A Brief History of the House of Windsor

Brief Histories

By: Michael Paterson

Narrated by: Maggie Ollrenshaw

The British monarchy may be over a thousand years old, but the House of Windsor dates only from 1917, when, in the middle of the First World War that was to see the demise of the major thrones of continental Europe, it rebranded itself from the distinctly Germanic Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to the homely and familiar Windsor. By redefining its loyalties to identify with its people and country rather than the princes, kings and emperors of Europe to whom it was related by birth and marriage, it set the monarchy on the path of adaptation, making itself relevant and allowing it to survive.

Since then, the fine line trodden by the House of Windsor between ancient and modern, grandeur and thrift, splendour and informality, remoteness and accessibility, and influence and neutrality has left it more secure and its appeal more universal today than ever.

©2013 Michael Paterson (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Just Right!

I needed a break from the book I am currently reading so when I came across this one I thought it would fit the bill nicely: short, informative and entertaining. It was perfect for me; detailed enough to be interesting throughout, but not too heavy on politics, dates, treaties, and wars.

I’m a Royalphile and I’ve read many bios on the Royal Family, but so far none about Queen Mary and George V so I especially enjoyed the section that covered their reign. As for the rest of the group, although I can’t say I learned anything new, I was engaged all the way through since I am naturally so drawn to the topic.