
Plot
This book covers the illness of the Queen, the day she passed, her funeral, the King’s ascension, and the time between her passing and his coronation. There are lots of details about the very brief period – but this royal family book also paints a picture of the King’s ideals and values.
Why Kirsten loves it
This rebuttals quite a few of the claims made by Prince Harry in Spare – making it a must-read in the world of modern monarchy nonfiction.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Books About the Royal Family / Royal Reads / Royal Nonfiction Books
Plot
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
When looking at “Why One’s Life Needs Order”, we see the various influences that created a
Find this book in: Books About QEII / Royal Nonfiction Books
Royal Nonfiction History Books
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 / Royal Nonfiction Books
Plot
Comedian David Mitchell’s hysterical take on the history of the British royal family goes back to the very beginning of the empire. It’s a charming non-fiction royal family book unlike any other.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had no idea about the chaos of the early monarchy or the ruthlessness of the early Kings. It covers until about Elizabeth the 1st, with many Ethelreds and Tudors within the pages.
Find this book in: Books About the Royal Family / Royal Nonfiction Books
Helpful Tip
- Love these nonfiction books? Try heading over to our list of books about Queen Elizabeth II for some fiction and nonfiction favorites!
- Not sure where to start? Try Palace Papers, it reads like a People magazine and will give you an idea of where you might want to take a deeper dive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good nonfiction historical books on medieval England and the ancient world?
For ancient England nonfiction, Unruly by David Mitchell, is a hysterical book!
Have any members of royalty written books about the history of royalty?
Yes, Spare by Prince Harry is an inside look at being a member of the royal family.
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Epilogue
Clearly, my love of royal nonfiction runs deep. Did you find any good books on my list? Do you have any suggestions for me? Drop them below!
