The Duchess : From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Governess

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Governess. The Duchess, the second novel in Wendy Holden's trilogy about royal outsiders, fictionalises the unknown London life of Wallis Simpson. Arriving in 1928, Wallis was a divorced, penniless, middle-aged foreigner with average looks and no connections. Yet, just eight years later, a king renounced his throne for her. How did a woman from nowhere capture the heart of the world's most glamorous bachelor? Wendy Holden tells the amazing story. ___________ Praise for Wendy Holden's The Governess: 'A beautifully woven and exquisitely detailed story' HEATHER MORRIS, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz 'Brilliantly researched . . . I was completely absorbed and transported' ADELE PARKS, author of Just My Luck 'Compelling characters and a wonderful blend of historical accuracy and real narrative drive . . . A heart-breaking study of loyalty and love' SALLY MORRIS, Daily Mail '[A] beautifully researched and captivating novel . . . Wendy Holden's tender and intimate portrait of Lilibet, the future Queen Elizabeth II, is masterly' RACHEL HORE 'A great book for escaping into . . . I loved this!' KATIE FFORDE 'Sensitive, funny and fascinating – this masterful novel gives the reader fly-on-the-wall privileges into the early life of the Queen' FREYA NORTH 'A brilliantly imagined and poignant novel [...] of sacrifice, deep affection, strained loyalties and divided English society in the post-Downton Abbey era' ELIZABETH BUCHAN 'An intimate view of the royal family at a time of great uncertainty and change . . . Marion Crawford's dedication to her charges, as well as her passion for education and reform, shines through the pages' CHANEL CLEETON 'Wendy Holden absolutely delivers in this perfect blend of story and history . . . Lovers of The Crown series on Netflix will adore this!' SUSAN MEISSNER 'I loved, loved, LOVED this book and if it isn't adapted for the screen, I'll eat my crown!' ERICA JAMES It was a love so strong a king renounced his kingdom-all for that woman. Or was she just an escape route for a king who never wanted to rule? Bestselling author Wendy Holden takes an intimate look at one of the most notorious scandals of the twentieth century. 1928. A middle-aged foreigner comes to London with average looks, no money, and no connections. Wallis's first months in the city are lonely, dull, and depressing. With no friends of her own, she follows the glamorous set on the pages of magazines and goes to watch society weddings. Her stuffy husband Ernest's idea of fun, meanwhile, is touring historic monuments. When an unexpected encounter leads to a house party with the Prince of Wales, Wallis's star begins to rise. Her secret weapon is her American pep and honesty. For the prince, she is a breath of fresh air. As her friendship with him grows, their relationship deepens into love. Wallis is plunged into a world of unimaginable luxury and privilege, enjoying weekends together at his private palace on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Wallis knows the fun and excitement can't last. The prince will have to marry, and she will return to Ernest. The sudden death of George V seems to make this inevitable; the Prince of Wales is now King Edward VIII. When, to her shock and amazement, he refuses to give her up-or recognize they are facing impossible odds-her fairy tale becomes a nightmare. The royal family closes ranks to shut her out, and Ernest gives an ultimatum. Wallis finds herself trapped when Edward insists on abdicating his throne. She can't escape the overwhelming public outrage, and, villainized, she becomes the woman everyone blames-the face of the most dramatic royal scandal of the twentieth century