Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee: An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens

An Epically Short History of Our Kings and Queens

By: Charlie Higson, Jim Moir

A Waterstones Best History Book 2025

‘Learned, entertaining and highly approachable’ BOB MORTIMER

‘A treat’ ALICE LOXTON

‘Five stars from me…’ AL MURRAY

An unmissable collaboration between two comedy legends – an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy.

Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry three. One, two, three Neds, Richard Two, Henries, four, five, six, then who?

Charlie Higson has always been fascinated by the story of the monarchy: from the b*stardly to the benevolent, the brilliant to the brutal. In this wonderful new book, using the famous rhyme he learned at school as his trusty guide, Charlie takes us through the history of this bizarre and long-lasting institution, introducing readers to every single ruler since poor Harold got it in the eye at the Battle of Hastings (or did he?).

Who were all these people, and what did they do? It’s all here. Bloody treachery? Check. Unruly incest? Check. A couple of Cromwells? Check. The War of Jenkins Ear? Sadly, for Robert Jenkins, check.

A rip-roaring journey that takes in the Normans, Plantagenets, Tudors, Stuarts, Hanoverians and Windsors, not to mention the infamous Blois (how can we forget them?), Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee is an utterly engrossing and grossly entertaining guide to who ruled when and whether they were any good at it.

(P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

'A load of complete and utter brilliance: real history, yet really funny.’ James Hawes, bestselling author of The Shortest History of England

‘The perfect refresher for someone who just about remembers which King came after which Queen, and for those that don’t, the ideal starting point. Charlie Higson has made the world’s longest running and most famous family soap opera fresh again. As long as he stays away from World War Two it’s five stars from me.’ Al Murray, podcaster and bestselling author of Arnhem: Black Tuesday

‘Charlie Higson isn’t just a born storyteller and a very funny man; turns out he’s a sharp-eyed historian too. I’d rail against the injustice of it all if I weren’t so busy reading this riotous rollcall of kings, queens and wannabes, from the great and the good to the hopeless and horrendous. Highly recommended.’ Helen Castor, historian and author of The Eagle and the Hart

‘I suppose I’ll have to read it … or at least gaze upon Jim Moir’s brilliant illustrations.’ Paul Whitehouse