The Shortest History of the Crown

'There have been scores of books about the monarchy but few, if any, as fearless and perceptive as this is... Bates tells it like it is, covering every aspect with rare humour and intelligence. I couldn't recommend it more highly.'
LITERARY REVIEW on ROYALTY INC
Amidst the turbulence and invasions, upheaval and dissent that characterise British history, one thing has remained remarkably stable. Although there are other monarchies, Britain's Crown stands out due to the continuity of its traditions, and its ability to adapt.
There's a reason why schoolchildren still learn about the Kings and Queens: it's their power struggles and subtle compromises that have shaped the nation we inhabit today. When members of the Royal family go on 'walkabouts', they do so because monarchs stretching back to King Alfred understood the need to be seen by their subjects, and the dire consequences of remaining aloof (or abroad). When they give interviews, or accept taxes, they do so as...