Summary
Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston's debut novel, took the literary world by storm upon its release in 2019. This LGBTQ+ romantic comedy quickly became a New York Times bestseller and garnered widespread acclaim for its witty dialogue, lovable characters, and refreshing representation of queer relationships.
The novel centers on Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and his unexpected romance with Prince Henry of Wales. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes presidential re-election campaign, the story explores themes of identity, duty, and the power of love to overcome political obstacles.
Plot
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the charming First Son of the United States, finds himself embroiled in a diplomatic crisis after a physical altercation with his longtime nemesis, Prince Henry of Wales, at a royal wedding. To salvage U.S.-British relations, their handlers concoct a plan: Alex and Henry must pretend to be friends for the public eye. What begins as a reluctant truce soon blossoms into a genuine friendship as the two young men spend time together during staged photo ops and events.
As Alex and Henry grow closer, their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Henry kisses Alex at a New Year's Eve party at the White House. This revelation leads Alex to question his own sexuality, eventually realizing he is bisexual. The two embark on a secret romance, exchanging flirtatious emails and stolen moments together. However, their burgeoning relationship is complicated by their high-profile positions and the potential impact on Alex's mother's re-election campaign.
The couple's world is turned upside down when their private emails and photos are leaked to the press, forcing them to confront the reality of their relationship in the public eye. Alex flies to England to support Henry as he comes out to his family, including the disapproving Queen. Meanwhile, Alex's mother's team works to manage the political fallout of the revelation. As public opinion sways in their favor, Alex and Henry must navigate the challenges of their newfound openness while remaining true to themselves and each other.
In a dramatic turn of events, it is revealed that the leak was orchestrated by the opposing campaign in an attempt to derail the President's re-election bid. Despite the scandal, President Claremont wins re-election, and Alex and Henry are finally able to stand together publicly as a couple. The novel concludes with the two young men looking forward to a future where they can balance their personal happiness with their public responsibilities, having found the courage to let their true colors shine.
