On Royalty

About the book

In On Royalty Jeremy Paxman delves deep into Britain's royal past. What is the point of Kings and Queens? What do they do all day? And what does it mean to be one of them?

Jeremy Paxman is used to making politicians explain themselves - but royalty has always been off limits. Until now. He takes a long hard look at our present incumbents to find out just what makes them tick. Along the way he discovers some fascinating and little-known details. Such as:

how Albania came to advertise in England for a king

which English queen gave birth in front of 67 people

how easy it is to beat up future kings of England

and how meeting the Queen is a bit scary - whoever you are ...

No other book will tell you quite as much about our kings, queens, princes and princesses: who they are and what they're for.

'Paxman's book is everyhing that royalty is not allowed to be - witty, stylish, intelligent, pugnacious and political. The Times

'On Royalty is an absorbing, well-researched book, part serious enquiry, part rollicking anecdote' Evening Standard

'Action-packed and entertaining' Sunday Telegraph

Jeremy Paxman is a journalist, best known for his work presenting Newsnight and University Challenge. His books include Empire, On Royalty, The English and The Political Animal. He lives in Oxfordshire.