From one of our finest historians comes an outstanding exploration of the British monarchy from the retreat of the Romans up until the modern day. The monarchy is one of Britains most venerable and revered institutions but also one of its most volatile. Starkey brings the tempestuous story up to the present, guiding us through the dissolution of the marriage between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, with a new chapter on the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, royal weddings and the future of monarchy. Throughout, Starkey highlights both the strength and the terrible fragility of an institution that has seemed, at times, perilously close to extinction. He offers not only a brilliant overview of British history through her kings and queens but also a vivid portrait of British culture, politics and nationhood, embodied in an institution that has defined the realm for nearly two thousand years. Excellent&the really crucial events in the history of the British Monarchy&are assessed with authority, wisdom and wit&This is Starkey at his fluent and entertaining best Sunday Telegraph