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The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival

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From Elizabeth II to future King William, The Windsor Legacy offers a riveting exploration of the British monarchy's resilience and influence over the past century, looking at its key players and conflicts, with a forward-looking examination of its future.

In an age where resilience is essential, The Windsor Legacy delivers an enthralling narrative of inspiration and royal intrigue. Penned by Robert Jobson, a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author and a front-line royal correspondent for over three decades, this extraordinary work will take listeners deep into the heart of royal history as well as through the secrets that plague it to this day.

From the abdication crisis, royal family entanglements, Cold War espionage, betrayal, and scandalous love affairs to more recent constitutional crises and the monarchy's most closely guarded secrets and feuds. This riveting and stylish narrative, told through the key characters and clashes at the heart of the family, will be packed with exclusive revelations with a story as comprehensive as it is captivating.

352 pages, Hardcover

Published January 6, 2026

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Robert Jobson

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5 stars
76 (26%)
4 stars
80 (28%)
3 stars
88 (31%)
2 stars
30 (10%)
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9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Kerry.
156 reviews16 followers
January 6, 2026
this is almost like a Wikepedia version of events. There is no in depth research
Profile Image for Rachel.
289 reviews
January 7, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down.

ARC from NetGalley
Published January 6, 2026

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance listening copy of “The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival” in exchange for my honest review.

If you’ve watched The Crown, you’ve basically read this book. If you know nothing about the British royal family and are interested in learning, this book is a great place to start. The writing was clear and concise, and the format and flow of ideas were easy to follow. The book only briefly covered events and didn’t go into much detail. It depicted the history of the Windsor family from the reign of George V and the abdication of his son, Edward VIII, to events as recent as 2025, including the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew and Epstein and the cancer diagnoses of King Charles and his daughter-in-law, Catherine.

I thought the author initially did a good job of presenting things objectively, until he got to Diana and Charles and, later, Harry and Meghan. He seemed to have a more sympathetic view of Charles than other sources I’ve seen, which usually portray Diana as the more sympathetic figure in their messy marriage and divorce. The author did nothing to hide his disapproval and disdain of Harry and Meghan, though. It was almost comical.

Overall, this book was well written, but it didn’t really add anything new to the historiography of the British royal family.
Profile Image for Marika.
501 reviews56 followers
January 25, 2026
Journalist/author Robert Jobson is the perfect person to write about the royal Windsor family. He's been the royal correspondent for British newspapers etc since 1991 so he's quite intimate with their comings and goings. Not a salacious tell-all but a glimpse into what royal followers have guessed for years.
Profile Image for Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews.
1,614 reviews19 followers
January 7, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley/Edelweiss and Dreamscape Media for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As you know, I’m always up for a book about the royal family. For the new year, there’s a new book about the House of Windsor that you might want to check out. The Windsor Legacy is a natural fit into my reading interests.

I’ve got to be honest, though, and let you know that the majority of this book is something anyone could have gleaned from watching The Crown. The exposé style of The Windsor Legacy reminds one of the British and American tabloids during the Charles & Diana days. Maybe it’s because I have read and watched a lot about the House of Windsor, but for the majority of the book, it was the same old stories that one could find anywhere.

Towards the end of the book, as the author dived into more recent history, there was a definite edge to stories. There were more slanted opinions cast about as fact, especially concerning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Yes, the author throws Harry under the bus because he chose to make a new life. Quite frankly, who could blame him? Because Robert Jobson is clearly a monarchist, his analysis of Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s situation is dripping with condemnation, even while acknowledging the rampant racism directed at the Duchess. Meanwhile, Prince William gets a pass for being a prat.

This is the sort of book that might be interesting to younger generations who did not live through much of the drama of the Royal Family in the 20th century. The audiobook was narrated by Charles Armstrong, who does a good job of the material put forth to him, although there were a few times I wished for slightly better enunciation. Bottom line, this book is for newbies only.
Profile Image for Liam.
223 reviews
January 9, 2026
The Windsor Legacy by Richard Jobson completely swept me up and didn’t let go. As someone who loves history with a pulse, this felt rich, immersive, and endlessly fascinating from the very first pages. It has that perfect balance of factual grounding and narrative drive, where real events and imagined moments blend so seamlessly that you forget where history ends and storytelling begins.

Jobson’s writing is confident and compelling, clearly backed by deep research, but never weighed down by it. The political intrigue, the sense of power shifting behind closed doors, and the exploration of legacy, loyalty, and ambition kept me fully invested throughout. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause mid-chapter just to appreciate how cleverly it’s all been put together.

What really stood out for me was how accessible the book felt. Even when dealing with complex historical ideas and figures, it never felt dry or overly academic. Instead, it reads like a story that just happens to be rooted in history, which made it incredibly easy to get lost in.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. The Windsor Legacy is a gripping, intelligent, and thoroughly absorbing read, and one I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that feels both thoughtful and dramatic. A standout five-star read for me.
Profile Image for Sharon Corner.
46 reviews
January 23, 2026
Ah, yes, another book about the English Royals. Living part of my life in the Netherlands, I have to admit, the obsession with the English Royals is a bit wearying. While listening to this audiobook, I stood in line at the grocery store and saw their faces on 5 magazines.
But I did enjoy this book. Going back to Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, and somehow I never knew that King George V had been euthanized by his doctor, making sure he had dignity in death and that it would be in time for the morning paper, this book talks about secrets, well-known facts, tragedies, and sad moments. I thought I knew all there was to know about Edward and Mrs. Simpson, but this book reminded me that King Edward wasn't all that great, his father didn't think he'd make a good king, and his son, Albert, had a stutter because King George was such a hard father.
Anyone really into the Royals will enjoy this book because it's a well-written tell-all, with little tidbits, funny little stories, and secrets that most royal fans already know. For those who just want to learn a bit more about the House of Cambridge, this book is well written and gives background information and explains who everyone is, leading up to Prince William and Princess Catherine.
The audiobook is narrated by English narrator Charles Armstrong, who does a great job.
63 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2026
📚Book Review📚

The Windsor Legacy by Robert Jobson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Windsor Legacy by Robert Jobson sets out on the ambitious task of covering Elizabeth II through the future King William, reflecting on the major events in their lives and the effect on the monarchy. It was interesting to see how the concern for keeping the monarchy relevant to the times has been a concern since well before King Charles’ recent and well publicized efforts to do so. My mother has followed the royal family for decades and is much more knowledgeable than I am. For someone like her, there likely wouldn’t be anything particularly new or groundbreaking in this book, aside from a few minor details previously unknown to the public. However, I appreciated the expansive overview of their family, and the relationships and conflicts between them, as I haven’t read as much about the Windsors.

As a result, I struggled a bit on deciding on the star rating. While I enjoyed the audiobook, it felt almost like a Windsor encyclopedia, with more breadth than depth. Overall, I would recommend this book to those who are interested in the history of the Windsor family, who only have basic knowledge of the family tree.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this eALC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sally.
185 reviews
January 15, 2026
An interesting high level account of the royal family that definitely doesn't hold back any punches. It does read a bit haphazardly - jumping from one topic/family member to another. As an American, I guess that's all I really needed.

It's hard to contemplate living in a country with a monarchy, since as young children we hear tales of the American Revolution, George Washington refusing to be called "king"; however, in recent years with the infamy of the Sussexes & Andrew, I began to have a sympathetic curiosity for the British royal family Given the strife in many aspects of my country & uprootedness within our political system, it sometimes gives me pause to consider whether or not there's a societal benefit for a country with a royal family. Makes me think about the passage in 1 Samuel, where the people say they want a king to govern them. This book made me grateful for my republican (not the party) roots even in these difficult times. Although, it's kind of silly to think there was ever a question.

This book definitely did not provide a deep sense of what the British people think of their royal family, but provided a lengthier Wikipedia breakdown of various people within the royal family & their history.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,921 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2026
The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal, and Survival by Robert Jobson was an interesting book. It starts a 100 years ago and works its way up to current times. I learned a lot about the royal family before Queen Elizabeth and the early parts of her reign. I already knew a lot about Prince Charles, Princess Diana, William, Harry, and Camilla but there were some new tidbits of information I wasn’t aware of. If you’re interested in the Royal Family, this is a good book.

I listened to the audiobook. Charles Armstrong did a good job with the narration. It was very easy to listen to and I listened to it in a day.

Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Daniela.
124 reviews
January 9, 2026
Royalist reporter Jobson has succeeded in putting together a valid and interesting account of the royal families lash and present. Not only dating back to pre-Windsor times (starting from about 1600) but also writing about how the royal family came to be jnow as Windsor. He writes about the scandal stricken members of the royalty family e.g. Right he writes about the scandal stricken members of the royal family Edward VIII was forced to step back as king and give way to King George as well as the late Queen’s sister Margaret, who was unlucky with her marriages. Up until the Queen Elisabeth’ death and the current view of th British in their royals and monarchy overall.
An interesting discourse on the royal family with a lot of historical information and societal views.
Profile Image for Pamela Beckford.
Author 4 books21 followers
January 11, 2026
I listened to this as an audiobook - the narrator was easy to listen to.

This was not a comprehensive book about the Windsors at all. It did cover them in summary though. I didn't feel like there was any information in the book that hasn't been published before though. It surprised me that Princess Diana felt glossed over in many ways - the book could have used more about her. And when it comes to scandals, Prince Andrew didn't draw enough attention either.

But as far as a summary of the Royals, this hit the highlights. If you aren't looking for anything to in the weeds, this would be a good resource to spark your interest so that you could read further elsewhere.

I was given this by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Reeca Elliott.
2,062 reviews25 followers
January 25, 2026
I have been a fan of the Windsors since Diana came on the scene (didn’t everyone!). So I did enjoy the history in this compilation. But there is really nothing new in here. If you watched the crown, you know everything in this book.

However, this book is so biased against anything that goes against those in power. It became very evident when he talked about Diana. I mean really…Diana was so emotional that Charles was doing the best he could…insert eye roll. But lord have mercy, he was so blatant pro William and anti Harry in the Harry and Megan exit. It was almost nauseating.

I did enjoy the narrator, Charles Armstrong. He is perfect for this book, accent and all!

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea Wenger.
Author 4 books39 followers
January 6, 2026
This book delves into the history of the British monarchy over the past 100 years. From scandalous love affairs and Cold War secrets to modern-day crises and family feuds, this book looks at the key figures and conflicts that have shaped the Windsor dynasty.

This high-level overview is a good introduction to the Windsors, although it assumes you have some level of knowledge (for instance, the Martin Bashir interview is mentioned without much context). Unfortunately, the racism in the treatment of the Duchess of Sussex mars an otherwise enjoyable audiobook.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Alina.
710 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2026
“The Windsor Legacy” by Robert Jobson is a fascinating and well-researched look into the British royal family. While the book doesn’t necessarily offer anything new for readers already familiar with the Windsors, it still stands out as an excellent, comprehensive source that traces the family’s journey from its beginnings to the present day.

Jobson’s writing is clear, balanced, and engaging. He weaves together historical context, personal dynamics, and modern challenges without sensationalism, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of the monarchy’s evolution. The structure makes it easy to follow major milestones while appreciating how each era shaped the next.

Even with a few sections that feel slightly dense, the overall narrative remains compelling. This is a strong, informative read and a solid refresher for anyone interested in the royal family’s history and ongoing influence.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lois .
2,407 reviews625 followers
January 28, 2026
1.75 Stars Rounded Up

This took a romantic view of pretty much all of the royal family with the exception of: Edward & Wallis, Andrew & Fergie and of course, Harry & Meghan.

This was interesting and mostly light entertainment. I’d have rated it higher but the, at this point, standard British misogynoir in relation to Meghan isn’t even what dropped my rating. The glaring lack of any mention of Kate being missing from the public for months on end nor does it discuss the media stumbles during this period. It does give palace approved info on Kate’s cancer as well as C3’s cancer.

Disappointing but entertaining
Profile Image for Susan.
894 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2026
What a poorly written book! It was full of typos, grammatical errors, missing words or extra words. And short poorly structured sentences. Kind of like this. Over and over again. I actually had to take a break from it because the writing style and errors got on my nerves and I love reading about the royals. I did learn of a few things I hadn't read before but the book was a sloppy mess which detracted from it greatly.
Profile Image for Margie.
1,161 reviews
January 26, 2026
If you are a royal follower, you will not find much new information in this book. But it was interesting to listen to anyway. It did talk about Charles becoming King and other current events in the family.

This was a good overview of the Windsors. There is a lot of history included in the book that explains how they got where they are today. Some of it may have a slight leaning towards one royal over the other, but most of the book seemed fact and not opinion.
Profile Image for Jquick99.
721 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2026
I really didn’t learn anything* except…Prince Charles pounced on Diana and started to kiss her (before they started dating)? And followed her around like a puppy dog? Good thing I got this from the library.

* I’ve lived thru most of this and have read books about Diana, Edward & Wallis, and read the Daily Mail.
Profile Image for ReadingWench.
2,105 reviews13 followers
January 31, 2026
I think this book should be rated higher than it is. I believe people are reading this book for slanderous things against the monarchy. I understand the title of the book. However. This book by Robert Jobson is almost a recap. It does have secrets and scandals, but you might already know about them. I do like how this author writes and weaves everything together nicely.
Profile Image for Whitney Beiler Dalton.
483 reviews
January 12, 2026
A lot of breadth. No depth. It spans a large time frame of events and covers them like a history textbook. I read Spare and wanted more juicy bits but this rarely touched on anything I found interesting.
Profile Image for Anna Osgood .
31 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the copy of this book. I found it to be a very general overview of the monarchy from Queen Elizabeth II to the present day, but as someone who enjoys keeping up with the royal family, there wasn't much in it that felt new or exciting to me.
Profile Image for Meghan.
734 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2026
Three stars because it could be good for those who are newer to Windsor dynasty history. It presents basics of the whole dynasty, not just one of the rulers which, again, can be good for a history newbie. But, if you’re a seasoned royal history buff like me then it’s nothing new.
3 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2026
Good overview of the royal family. Gave info and touched on many members. Included very current events.
9 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2026
poorly written and barely edited

Interesting subject matter, but the disorganization and abject errors made it a slog to finish. The “Prime Mister” of Jamaica? Really?
Profile Image for Sarah Benham .
58 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2026
Informative if a little dry, I don’t think much new information was included
Profile Image for Duncan.
380 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2026
The Windsor Legacy offers a compelling exploration of one of the most influential royal families in modern history. Through a detailed examination of the House of Windsor, the book traces how tradition, power, and personal struggle have shaped the British monarchy and its place in a rapidly changing world.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its balance between historical analysis and human storytelling. Rather than presenting the monarchy as a distant institution, The Windsor Legacy emphasizes the individuals behind the crowns—highlighting how private choices, family tensions, and personal sacrifices have influenced public perception and national identity. The narrative effectively shows how the Windsors have adapted (and sometimes failed to adapt) to social change, media scrutiny, and political pressure.

The author’s writing style is clear and engaging, making complex historical events accessible to a broad audience. Well-researched and richly detailed, the book provides insight into key moments that defined the monarchy, while also questioning the long-term relevance of royal tradition in the modern era. At times, the focus on controversy may feel critical, but it ultimately adds depth and realism to the portrayal of the royal family.

Overall, The Windsor Legacy is an informative and thought-provoking read that will appeal to readers interested in history, politics, and modern monarchy. It succeeds not only as a chronicle of royal events, but also as a reflection on how legacy is shaped by both public duty and private lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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