The Book of Royal Useless Information: A Funny and Irreverent Look at the British Royal Family Past and Present

by Noel Botham, Bruce Montague

Continuing the sensational success of the Useless Information Series, the Official Useless Information Society brings you another essential compendium of everything you never needed but always wanted to know. A celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee this amazing volume contains all things royal such as: The popular misconception that the royal family cannot vote in political elections. It is only the Queen, herself, who is not allowed to vote. Other members of the family merely choose not to; • The Queen learned to drive in 1945 when she joined the wartime army but has never held a driving license; On the occasion of the Duke of Edinburgh's birthday, a Royal gun salute is fired, and the Union Jack is flown on government buildings from 8am until sunset; Lord Mountbatten, Prince Charles's uncle, tried to arrange a betrothal between his own grand-daughter, Amanda Knatchbull and Charles. Amanda's father and Prince Philip did not approve and put a stop to it; Harry has two secretaries to handle his fan-mail, which invariably comes from teenage girls asking him for a date. Hopefuls should be made aware that no royal contender may be adopted, divorced, Catholic or born of unmarried parents. In Tudor times Catholics were forbidden from living within 10 miles of the throne.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2012

Reviews

[Mia Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Book of Royal Useless Information” by Noel Botham and Bruce Montague was an excellent read. Although the title title calls it “useless information”, I found the contents to be very useful and interesting. The beginning of the book starts off with talking about present monarchs, like Queen Elizabeth II and her imidiate family, then it goes to “Medevil Monarchs 1066-1154”. From there it goes in time order all the way to King George VI, Elizabeth II’s father. I found the most interesting chapters were those about the House of York, the Tudors and the Stuart’s. Each house is somehow related to another and this book shows that. Something else that surprised me was that all of Henrey VIII and Anne Boleyn’s love letters are kept in the Vatican Library. There were also many people in Royal families who have simply disappeared then reappeared when presumed dead. In conclusion, I would give this book a 5/5. It talks about past Monarchies in great detail and gives accurate accounts of such things. It also says that many things we do, use and say are all derived from past Monarchs/Monarchies. I would definitely recommend it.

[Paula McDowell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of date

I wish I had searched for the publication date before purchasing it. As an American Anglophone I love reading many books on British history. I have visited London, Great Britain, several territories of England. I recently returned from. Ireland and Northern Ireland. I adored the Queen and have been to London 6 times and have visited most significant landmarks there. If you want old history this is it. Little is mentioned of the last 20 years.

[Honest Mabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

more like 3.75

So some of the notes address the propaganda but then others definitely are perpetuating a cycle of false propaganda. So that was annoying.

Yes some of the information is out of date. Okay? lol I see reviews complaining. But really the outdated info is mostly current day. Some stuff is refuted online but overall I really enjoyed them and they had wonderful anecdotes. It’s basically a bathroom book

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read about mostly British royal family. Some details are gruesome, some are funny and some are dare I say, romantic. It would seem that kings and princes are spoiled and do outrageous things regardless of country, race or religion. I wouldn't try to read this book cover to cover intensely, but it's something you can occasionally pick up when you are bored. It's definitely entertaining and worth a read, but I probably won't read it again.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun facts

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting facts regarding the English throne. Enjoyed it!