Royal Bastards: Illegitimate Children of the British Royal Family

Written by Peter Beauclerk-Dewar and Roger Powell

Narrated by John Lee

Since 1066 when William the Conqueror took the throne, English and Scottish kings have sired at least 150 children out of wedlock. Many were acknowledged at court and founded dynasties of their own; several of today's dukedoms are descended from them. Others were only acknowledged grudgingly or not at all. In the twentieth century this trend for royals to father illegitimate children continued, but the parentage, while highly probable, has not been officially recognized. This book is a genuinely fresh approach to British kings and queens, examining their lives and times through the unfamiliar perspective of their illegitimate children. Interviewees include many of their descendants. But beyond personal narratives it also sheds light on the perennially fascinating topic of sexual habits; the links between politics, power, and patronage; the class system, scandal, and celebrity; and the different expectations we have of men and women.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781666107289

Reviews for Royal Bastards

[Caroline Wilson · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting book but it is more of an encyclopedia than a long form non-fiction narrative. I was hoping for more a more in depth discussion of royal bastardy than page length entries on each of the known (and possible) children.