Notes from the Margins: Reading the Windsors

NOTES FROM THE MARGINS:  Yesterday marked the end of an era, but as news of the Queen's passing rippled around the world, my thoughts strayed to the history of the Windsors and the novels their lives have inspired. I began compiling a list, and as I finished, I was struck by how many of these books have shied away from the politics of empire. I wonder if that will change now that Elizabeth II is gone. Will it be easier to fictionalize now that her chapter has closed or will we continue to focus on landmark events and personal scandals? Only time will tell.  WINDSOR READING LIST:  Valhalla by Alan Robert Clark (George V and Mary of Teck) The Royal Nanny by Karen Harper (Charlotte Bill, Nanny to Edward VIII and George VI) Lost Autumn  by Mary-Rose MacColl (Edward VIII's 1920 Australia tour) The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull (Edward VIII and Thelma Morgan) The Shadow Queen  by Rebecca Dean (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson) Another Woman's Husband  by Gill Paul (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson) The Duchess  by Wendy Holden (Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson) In Royal Service to the Queen  by Tessa Arlen (Marion Crawford, Governess to Elizabeth II) The Good Servant  by Fern Britton (Marion Crawford, Governess to Elizabeth II) The Royal Governess by Wendy Holden (Marion Crawford, Governess to Elizabeth II) The Queen's Secret  by Karen Harper (King George VI and Elizabeth, The Queen Mother) Before the Crown  by Flora Harding (Elizabeth II and Prince Philip) The Gown  by Jennifer Robson (Elizabeth II and Prince Philip) The Other Windsor Girl  by Georgie Blalock (Princess Margaret)   Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson (Elizabeth II's 1953 Coronation) The Journey After the Crown  by Andrew Mackie (Elizabeth II's 1954 Australia tour) The Princess by Wendy Holden (Princess Diana) The People's Princess by Flora Harding (Princess Diana) Honorable Mentions:  The Prince of Mirrors by Alan Robert Clark (features Mary of Teck) The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (set against the wedding of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip) The Royal Correspondent by Alexandra Joel (features Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret)