Royal William

An evocative historical novel about the life of William IV! Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Jean Plaidy and Elizabeth Chadwick. The sailor king must learn to rule a country that's all at sea... England, 1779 Recruited into the Royal Navy at just thirteen years old, young Prince William must find a way to fit in - especially as the third son of King George Ill. But William's boyish pranks soon win over his peers. He becomes a popular and respected officer and makes many friends - among them Horatio Nelson, a naval hero in the making - but his arrogance ensures he also makes some enemies along the way. Third in line to the throne, William never expects to be King - but everything changes when, many years (and many children) later, both his elder brothers die without legitimate heirs and he inherits the throne at the age of 64. As King William IV, his care for his subjects and his down-to-earth manner make this unlikely ruler a popular monarch. But William has come to the throne at a time when England is fraught with social division. Can William hold on to his throne in the face of growing unrest? Or will the waves of change capsize his reign once and for all? ROYAL WILLIAM is a historical Royal biographical novel, set in the 18th and 19th centuries during the reign of King William IV. 'A vivid picture of an era' - Kirkus Reviews