Royal Babies and all that Jazz.

Amy Licence's timely publication of Royal Babies: A History 1066-2013 will fill a gap in the book market for all the lovers of all things royal, but also for those with a general interest in history. Because of course marriage and royal births in history past were deeply political, drawing countries together with the pacts that they created.



Nowadays a royal birth is considered a public interest story, and there is no doubt that the young couple William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have brought a new injection of hope to the flagging British royal family. But Amy Licence's book is not really about the most recent birth. Covering a grand total of twenty-five royal births from Matilda in 1102 up to what Licence calls 'Baby Windsor' due to the baby not having been born when her final chapter was written, this is an interesting look at the story of the impact a royal birth has had on European history down through the ages.

   
Matilda b.1102                       George b.22 July 2013

Of course, the interest in the new royal birth is that this newborn will inherit the throne; third in line, and the first time since 1894 the British monarchy has had three generations of heirs in waiting. Amy Licence's book is an informative and enjoyable read.

Published by Amberley Press www.amberley-books.com