[Zonk]

Okay....I have FINALLY read this book. Sad to say...I bought it when it first came out and due to work, school, family, etc I didn't have the opportunity to read it. I LOVED IT!

Like everyone else who read the book YEARS ago...I thought it didn't have a lot of information on Queen Maud. I thought most of the information on Empress Alexandra was already well known. But considering the circumstances of her life and death that is not surprising.

I definitely agree that of the Queens (with the exception of Maud) didn't have an easy life. I found myself wanting to know more information on Queen Sophie of Greece and Queen Marie of Romania. I am particulary interested in reading more about Queen Marie (how different her life and that of the British Royal Family) might have been if she had been allowed to marry George V. But I think she would have made his life uncomfortable. It appears that he was quite suited for Queen Mary. Except for how they raised their children, they appeared quite happy with each other.

But back to Queen Marie...can anyone recommend any books on her? The relationship with her inlaws, and her children (particularly that awful Carol) is very interesting.

I also felt very sorry for Queen Ena and found myself not liking Alfonso. Let's see...you were warned that she could have been a carrier (check), you professed to love her (check), the first sign of things going wrong (birth of sick children) you checked out. Not a nice guy IMO. And before anyone says anything...yes I know Alfonso was a man of his times and one of his main duties is to provide heirs, etc. I get it. My problem is that (and I know this is going to drive Elspeth wild!) if you must cheat on your wife...be discreet. I hate when people 1) break their marriage vows and 2) then treat someone they are supposed to care about like garbage. But that' my rant for the day.


Next up...the six daughters of George III.