I was offered an ARC of this book, and being a fan of the late Princess Diana, I felt this was a must read. Slightly different to what I had expected but nevertheless a beautifully written book.

Flora Harding’s parallel account of Princess Charlotte of Wales, 1813-1817, to Lady Diana in 1981 will appeal to Royal followers. There have been many attempts at capturing the essence of Lady Diana; it seems Royal appetites would be satiated; many having experienced her life and death firsthand. The People’s Princess opens at Buckingham Palace in March 1981 as Lady Diana Spencer is preparing herself to become Princess Diana of Wales. Diana becomes curious about Princess Charlotte after noticing her portrait in the halls of the palace. Princess Charlotte’s journal, discovered by a historian in the Royal Archives at Windsor, becomes Diana’s key to unlocking the mysteries of joining the House of Windsor. Readers are treated to Harding’s comparisons of family lives and struggles, similarities in personality traits, and the unusually close relationships with staff enjoyed by Charlotte and Diana. From missing her friends at the nursery school, becoming determined to win Charles away from Camilla, to sequins on her veil winking and glittering in the light; readers will delight in Diana’s long-awaited ride in the Glass Coach and the procession up the aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Listen carefully for whistles, cheers, bells, helicopters and then the huge roar of welcome from the crowds on The Mall. Relish a “royal wave” from The People’s Princess!

really nice reading this as your can hear your expectations of Diana's voice in your head.

Dual timeline between Diana and Princess Charlotte whom Diana sees on a painting on the wall in the palace and she becomes very interested in her past life because she looks fun.

Interesting read, I devoured it in a day. If your a fan of The Royals i doubt there will be much in it that you didn't already know, but its really good to read as a novel format.

Thanks so much for the ARC!

This was fine. It held my attention enough and I read it in a day. I didn't know much about Princess Charlotte so I found her story a bit more compelling than Diana's, but that's only because I already know Diana's story.

Again, the book was fine, but there was nothing particularly gripping about it. It didn't breathe any new life into the tale of Charles & Diana that we already know and the story itself seemed very surface level and lacking depth.

It was okay. Good for a one time read.

I, like many others, came to read this book after watching The Crown. I was somewhat disappointed by the execution, even thought I definitely thought it interesting to read about Princess Charlotte (whom I had previously never heard of). There were little things that bothered me such as the repetition of thoughts that are word for word, and the diary format used. Charlotte's "diary" reads like a first-person narrative for a novel. I really liked Charlotte's story as her character is more fleshed out and her life story develops over time whereas Diana is given many pages of the book without much transformation (her purpose seems to be only bringing Charlotte's story to light for the readers!)

The People's Princess
by: Flora Harding 
Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter
Pub date: 03/31/22
Genre: Historical Fiction
 
 So many elements make this historical fiction book so absorbing: the timelines, the characters, the history, and the eloquent writing of Flora Harding. As a little girl, I loved keeping a diary. When the storyline of The People's Princess led to Diana's finding and reading of a diary, it brought back memories and led to even more enjoyment of the story for me. The diary that she discovered was kept by Princess Charlotte of Wales in the 1800. The novel moved forward in dual timelines of two princesses and their lives and loves as Royals. So, readers are introduced into the worlds of two remarkable women in history.

  Harding's writing is smooth, well-paced, and engaging as she details the imagined lives of Princess Charlotte and Princess Diana. From their inner thoughts, feelings, and private moments to fancy galas and ceremonies, I felt in the moments with them. Lovers of historical fiction and royalty will definitely want to take a look at this book. I'm grateful it found its way onto my reading shelf. 
 
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.

#historicalfiction #floraharding #oneweekwithomc #onemorechapterhc 
#NetGalley  #ThePeoplesPrincess #harpercollinsuk

I started reading this book with reasonably high expectations and was unfortunately disappointed.
The highlight of the novel for me was reading about Princess Charlotte as I knew very little about her story. I didn't understand why it was presented as a diary when no diary I have ever read has so much detail and dialogue.

I did not really learn anything new about Diana and Charles with the exception of the reported frequency of Camilla in their relationship from the outset.

An easy read but did not have much impact for me unfortunately.

‘She is living the fairy tale. She has found her prince and she is determined to be the best of princesses and they will live happily ever after.’

I read and enjoyed Flora’s, Before The Crown and was therefore eager to read her latest, The People’s Princess, a story of fiction based on fact. This story will take you through the build up to Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles. Lovers of all things Royal will certainly enjoy this one.

Much is sure to be familiar if you are a Royal watcher, knowing of Princess Diana or have even watched the series, The Crown. There is not much new with regards to this well told tale, that being, her relationship with Prince Charles and the demands of Royal life. What was new was the story of Princess Charlotte. Flora cleverly interweaves the tale of these two Princesses with illuminating results.

‘Will comfortable be enough, though? She can’t help thinking wistfully of Charlotte’s passionate affair with the handsome Prince Frederick. Diana is quite envious of Charlotte having found someone so perfect, and being resolute enough to resist the marriage of convenience.’

Princess Diana found consolation in reading Princess Charlotte’s diary and herein the parallels between the two were expertly drawn. I came to find Charlotte’s story probably more engaging and endearing. Flora presents a dual timeline for the two - one in 1813 and the other in 1981 - and how both women faced fears and insecurities, hopes and desires.

The People’s Princess is an entertaining read with Flora cleverly combining the tale of two princesses - both sad tales in their own way - with timelines interweaving for an overall engaging story.

‘Alone, she walks back up the silent stairs to her apartment. She doesn’t belong here. She doesn’t belong in the kitchen. She doesn’t belong anywhere here, she thinks miserably.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Buckingham Palace - 1981

Diana Spencer is staying on the nursery floor in anticipation of her’s and Prince Charles’s upcoming wedding. One day, she sees a painting of Princess of Charlotte of Wales and wants to know more about her life.

London - 1813

Charlotte, age 17, is in London because her father wants to force her to marry Willem, the Prince of Holland. She does not want to tie herself to someone she hasn’t even met. She is a happy person and knows that one day, she will be the Queen of England. Thus, she wants to know more about the people and to let them know she cares. Her mother and father are estranged and she herself is kept isolated and under the watchful eyes of her father’s minions. Finally, she is given an ultimatum and told she must select a husband or one will be selected for her. She chooses Prince Leopold Saxe Coburg. He is a pleasant man and they are happy together. She soon becomes pregnant and after a difficult delivery, gives birth to a stillborn son. Not long after, she dies unexpectedly. A favorite of the citizens of England, she is mourned.

Diana Spencer’s life is somewhat similar to that of Charlotte and I loved how the author pursued the correlation. Although both young women are from vastly different time frames, they are much alike in so many ways. It introduced a lot of food for thought to me and has intrigued me to seek my information about Charlotte, Leopold, and others.

I really enjoyed this book. I’m sure readers thought this would be a book about Princess Diana, but it’s interesting to learn that there have been two People’s Princesses. I was delighted to learn about Princess Charlotte and to increase my knowledge of the English royalty. I hope I have not given out too many spoilers.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a book for fans of British Royalty. I read it on a plane coming home from London so it was even closer for me having just visited. It’s a story mainly of Princess Charlotte told via her diary in the early 1800’s. Princess Diana sees Charlotte’s portrait and wants to learn more about her. She is engaged to Prince Charles and is preparing for her own wedding. I love royal history so this was a perfect book for me. The author explains at the end of the book what is real vs fiction and most of the book is real.
I loved Princess Charlotte and her strength. It’s a fantastic read for a little history and insight into royal life.

Princess Diana and her engagement with Prince Charles has been written about a lot lately, but this book tells a different story. Diana finds the diary of Princess Charlotte of Wales, and sees many parallels between herself and this headstrong princess. Well written and worth the read.

Princess Diana is warned that if she doesn't conform then she will end up like Anne Boleyn. She however discovers a book about Princess Charlotte which she holds dear. A tragic tale of a woman who was destroyed by the monarchy and the press. An interesting read for any true Diana fans.

I just love a good royal story. The People’s Princess by Flora Harding is the story of Princess Diana and Princess Charlotte. In the time leading up to Princess Diana’s wedding she discovers a portrait of Princess Charlotte. In her discover to learn more about her Diana is given access to Princess Charlotte‘s diary and soon discovers how much they have in common.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



#ThePeople’sPrincess #NetGalley #OneMoreChapter #bookstagram #booknerd #books #reading #readersofinstagram

I adored this novelization of the lives of Princess Diana and Princess Charlotte. It was quite interesting to see the contrast between the two princesses of Wales and the way that they handled their roles. A good read for any lover of the Royals.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. One More Chapter for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The People’s Princess’ by Flora Harding in exchange for an honest review.

‘The People’s Princess’ explores through historical fiction the lives of two Princesses of Wales; one born to the royal title and the other born into the British aristocracy who married into royalty.

Buckingham Palace, 1981. Lady Diana Spencer has recently become engaged to Prince Charles. It may have seemed a dream come true but now she’s finding herself bored and alone. Courtiers seek to instruct her on royal protocol but the soon-to-be Princess of Wales finds it all very stuffy and rebels. Yet she finds the centuries of tradition too intractable and is increasingly unhappy.

When she comes across a portrait of Princess Charlotte of Wales, the granddaughter of George III and the only child of the Prince Regent, she finds herself drawn to the tragic princess. She is put in touch with Amelia Bell, who is working with the royal archives at Windsor Castle. Amelia lends Diana a transcript of Charlotte’s personal diary.

From here the novel moves between Lady Diana as she prepares for her wedding and Charlotte’s diary from 1813 to her death in 1817. As Diana reads the diary, she sees many parallels with her own life and future as Princess of Wales. …

I had mixed feelings about this novel as while I understand that the 1981 sections were based on accounts that Diana provided to friends and biographers, she comes across as immature and needy. Perhaps those who adore her might have sympathy but for myself it just further highlighted how unsuited she and Charles were even at this early stage. They really had so little common ground.

Perhaps this was Harding’s intention though I also found the Diana chapters rather repetitive and felt that the chapters focusing on Princess Charlotte were more interesting; especially as I knew little about her life, including her death at such a young age.

In her Acknowledgements Flora Harding gives details of the sources she utilised for both timelines and stressed that as a novelist she has made her own interpretations of the source material.

Overall, while I found the Princess Charlotte chapters of more interest than the Lady Diana chapters I can appreciate the appeal of a novel that offers via historical fiction glimpses into these privileged lives.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Two princesses who never became Queen. The Queen who never was and the Queen of people's hearts. Both were "the people's princess" and both died before their time.

When Diana Spencer meets Prince Charles she knows that she is destined to marry him. So when Charles proposes whilst at Balmoral, Diana inevitably agrees immediately. However, little did she know what she was agreeing to for she wasn't just marrying Charles, she was joining the Royal family and becoming part of the monarchy. It was never to be a case of boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love and then marry and live happily ever after. As a senior Royal, life for Diana was to become a fishbowl. And no sooner had their engagement been announced was she constantly doorstepped by photographers wanting a piece of "Shy Di" for the public to gobble up. For it seems whilst no one was particularly bothered with Charles, Prince of Wales, everyone fell in love with Diana immediately and soon she became public property. THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS begins after Diana moved into her own rooms at Buckingham Palace, where it was deemed she would be safe and secure rather than at her flat where she was constantly mobbed for her photo.

The story takes place in the months leading up their wedding, beginning in March 1981, a month after the announcement of their engagement and having moved into the Palace, Diana thought she would get to spend more time with Charles. After all, they still hardly knew each other. Although she knew that she loved him and was sure that he loved her. He was marrying her after all, wasn't he? But Diana soon discovered that life in the Palace was rather dull. For it was not a place where the Royals actually lived - it was a base for them to stay at when in London, despite them all having their own suite of rooms. Charles' own suite was about five minutes walk down the corridor or so from her own rooms and Diana was eager to spend some time with him. But she was to be disappointed as Charles was forever fobbing her off for previously booked engagements and events, some organised a year in advance. So what was she to do then?

Bored, Diana looks for ways to amuse herself. The papers always refer to her as "shy Di" but she isn't shy. She is just trying to keep her head down from the flashing cameras. No, Diana is fun, adventurous, reckless even. And then an idea suddenly forms bringing a smile to her face. No one would know. There's hardly ever anyone about. And so, Diana straps on her roller skates and glides through the corridors of Buckingham Palace, causing a couple of footmen standing sentry to smirk as she flew by. This is the best fun she's had since moving into the Palace and she feels alive once more. Then suddenly she comes to a stop in front of a painting. The nameplate identifies her as "Princess Charlotte of Wales" but Diana has never heard of her. She likes the look of this princess, feels a kinship with her even. She looks like fun, in fact. She asks Charles about her, who gives her a brief history before directing her to her aide who will know more about her. But instead, her aide introduces her to someone who knows more about Princess Charlotte than anyone...and as Diana listens in awe, the historian hands her a piece of history that will bring life to the long boring days and months stuck in the Palace. It is Princess Charlotte's journal.

As Diana reads Charlotte's words, she feels even more drawn to her than ever before. This woman who was meant to be Queen to whom Diana could relate so much, to be trapped in a gilded cage and yet wanting so much to be love and be loved.

The year is 1813 and Princess Charlotte of Wales is the only offspring of her parents, the Prince Regent and Princess Caroline who in fact hated each other so intensely that it was a sheer miracle they produced a child at all. The King, George III, was locked away at Windsor having gone mad with the running of the country left up to his wife Queen Charlotte and the government, not to mention Charlotte's own father the Prince Regent, who just wanted to marry her off and be done with her. He picked out a husband for her in the form of Hereditary Prince Wilhelm of Holland. Charlotte was thus forced into a agreement to marry but it was greatest desire to choose her own husband and to love him like no other. Of course, everyone including her attendants and her extended family thought her impulsive and unable to make a proper decision regarding her future. When in fact, all she wanted was to be loved.

Having been thrown over by her own parents from an early age, Charlotte grew up in the care of governesses and tutors and even her servants were more of a family to her than her own. Her fondness for her maid Anna and her companion Cornelia is delightful. It is clear that they are the only ones who have her best interests at heart. But in this age for people like Charlotte, marriages were made for love but for political alliances. Something which Charlotte refuses to adhere to. She is deemed reckless and irresponsible but it is clear she knows her own mind - she just chooses to use as she sees fit and not as her father does.

Life for Charlotte was horrific in part, despite the fact that was the Princess of Wales and heir presumptive, destined to be Queen. But times were different then and women were not given credence for their own minds but there solely to obey first their fathers and then after their marriage, their husbands. However, Charlotte does win a battle of sorts even if it was not the war, and as she grows so does her marriage.

Meanwhile, Diana struggles to connect with Charles leading up to the wedding and adjusting to life as a royal somewhat daunting. No one prepared her for it and although she ignored the advice to seek advisors on etiquette and appearance, she found herself flung into the public eye in such a way that she loved by the public and frowned upon by the Palace. All she wanted was a fairytale wedding and to marry her prince...she was not prepared for all that that entailed.

The parallel between both Charlotte and Diana's stories is somewhat similar despite the 160 years that separated them. It is also interesting to note that Diana's story is told in the third person as the reader looks into her world whilst Charlotte's is in the first person narrative having been transcribed from her own journal. In this way, the reader can connect better with Charlotte, seeing things as she sees them and feeling them as she does. That is not to say we don't feel Diana's predicament because I most certainly did. I saw her as a young (too young) naive woman who believed the fairytale and wanted it for herself. I saw her thrust into the deep end with no real preparation or guidance on how to become a senior royal. All she wanted was for Charles to love her as much as she loved him...but sadly his heart would always belong to another. And just as it was in Charlotte's time, Diana was to wed Charles merely to produce him with an heir - an alliance that may not have been between nations but was political all the same. And all poor Diana wanted was to have that fairytale.

Most of us will remember when Charles and Diana became engaged thus preceding the fairytale wedding in ivory silk, a glass carriage and a 25 foot long train. I was 9 years old when I sat in front of my grandmother's television set on the day in 1981 to watch my Lady Di marry her prince. She was who I wanted to be, my idol; I even had my hair cut like hers (after much arguing with my parents at the time to cut off my long tresses). Though sadly my hair never sat as beautifully as hers and after two years of trying, I let my hair grow again. But throughout the years, I followed the Princess in the magazines and on the news, the very photographers of which sadly ended up being the cause of her very early and tragic demise. I found it ironic that both Princess Grace, who became a friend to the new princess when she needed it most, and Diana were both tragically killed in car crashes.

I thoroughly enjoyed THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS but I would have finished it long before I did had I not stopped to google for specific occasions or events. For example, after the mention of Diana's inappropriate dress for her first public appearance since her engagement, I had to google to see that dress. And then I had to google Princess Charlotte since I had never heard of her before this book. It was interesting to note that had she become Queen, there would have been no Queen Victoria, as the line would have proceeded very differently. Upon that realisation there would also not have been King George VI nor the Queen Elizabeth, and therefore Charles, William or Harry or the monarchy as we know today. Had the line proceeded from Charlotte, where would the monarchy be now? It's an interesting thought.

THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS is not, as many may mistakenly assume, about Diana as such but the original people's princess - Princess Charlotte of Wales. Although the title does weave the story in such a way that Charlotte's life as the people's princess in some way inspired Diana to become that same kind of princess for the people - a Queen of people's hearts, as she was known to have said. And though neither princess lived long enough to become Queen, they both inspired the people who adored them, therefore earning them both the unofficial title of "the people's princess".

I thoroughly loved Charlotte and, though I knew her story would come to an end, I still found myself teary as Flora Harding captured the essence and beauty of the dual timeline narrative of both women perfectly. THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS is well written and well researched, weaving fact with fiction to bring us a beautiful tale that is a pure delight to read. There were moments of happiness as well as sadness and my heart ached for both Diana and Charlotte - the people's princesses, who never got to be Queen.

If you love anything royal, if you love historical fiction, if you love dual timeline narrative...then you will love THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS! I was drawn in from the very first naive page to the very last idealistic end. It was totally unputdownable and I would have finished far sooner had I not kept stopping to google...lol

A fantastic read that I truly loved. I highly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction and the Royal family.

I would like to thank #FloraHarding, #Netgalley, #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #ThePeoplesPrincess in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Harding presents a rich slice of British history as readers explore two favoured Princesses: Charlotte and Diana. Whilst the latter is infamously known, I was fascinated by Charlotte’s story and the parallels that emerge.

Diana’s story takes place in the months leading up to her marriage to Charles. Harding demonstrates the fraught time for Diana as she adjusts to living in the public eye, engaged to marry the future King of England. Whilst it is a fictional account, Harding’s story is based on truth – as proven by my frequent internet searches to collaborate what I was imagining! Diana’s tale is saddening and I really sympathised with her character as she feels so isolated from her fiancé and friends. I think the writer truly captured Diana’s personality based on my own knowledge from media portrayal.

Turning back to the 1800s, Princess Charlotte is a firecracker who is stuck between raging parents. Again, it was difficult to not sympathise with her character, especially due to the suffocating patriarchy and institution of arranged marriages. Charlotte lives at a time where marriages were formed for alliances and politics, not love, and for someone who is rather free-spirited, this causes friction between Charlotte and her father. Indeed, although Diana’s engagement was personal choice, I could not see much difference between her and Charlotte’s relationship: both are so cold and unloving, rather than fulfilling the dream of true love.

However, as Charlotte grows as a young woman, so does her marriage. At the same time, Diana struggles to connect with Charles, finding more love from the media and public eye than from her own fiancé. The public frenzy that Diana and Charlotte describe is very much evident today, as well as being a sombre reminder of Diana’s final days. Whilst my knowledge of the royal family is not extensive, I could not help but draw comparisons with the recent, broadcasted treatment of Prince Harry and his own wife. It is like history repeating itself and as a society, as a race, we never seem to learn our lessons.

Undoubtedly, I was more curious about Diana’s story. I found it more of a struggle to engage with Charlotte’s narrative and I think this is because I have snippets of memories of seeing Princess Diana on the television. Overall, I think Harding pays more attention to Charlotte’s story and I think her chapters were far more prolonged. Eventually I grew more interested in this older story, but I still wanted more about Diana. I am wondering if this is allowing the reader to write a follow-on novel in the future.

This was a well-written account of two Princesses from royal history. Although Diana is so well-known, I applauded Harding’s portrayal at telling Charlotte’s story, establishing a legacy in her own right. It was an interesting, historical read that demonstrated that despite the years separating them, there were many connections between the Princesses.

With thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fascinating Fictional Account of Two Time Periods.
Two princesses beloved by the Public, both had dysfunctional childhoods but connected with people and both died tragically young. Diana’s marriage and death are not the subject of this book however as it only covers the period of her engagement but the author has sought to convey the similarities between these two young women. The book morphs between two time periods; Princess Charlotte’s diaries from Dec 1813 to Nov 1817 and Lady Diana Spencer’s life from Mar 1981 to her wedding on 29 Jul 1981.
Whilst I have always been a fan of Diana (despite her flaws, she was such a caring and warm individual) it was not her that I wished to read about. Having visited Claremont House (now Claremont Fan School, during a Heritage Weekend) and the landscape gardens which once surrounded the house (now National Trust) where Princess Charlotte lived with her husband Leopold, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read this book and find out more about the forgotten princess. She was an intriguing personality and it is interesting to realise that if she and her son had not died in childbirth there would have been no Queen Victoria and no Royal Family as we now know it. The author quotes several books that she used in her research and maybe if I ever get through my TBR pile I will read them also!
Overall a book well worth reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a dual timeline novel about Princess Diana on the verge of her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 and Princess Charlotte of Wales in 1813. Princess Diana is staying in the palace prior to her wedding and finds the diary of Princess Charlotte. Intrigued with Charlotte's story, she finds similarities in their lives. As Diana's wedding looms, her insecurities and doubts grow, but she can see no way out of her commitment to Charles. Princess Charlotte's youth and naivety causes her to fall for inappropriate suitors, and to baulk at the suitors presented by her father, who seems to just want her out of the way.

I thought both stories would have been better as stand alone novels., especially the lesser known story of Charlotte. However, for fans of all thing royal, this will be one they will want to pick up. It was well researched and the portrayals felt authentic. Glimpses into life at the place both in 1981 and 1813 felt authentic. Knowing the fate of both princesses, this was a poignant read.

Flora Harding has written a wonderful work of fiction depicting Diana’s engagement to Prince Charles. Diana thinks she’s gotten her fairytale romance and will soon become a member of the royal family. Diana finds that being a royal is not as wonderful as she thought.

Diana comes across Princess Charolette’s picture in one of the many palace holidays and is struck by the woman and wants to know more. As she starts to read Princess Charolette’s diary, she finds several parallels to her own life and feelings of being part of the aristocracy.

I truly enjoy this read.

Thank you to #netgalley and #harpercollinsuk/onelastchapter, for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.