Originally the nanny is caring for Bertie and David, two young princes, and a third child is expected. Of course there is a large household staff, and Charlotte sees more of them than of the royal family. The new baby Mary arrives, and Charlotte both meets the proud grandparents and hears clandestine gossip about affairs. She tries to stay aloof and protect her charges from over enthusiastic discipline. The formality of the household and seeming lack of sympathy for children will surprise some, but Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in London and across the nation and empire at this time. Formality was standard.

Like today's Queen Elizabeth, Victoria came to the throne very early, which is why they each achieved such long reigns. This account of life in the household will interest those who enjoy historical fiction, right down to the food at Christmas. Four roast geese, jellied eels, cod, turkey, oysters, mashed potatoes and macaroni feature, with jelly and pastries for desserts. As time moves on and the throne passes to a successor, the nanny observes the different personalities, from London to Scotland, with Russian dignitaries like the Grand Duchess Olga to boot.

Some readers aren't happy with historical fiction unless there is a crime story intertwined, and others desire a romance. Karen Harper has created a layered, evocative story that won't fall into either of those categories, but contains the details of Faberge eggs, sartorial elegance and gamekeeping along with the duties and emotions of her heroine. Among other issues we can see how epilepsy was regarded - a difficult affliction for a royal personage who is regularly in crowds. By the latter part of the book Suffragettes make an appearance as does the Kaiser, a cousin, of course, of the British royals. History is becoming turbulent, but there is still space to remark on a prince's pet parrot. Danger, though, follows THE ROYAL NANNY. We have to believe she also deserves some romance.

Book Summary

Read an Excerpt