In the UK today has been the 60th anniversary of
the Queen’s coronation. On June 2nd
1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey and began the longest reign of any monarch of these country ever.
At the beginning of the year, on February 4th, the whole country – and it seemed much of the
world, was fascinated by the discovery of a skeleton in a Leicester car park, and then the announcement that this was in
fact the body of Richard III, missing since the end of the Battle of Bosworth
when he was killed in 1485, the last
English king to die in battle.
And now everyone is
waiting and watching as the Duchess of Cambridge enters the later stages of her pregnancy,
with the birth of this, the newest heir to the throne – third in line after its
father Prince William and grandfather
Prince Charles – due in July.
So it seems, that no matter what the story is, the news of
the royals, their lives, their families – even their deaths, is endlessly
fascinating and absorbing. It’s material for books – both historical
fact or fiction, for newspaper, TV reports
. . . And even fictional monarchs now
seem to arouse interest in readers and authors alike. So it seems that this could be a really good
time to bring out my very first ever Royal Romance title.
I didn’t plan it that way . When I wrote A Throne For The Taking, I was just reacting to an idea that fascinated me and a story I wanted to tell. But perhaps I was picking up on the atmosphere of the time, the interest in all things royal that has been going on for all time, but has grown to a particular frenzy in the last few years.
I didn’t plan it that way . When I wrote A Throne For The Taking, I was just reacting to an idea that fascinated me and a story I wanted to tell. But perhaps I was picking up on the atmosphere of the time, the interest in all things royal that has been going on for all time, but has grown to a particular frenzy in the last few years.
Over this weekend, I’ve had a friend visiting for a couple
of day. She’s come over from America to visit and the Babe Magnet and I have
enjoyed taking her to places we thought
she’d like to see. We spent one lovely day in York. The sun was shining, the city looked as beautiful as ever, and we had a
wonderful time wandering about, visiting so many historical sites – Clifford’s
Tower, The Shambles, York Minster. And
we talked about historical novels we had read and enjoyed. One of the books we talked about was The
White Queen by Philippa Gregory. This
has just been made into a big drma series on British Television.
So it seems the stories of the royals and their lives are
still intriguing people and getting them
interested. But is this because they
were royals – or just because their lives and experiences make a really good
story. Back in the days of Richard III those stories involved wars and battles,
the risks of death or execution, but the
people involved also had emotional lives, love stories that had tragic endings
or the happy ever after ending that we
love ion a romance novel. Those people
were royals, they were kings and queen, princes and princesses – but they were
human being most of all. And it is their human stories, their emotional journeys
the we really love to read about. And that’s what I want to write about.
So I created my ‘Black Sheep Prince’ because I wanted to
tell his story. His story as a man as well as a king to be. That’s what fascinates
me – and the emotional battles can be every bit as exciting and nerve-wrenching
as those fought on any battlefield. I think those emotional journeys are
stories for a ll time - no matter who my
hero and heroine are – royal or not.
What about you? Have you been fascinated by any particular figure
in history? Or is there any historical
novel – romance or otherwise – that you’ve
loved reading? I love the stories of Dorothy Dunnett, the historical romances of Nicola Cornick –
and I’m about to launch into the White Queen
to see what I think. What about you?
A kingdom's safety...
Betrayed by those she loves, Honoria Escalona must now face the only man capable of bringing stability to the Mediterranean kingdom of Mecjoria. A cold, hard man who once called her his friend... Alexei Sarova-the true King of Mecjoria.
In exchange for her happiness
Butt Alexei's tortuous past has changed him into someone she hardly knows. He blames Ria's family
A Throne For the Taking will be published in the Royal and Ruthless miniseries in both Harlequin Presents and Mills & Boon Modern in June.
A Throne For the Taking will be published in the Royal and Ruthless miniseries in both Harlequin Presents and Mills & Boon Modern in June.
Other up to date news and details of all Kate’s books can be found on her web site and in her blog.
10 comments:
I guess you could call me one of those crazy Americans fascinated by the Royal family. My “obsession” began when Diana came on the scene. I followed her and the entire family until her death and on from then. I’m so very proud of Prince William and Kate and Prince Harry and sincerely believe that Diana would be as well. I’m so looking forward to the birth of the royal baby and hope there will be lots of happiness and celebrating. I have read everything I can on Prince Charles and his siblings, the Queen and the Queen Mother. Quite frankly, I think that the last major biography of the Queen Mother was rather snarky and some things should have been edited out. I have visited the UK several times and am in love with it. I would like nothing more than to return for a long visit and explore lots of places. I love the bookstores in the UK too. They are delicious! I could fill a huge plane with lots of books that I cannot get in the US and take them back. Sorry. I tend to get carried away. Love your novels, Kate, and wish you continued success!
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
Philippa Gregory, oh my... her books are so wonderfully rich with history... You will adore the White Queen..
I do think that among the most interesting things about 'royal families' is their sense of history and duty, yet they, like any human being, can be sidetracked by their egos and emotions.
Nothing quite like seeing The King's Speech to give your insight to the Windsor family history..
Kate, I've been a Royal Watcher since
1947 when I saw the Queen's wedding in
the newsreels and then her Coronation
on TV in 1953. My second Royal favorite
was Princess Diana, whom DD1 and I dear-
ly loved. Of course, our least favorite
was (and still is)Prince Charles! BTW,
many thanks from Granddaughter Ashley &
I for the book printed in Japanese!
Pat C.
I have read a ton of royal historical novels over the years. The one that still sticks in my mind is the story of Anne of Cleves. I don't remember who the author was. There was a series of all of Henry VII's wives and Anne of Cleves just seemed both tragic and blessed.
Queen Elizabeth I and indeed all the Tudors are fascinating , as is Queen Victoria.
Hi Connie - I'd never call you 'crazy' - like you I'm fascinated by the 'people stories' behind all the ceremonial and pomp. That's why people read biographies - and it's what I've put into A Throne for the Taking - what goes on in private away from the crowds. Thank you for saying you love my novels - I hope you love'Throne' as well if you get hold of it.
So The White Queen is a read you'd reccommend - great!I'm certainly looking forward to the TC dramatisation. Just as long as Richard III isn't written as a monster! My DH and I are great Ricardians. You are so right about the sense of duty of the royals - and the way that can be sidetracked by such human emoitions. That makes for a great story doesn't it?
Hi Pat - you actually saw the Queen's wedding and then the Coronation on TV! That must have been amazing. The roayl weddings I've seen have been glamorous enough with all the pomp and ceremony. And I'm so glad to know that the Japanese book for your granddaughter arrived - hope she liked it.
Kaelee - your choice is interesting - not many people will mention Anne of Cleves. Was the book My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes? I know I read that one and I really enjoyed it - I enjoyed all her books. I always felt that at least Anne kept her head - and she and Henry VIII ended up as almost friends unlike some of those other wives!
Mary - you should be watching UK TV at the moment, there are so many programmes on the Tudors. And Queen Victoria was - yes - a fascinating woman - so much in love with Prince Albert that she could barely carry on after he died.
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