The Kennedys and the Windsors

by Caroline Hallemann

The revealing story of the multigenerational relationship between the British royals (the Windsors) and the closest thing the U.S. has to royalty (the Kennedys)—exploring the surprising ways the two families echoed, imitated, and inspired each other throughout the 20th century and how those choices continue to shape their legacies today.

For nearly a century, two families have captivated the world like no the British royal Windsor clan and the American Kennedys. Much ink has been spilled on these two institutions over the years, but no one has examined their powerful and intertwined legacies. Until now.

In The Kennedys and the Windsors, acclaimed journalist Caroline Hallemann unearths the story of two iconic families whose lives, ambitions, and respective reigns have juxtaposed each other in surprising ways. Through rich archival research and fresh interviews from insiders on both sides of the Atlantic, Hallemann reveals how an Irish Catholic immigrant family with little entrée into elite New England society came to host dinner parties for the King and Queen of England, carving their path to the White House. In the process, she draws out some startling parallels between the two the early deaths of Princess Diana and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the frustrated “second sisters” Princess Margaret and Lee Radziwill, the scandal-plagued next generation of Bobby Kennedy and Prince Andrew, and the current generation’s shared struggle to figure out what a monarchy (actual or imagined) means in the 21st century.

From Queen Elizabeth’s coronation to President Kennedy’s historic London visit, from JFK Jr.’s tragic death to Prince Harry’s decisive break with his family, Hallemann traces the key moments of the lives of these two dynasties through a fresh and fascinating lens, showing how they have intersected over the generations in ways that not only shaped their images and legacies, but history itself.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Biography, Politics, Presidents, Royalty

420 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fact that this book supplied many details about both families in the title; however, the overall structure seemed more like the author gathered material and then tried to find similarities that could be the basis of a chapter. There was no attempt to unify the stories of the two families with more than "oh, both have a prodigal son!" I think this book could have had more done with it.

[Maggie Beutler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! But honestly, as a royal watcher and frequent Kennedy family deep-diver, I can’t say I gleaned any new information from this book. Caroline did a great job of outlining the many intersections and parallels of these two families, though. And as if I wasn’t already convinced of the Kennedy curse, she adeptly emphasized the abundant and diverse tragedies they’ve endured.

[Maggie Blazek]

This was boring asf sorry I fear I’ve been out-nonfictioned 😦

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A comparative rendering on two dynastic families of renown

My Review: The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made by Caroline Hallemann is categorized as "Biographies & Memoirs | Politics & Current Affairs." Its scheduled release date is 6/2/26.

About the Book: "Two iconic dynasties—the Kennedys and the Windsors—whose glamour and ambition defined an era.

...acclaimed journalist Caroline Hallemann unearths the story of two iconic families whose lives, ambitions, and respective reigns have mirrored each other in surprising ways. Through rich archival research and fresh interviews from insiders on both sides of the Atlantic, Hallemann reveals how an upstart Irish Catholic family with little access into elite New England society came to host dinner parties for a King and Queen, and forge an eventual path to the White House. In the process, she draws out some startling parallels..."

In My Own Words: Destinies. Deaths. Duty. Determination. Defiance. Distress. Distinctions. A timeline of tells.

What I Loved/Liked:

- I loved how the cover photo spoke of what was and what was to be. (If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the cover photos revealed a rich destiny measured by the weight of families in flux.)

- I loved the title. (The words themselves captured the essence of what was viewed as treasured and revered.)

- I liked how the content was presented in the pages, from beginning to end; the breakdown and structure were contemporary enough to be interesting and relatable enough to be appreciated. (The familiar and unfamiliar offered a glimpse of sorts at the untouchable lives that were elevated onto a plane of existence that common folk, perhaps, could not see outright. People, moments and events.)

- I loved how the author presented the life paths of key figures (Mirrors and reflections, darkness and light, parallels and crossroads - they told the stories of those gone but not forgotten, as well as the stories of those who remain. A recognizable point that could be seen and that is still clearly understood dealt with the power of influence. Both families had that draw. From Elizabeth to Jackie to Diana to Carolyn to Meghan and so forth, those who were/are loved, liked, tolerated and/or misunderstood carried a burdensome beauty on their shoulders. Likewise, the men associated with the dynasties did also.)

- I really liked the notes section, particularly the embedded links. (This section overflowed with information. I cannot wait to take a deeper dive. I was a sponge, in terms of learning as I went along reading. What I am really looking forward to in the near future, however, is digging into the articles and links included. Learning that goes on after you finish a book is where the rub really is. Hallemann provided bonus content, and I am glad about it. I can go as far as I want to go. She did the footwork.)

What I Did Not Love/Like:

- I actually had one objective criticism. I was so hopeful that the author was going to catalog a pictorial history in the book. I suppose the hyperlinks in the notes section serves that purpose, however, I do think it would have added eye candy for the bold and the beautiful that was and is the royals of Windsor and the pseudo royals of Camelot and Camelot twice removed.

My Final Say: I confess that I will forever be intrigued with the reign, the rule, the reach, and the revelations concerning the Kennedys and to a lesser degree the Windsors. Both families have a varied and colorful history, as well as an ever-changing presence, as they venture forth in current times. When I became aware of Hallemann's book, I knew I had to read it. I am glad that it was available.

What The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made does is present considerate connections, "showing how they [the families] have intersected over the generations in ways that not only shaped their images and legacies, but history itself." Still, there is more to it and readers, I think, will have great food for thought.

These families, the Kennedys and the Windsors, are a subject matter that will never be exhausted, in my opinion. The author did a great job of putting together information that is both thought-provoking and curious. With that in mind, I would highly recommend this book. I plan to recommend it to my book clubs.

* I am hopeful that this book will be available in the audiobook format at my local library. I will be suggesting it. *

Other: Hallemann's book will appeal to some but not to all. For royal watchers and lovers of all things Camelot, I think it will be a thoughtful addition to any library.

Special Note (My Own Personal Thoughts for Discussion That Stem From Reading & Pondering):

1 - King Edward VIII was beloved before abdication. Joe Kennedy was not beloved. He was not a great dude. His ties to dark presences were known. He was ruthless and domineering as a patriarch. The whole Kennedy curse and family drama is said to be traced back to him.

In terms of the royals, they have a love-hate smattering that follows their reign. Diamonds in the rough like Diana, Kate, and Meghan (even though people love to hate her for reasons that I think are steeped in racism) operate out of a place of brilliance, despite the false narratives that entities like "The Firm" try to spread. The up and down tragedies that follow both families were and still are heartbreaking.

2- The crushing weight of a dynastic mantle alters not only the personhood of the one who wears the crown, but it fundamentally impacts the lives of everyone forced to stand in its shadow.

3- The past, the present, and the future are inextricably tied together. Overlap is all but guaranteed. If lessons are not learned, history is doomed to repeat itself. (Take that as you will.)

4- Tragedies and fatalities, fractures and disconnections (Is there more to the story of family feuds and family ties than seems obvious?)

5- Marriage, divorce, excuses, and double standards (Hmm...okay. Everyone is not viewed the same. Why is that?)

6- Orchestrated moves, manipulated variables, and sticky hands (Say less. External factors that contribute to the positive and the negative have always been a part of the romanticized stories concerning both families.)

7 - Conclusion: The Future Generations (Let's talk about it all.)

(Of course, I could go on. This is why this is a book club-worthy read. I am certain others have their own opinions that they will want to share after reading this book. It is all food for thought.)

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G, A
Status/Level: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Format: 📱
Cover: +

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I am grateful for the opportunity.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book to a point. I only gave it three stars because I felt like it really said little that has not been regurgitated a dozen times before and I think the author was trying too hard to make it seem like the Windsors and the Kennedys had so much in common. Not really. Not a Windsor Curse.

Now do I believe there is a Kennedy Curse? No. I think there are just a lot of Kennedy’s that made bad decisions. Of course, the assassinations of JFK and Bobby were not of their own making and their deaths were just evil and senseless.

Much of the other cursed things were brought on themselves by tempting fate and thinking they were invincible. It was a quick read, even if I put it down for a few days between completing it.

Would I pay for it? No. I got the digital copy from my public library.

[Brianne Gillham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at two families and their parallels over the last century. I knew a lot about these families separately, but I didn’t realize how much their lives intersected. This was well researched and complemented by a narrative of empathy for the members of these “firms,” many of whom had no choice but to live their lives in the spotlight.

Torn between finishing the book I’ve been halfway through for nearly a month, or reading through all the Wikipedia pages I have open.

[Desirae · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are few twentieth-century families that have inspired more fascination than the Kennedys and the House of Windsor. Between them they represent two very different forms of power: one inherited through centuries of monarchy, the other built through ambition, wealth, politics, and carefully cultivated mythology. Caroline Hallemann's The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made sets out to explore the relationship between these iconic families, tracing the moments where their lives intersected while examining the similarities that have made both subjects of endless public obsession.

On paper, it's an irresistible premise. I've read dozens of books about both the Windsors and the Kennedys, so I was looking forward to seeing these histories woven together in a fresh way. Unfortunately, while the concept is compelling, the execution never quite justifies an entire book.

The narrative begins by introducing the foundations of both dynasties. On the American side, Hallemann charts Joe Kennedy's relentless drive to establish his family as America's closest equivalent to royalty. His wealth, political aspirations, and carefully managed public image created the platform from which John F. Kennedy would eventually rise to the presidency. Across the Atlantic, the Windsors are navigating constitutional crises, war, changing public expectations, and the challenge of preserving a monarchy in the modern age.

Naturally, Joe Kennedy's appointment as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom becomes one of the book's earliest and strongest connections. His years in London before the Second World War, along with his controversial views on appeasement, place the Kennedys directly within Britain's political orbit. From there, Hallemann follows the relationship between the families through John F. Kennedy's presidency, highlighting Jackie Kennedy's admiration for European culture and the famous meetings between President Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II. These moments genuinely illustrate how America's closest thing to a royal family interacted with Britain's actual royal family, and they form the strongest sections of the book.

The author also explores the enormous public fascination surrounding both families. Glamour, tragedy, wealth, duty, scandal, assassination, divorce, and relentless media attention have all shaped how the public views the Kennedys and the Windsors. Hallemann frequently points out that each family exists as both a real dynasty and a carefully maintained public narrative, with every triumph and disaster becoming part of an evolving legend.

The problem is that this central argument doesn't contain enough material to sustain an entire book.

While there are certainly meaningful historical intersections, they are relatively few. The early chapters dealing with Joe Kennedy's ambassadorship and the Kennedy administration feel substantial because the relationships were genuine and historically significant. As the timeline progresses, however, the comparisons become increasingly speculative. The attempts to connect later generations—particularly parallels between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy—never felt convincing to me. Rather than revealing meaningful historical echoes, these comparisons often seem built around broad themes of celebrity, media intrusion, and public expectation that could apply to countless famous families.

By the final chapters, the book feels less like an exploration of genuine historical relationships and more like an exercise in finding similarities wherever possible. Sometimes those similarities exist, but many of the later comparisons feel stretched well beyond what the evidence can comfortably support.

That ultimately comes back to the book's biggest weakness: its structure. I never felt as though there was enough material here to justify a full-length book. The central thesis is interesting, but it repeats itself without uncovering many genuinely surprising insights. Rather than building toward a larger conclusion, the narrative often circles back to familiar observations about privilege, public image, tragedy, and legacy.

Ironically, I think this material would have worked wonderfully as a long-form magazine essay. In that format, the strongest historical intersections could have been explored in depth without needing to continually expand the argument through increasingly tenuous comparisons. The result would likely have been tighter, more persuasive, and ultimately more memorable.

That's not to say Hallemann is a poor writer. Quite the opposite. The prose is clear, engaging, and highly accessible, making this an easy book to move through. Readers who are relatively new to either family may find it an enjoyable introduction that brings together two familiar stories from an unusual perspective. My disappointment stems less from the quality of the writing than from the fact that, having already read extensively about both dynasties, I simply didn't encounter much that felt new. Most of the anecdotes, historical events, and major personalities will already be familiar to anyone well versed in either royal or Kennedy history.

In the end, The Kennedys and the Windsors is built around an intriguing idea that never fully develops into a compelling argument. There are undeniable parallels between these two famous families, and their brief moments of intersection are genuinely fascinating. But those connections are too limited to support the broader comparisons the book ultimately attempts to make. Well written and thoughtfully researched, it remains an enjoyable read on a sentence-by-sentence level, but one whose structure and central premise left me unconvinced. For newcomers, it offers an accessible overview of two enduring dynasties. For seasoned readers, however, it is unlikely to reveal much that hasn't already been explored elsewhere

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ This audiobook was fun and fluffy but didn’t give me any new information. There was waaaaay too much about Meghan Markle which was a snooze. It didn’t seem critical enough as both families have maaaajor losers in it.

The royal family has so many more people in it but only a few people were featured and they discussed many of the random 4th generation Kennedys so I don’t get it.

The author clearly did a lot of work / research for this, I appreciate that.

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of this book, “The story of two dynasties, one born one made” is absolutely perfect. I found much of this book to be so interesting as I learned so many things I didn’t know. There were quite a few intersections between the Windsors and the Kennedys over the years and many similarities. This book is well researched and a recommended read for people fascinated by these families.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, I really only read this book because it was on the Goodreads non-fiction challenge list for this summer. I don’t really have any particular interest in either the British royal family or the Kennedy’s. There were a few things I found moderately interesting, but nothing really stood out to me as especially noteworthy. Could this be because I had very little interest in the subject matter? Perhaps. But at the same time, I think that most people who are very interested in these two families will likely already know most of what was covered.

[Sarah Churchwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book as a whole is decent. The chapters that are of the 1960s are done tastefully in my own personal opinion, if you lived through the last nine years of the news cycle the present day chapters are very much a copy and paste of news articles. In my opinion, the author could’ve done much better.

[Caroline Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

No new information / history but a nice comparison of the two families and how their lives are intertwined

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pipeline of mythical political figure to media prey to early death is kinda crazy

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the ties between the Kennedy and Windsor families. I'd never known that the two families had so many similarities before, so I enjoyed this. Good read!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!! Shoutout HH alum author. Really knew next to nothing about both these families before the book and really enjoyed it

[Ilana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should have been a podcast

[Susan Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found there to be a mismatch between the book’s title/premise and its actual emphasis. Roughly half the book is devoted to Harry and Meghan, Half way in the book shifts from being a historical comparison to a contemporary commentary. Harry is certainly part of the Windsor story, but in terms of historical significance, he represents only a relatively brief and recent chapter. After much reading in these families I expected more from this book. Nothing new here.

[Ella M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Kennedys and the Windsors: The Story of Two Dynasties, One Born, One Made” is such an eye opening read on the similarities and connections between two of the world’s most followed dynasties.

While their origins differ, seeing side by side the families stories of success, tragedy, quarrels, and qualms shines a whole new light on their lives. There was hardly a page that went by where I wasn’t saying, “Wow!”, to myself at the connections being made and the intriguing tale of these two great dynasties.

With that being said, at times I felt the flow of the novel was a bit off. I also felt like Meghan Markle was focused on a bit too much for the premise of the book.

Thank you to Putnam who gave me the opportunity to read the ARC of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very easy read, both informative and entertaining. As well as recounting interactions between the Kennedy family and the royal family, it points out parallels and similarities between the two families over the generations.

Joseph P Kennedy Sr was US Ambassador to the UK from 1938 to 1940, when he was recalled after complaints about his defeatist attitude. His eldest son returned to Britain in 1943 as a naval pilot and was killed in action the following year. His second daughter married into the British nobility, but her husband died three months later. She divided her time between Britain and the USA until her death in a plane crash in 1948; she is buried in the Devonshire family graveyard in Edensor, Derbyshire. When Ambassador Kennedy's second son became President of the United States, a second generation of Kennedys and Windsors found themselves interacting and becoming friends, not least because of the shared interest of Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth II in horses. These interactions are described in some detail early in the book. Other interactions include the memorial to President Kennedy at Runnymede in Surrey (the location of the signing of the Magna Carta), with which the Queen was deeply involved, and the setting up of the Earthshot Prize by Prince William, which has strong similarities to President Kennedy's Moonshot challenge and which, in a tribute to the late President, had its second award ceremony in Boston.

Other chapters point out some of the similarities between the families. In both cases, a younger sibling took the place of an absent older sibling. President John F Kennedy, as a second son, was never meant to be president, but his father insisted that after the death of Joe Jr, John should step into his position in politics and run for the White House. Elizabeth II was the daughter of a second son and, as such, was not born to be Queen - the position inevitably became hers after the abdication of her uncle put her reluctant father on the throne. JFK's wife, Jackie Kennedy, was a glamorous figure married to an unfaithful husband and constantly in the spotlight of aggressive media, very much like Diana, Princess of Wales. Chapter 8 discusses the plight of younger sisters of high-profile siblings, comparing and constrasting the experience of Jackie's sister Lee Bouvier with that of Princess Margaret and Pippa Middleton. Chapter 13 compares the experience of the young JFK Jr at his father's funeral with that of Princes William and Harry at Diana's funeral, and the lifelong effects on them of losing a parent so young. The difficulties of marrying into royalty (because by this time the Kennedys were every bit as much of a dynasty as the Windsors) is discussed in terms of Carolyn Bessette's struggles to come to terms with life in a fishbowl after marrying JFK Jr and Diana's and Meghan Markle's similar problems with the British press and the feelings of constantly being an outsider (given Meghan's short tenure in the royal family before decamping to California with her family, she seems to be given a disproportionate amount of space in the book). Prince Harry's feud with his brother is discussed in terms of the Kennedy family's outspoken dismay at the political antics of Robert F Kennedy Jr.

The book ends with a chapter looking back at the history and myth surrounding the two families, especially Elizabeth II and President Kennedy. Both families are constantly the subject of TV shows and films, and the reality of their lives is constantly being rewritten in the popular culture (as anyone who's watched The Crown will be aware of). Not for nothing is the Kennedy era known as Camelot.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a prepublication ebook (which has no photos, although the published book will have a photo section).

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

VERY disappointed with this. She give us a list of all the personnel assisting her with proofreading and editing after we've worked our way through the pretty bad presentation in this book. Well, I hope they hang their heads cos' they "could try harder" as an old teacher of mine was wont to say.....
I bought it as soon as I happened upon it because I'm a massive Kennedy buff so it was right up my street. However, sloppy editing ruined it for me. I was forever making highlights of random hyphens, in the main, just dumped into the text. OK, I've been told in the past this is a digital cross-over fault or formatting problem. Well, that's what editors are for, surely ? And publishers ?? To ensure the purchased product is polished. This isn't.
I did have to smile to myself reading that the policy of appeasement had failed that Joe Kennedy extolled.....over a century later and it still has but nobody seems to understand this....some things never change. King George wrote that "it was essential for us to act as policeman".....and we hear pretty much the same tripe as a nation these days, too. No. It isn't.
There are some interesting parallels with both of the families featured but one really grabbed my attention....that JFK wasn't destined to be President. Old Joe had Joe Junior down for that job and of course Queen Elizabeth wasn't born to be Queen, either. The "spare" siblings are also intriguing parallels, though some bore it with a lot more grace than others !!
I laughed aloud at Meghan's "hidden tribute" in her wedding veil....she didn't stop banging on about it so I'd hardly describe it as hidden !! The Ripple of Hope award given to the Sussexes made me gasp as well, since their "lifelong commitment" was mentioned...they'd only been together 5 years then !! Then part of the reason Harry was supposedly upset with William was that he told him his new fiancee was difficult, rude and abrasive. I'd say he nailed her.
I would beg to differ on Lesley Manville's remark that Margaret and Elizabeth "were probably the biggest loves of each other's lives" ! I think we're all well aware Philip took that place for the Queen.
No idea what a "new Bray" was and Google's clueless as well. The name Chamberlin morphed into Chamberlain by the second mention a couple of pages further on, she wrote confidant not confidante, Elizabeth not Elizabethan then Staunton morphed into Stanton with a couple of pages, too !!
The hyphen 'problem' started on page 30 and continued up to, and including, the Acknowledgements !! Just appalling NOBODY noticed this.....I give you.....Kenne-dys, Wash-ington, Fam-ily, segre-gationist, memo-rable, Com-monwealth, pub-lic, be-longed, hon-estly, can-didacy, en-dorsement, (then fall out which NEEDS one doesn't get one, to add insult to injury) bro-ken, fa-ther and en-tertainment ! And not one of the myriad editors nor proofreaders could spot that lot ???? To say I find it sloppy is to be polite, trust me !!
The photo captions at the end are mixed up on two of them and one has no caption at all. Again-sloppy. Be advised as well that this ends on page 293 or at 55%. The remainder consists of notes, the index and a few photos. I won't be reading another by her.
I've never heard of the publisher Ithaka before but I'll ensure I give them a mighty old swerve next time as well.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why the comparison of The Kennedys & The Windsors some readers may ask? The book explores that both Queen Elizabeth & President John F. Kennedy were not originally intended to serve.

Both assumed the slot because of the tragic & premature deaths that included her Father, King George VI, in 1952 of a blood clot & Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. in 1944 while serving & piloting a plane in WW2.

Those incidents caused the Queen & her entire Family to have deep & lasting relationships with President Kennedy’s Family to this day. The book includes anecdotes with Princess Margaret, Andrew & Sarah Ferguson, King Charles & Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William & Princess Katharine & who could forget Harry & Meghan Markle!

Whether someone is a newbie to The Royals & The Kennedy Dynasty or a loyal follower of both like myself, there is new material covered here.

Of particular interest & a current discussion includes the memorial, Runnymede, that the Queen dedicated to President Kennedy’s legacy on one acre of land in England in 1965. It is located in England & not far from The Queen’s beloved Windsor Castle. To this day, it is maintained, free & a destination.

What was touching & sad was that on the 25th Anniversary of Runnymede, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy’s oldest Daughter, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, (who passed away on 12/30/25) was the guest speaker.

I agree The Royal Family has scaled down their working members in recent years, but they still ascend to that birth right & they are recognized. The Kennedys differ. While the patriarch, Joseph Kennedy, Sr., made provisions that his Children & Grandchildren would be provided for with trusts & financial security, the generations that have followed & we currently see are the ones who have to pursue a paying profession.

Finally, we are accustomed to the Queen & the heirs to the throne as they don tiaras & crowns on official occasions; it was Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis who was the first to fashion a sizeable diamond sunburst brooch into her hair going back to the early 1960s. This supports my feeling that The Kennedys remain our “Royal Family” here in the US & that was her version of a tiara crown.

I thank NetGalley, Putnam Publishers & the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.

[Devanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: The Kennedys and the Windsors
Author: Caroline Hallemann

Genre: Biographics, Memoirs, Politics, and Current Affairs


My Review:
This story creates a large connection between two of the most known and loved families in the world for the past century — the Kennedy family and the Windsor family.

As someone who loves both families and their histories, I have never related them together nor have I seen the connections between them. It is interesting that there were so many interactions both families had together that I never knew. Also, what I saw early on in the book is that both families, especially Queen Elizabeth and Jackie Kennedy were born leaders that had to be built from struggle and strife.

Seeing Jackie Kennedy’s career as a columnist was so interesting because she was relatable to normal individuals. To see how Jackie’s relationship with Joe Kennedy was strained early on was also interesting to see because Jackie was an independent woman who wanted to live her life on her own terms. In a dual nature, seeing the dynamic between Jackie with her sister and Elizabeth with hers was interesting to see. This story drew parallels that showed Elizabeth and Jackie cared for their sisters even being in the spotlight.

I found that not only did I learn a lot about the two families, but I fell in love with how the author wrote each character with grace and respect, even members of each family who have difficult stories. Whether you are a history fan or enjoy learning new things, I would highly recommend this book.

A special thank you to Caroline Hallemann, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Putnam, and Netgalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie LaSage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of both families, so reading The Kennedys & the Windsors by Caroline Hallemann was a no-brainer. There were parts of the book that I found boring and struggled to keep my attention, but for the most part, I was enthralled.

The amount of research that goes into developing a book with this much history is crazy! It is truly uncanny how many similarities there are between these two families. Just as most people say, it is hard to believe the amount of tragedy that has been inflicted upon the Kennedy family. Similarly, living as a member of the royal family does not sound like it is all glamour and glitz.

As much as we hold these two families in such high esteem, it is important to remember that they are human beings. Most never chose to be part of such intense popularity and celebrity. As the book points out, many still choose to remain out of the public eye as much as possible, while others seem unsure of what to do with themselves. Being a Kennedy or a member of the royal family, no matter how far removed, means that it isn’t exactly easy to simply go get a job at the local Walmart!

The final paragraph of the chapter titled “Man Becomes Myth” does an excellent job of summarizing the connection between these two families in the past, present, and future:

“And through their legacies, it becomes increasingly clear how these two families didn’t just coexist; they drew inspiration from each other to craft a narrative so convincing it could alter the record of history…These two families know the power of a symbol, and by tying themselves to a global history, they ensure they will have a place in the future as well.”

Definitely worth a read if you are a Kennedy or Windsor fan!

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley G.P. Putnam for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Two of my favorite non-fiction subjects, all rolled into one?! It’s like this book was targeted for me personally. 😉Whenever I pick up a new book about the Kennedys or the Windsors, I wonder if I am actually going to find new information or insights. I mean, I’ve been reading about the families since I was a tween. In a word, yes, there was plenty to sink my teeth into.

The Kennedys and the Windsors show how often the two families interacted, as well as times when certain members had parallel experiences. The easiest one to think of is how Jacqueline Kennedy was a very deliberate style icon, and so was Princess Diana. At times, the women used their wardrobe to convey how they were feeling, or in some cases, as a nod to where they were visiting. Likewise, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy clearly had an influence on Megan Markle’s style book, as was mentioned on the Duchess’ since deleted blog, The Tig.

John and Jacqueline Kennedy had a famous visit with Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh; John Kennedy Jr. had a much more private meeting with Princess Diana when he was launching his magazine, George. He wanted her on the cover for the first issue, and while she was flattered, she wanted to wait and see if the magazine was a success, so she suggested the 50th issue. Sadly, that never happened.

I thought this was a very interesting book with all the comparisons and parallels of the lives of the Kennedys and the Windsors. After all, the Kennedys are considered American royalty, after all. This was worth the read!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read a handful of other books about both the Kennedy family and the British royal family, the premise of The Kennedys & the Windsors intrigued me. Granted, I presumed it would focus more on the first generation of relatives and hone in on their shared experiences and parallel lives. What Hallemann actually wrote was much more specific to certain individuals within the families.

Like previous reviewers, I was surprised by the amount of time spent discussing the First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Diana, as well as JFK Jr. However, I was pleased by the number of anecdotes and explorations of moments of which I had not been privy while reading previous works about the families. Indeed, Hallemann ensured that most of the parallels she made were not just subsequent rehashings of the stories her fellow colleagues had written.

While the experience of reading The Kennedys and the Windsors definitely felt like research, Hallemann’s writing style still allowed the book to remain accessible to those not familiar with the details of each dynasty. That said, I don’t necessarily think this book is made for the kind of reader who wants a thorough overview and understanding of the two families.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Putnam, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Sabrina Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate Halleman’s diligent comparisons of the main historical figures between both families, as well as their common issues (such as fame, balancing public/private life, tragedies, and family dynamics). However, I believe the information from the book is reiterating the same facts everyone knows about the Kennedys and the Windsors. I’m honestly surprised how often members of the Kennedy family would visit the UK (like JFK, Jackie, Joseph Kennedy Sr.), or even met members of the royal family (JFK meeting the queen, JFK Jr. meeting Princess Diana, etc.). There are comparisons that I didn’t even imagine, such as Princess Diana and Carolyn (CBK), JFK and Queen Elizabeth II, Lee Radziwill and Princess Margaret, or JFK Jr. and Prince William. I think these parallels truly demonstrate why society is obsessed with the Kennedy family, because of their long history serving the public like the British monarchy (in a way). Also because the Kennedys are the closest America will ever have to a royal family.
As a resident of Rhode Island (which is basically England 2.0) and living next to Massachusetts (which is the birthplace of the Kennedys), I have always been fascinated by both families. Not only did they make an impact in politics, but members of the Kennedys and Windsors also contributed in fashion, entertainment, and journalism. Both families are still discussed often in social media, articles, movies, and TV series, keeping their memories alive. An example is how people online started to imitate CBK’s fashion after watching the FX series Love Story, focusing on her marriage to JFK Jr. I believe if you are someone who wants to learn more about the history of either the Kennedys or the Windsors (or both), then this is an excellent book to read.

[Gregg Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Loved/Liked:

- I loved how the cover photo spoke of what was and what was to be. (If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the cover photos revealed a rich destiny measured by the weight of families in flux.)

- I loved the title. (The words themselves captured the essence of what was viewed as treasured and revered.)

- I liked how the content was presented in the pages, from beginning to end; the breakdown and structure were contemporary enough to be interesting and relatable enough to be appreciated. (The familiar and unfamiliar offered a glimpse of sorts at the untouchable lives that were elevated onto a plane of existence that common folk, perhaps, could not see outright. People, moments and events.)

- I loved how the author presented the life paths of key figures (Mirrors and reflections, darkness and light, parallels and crossroads - they told the stories of those gone but not forgotten, as well as the stories of those who remain. A recognizable point that could be seen and that is still clearly understood dealt with the power of influence. Both families had that draw. From Elizabeth to Jackie to Diana to Carolyn to Meghan and so forth, those who were/are loved, liked, tolerated and/or misunderstood carried a burdensome beauty on their shoulders. Likewise, the men associated with the dynasties did also.)

[Roger Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a senior who lived through the Kennedy Presidency and the early years of Queen Elizabeth's reign, I was very interested to read about the connections between the two very public families. The author does a reasonable job of explaining the ties created when the Patriarch of the Kennedy clan, Joe Sr., was appointed US ambassador to Great Britain, probably done by Roosevelt to get him out of the country. She could have done a much deeper dive into the embarrasing tendencies of Joe to embrace the Nazi regieme and the impact it had on the relationship with the royals. However, she does an adequate job of describing the relationship between JFK and Jackie and the brutal blow that fell with the assassination of John Kennedy. The book moves on to the descendants of the original royals and the Kennedy's right up to the profound embarrassment of RFK Jr. and his position in the Trump cabinet as well as the trials and tribulations of the royal family over Diana and her death as well as the very public split between William and Harry. I found the long examination of Meghan's troubles a little over the top and feel some serious editing could have happened here. Overall, a very enjoyable and nostalgic read.

[Tabatha Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I Did Like:
+When you set out to write about two families that have always had press, it’s difficult to tell something that hasn’t been told. By focusing on women and siblings, the author makes an effort to do that.
+There are a lot of similarities between the families that I had never noticed before. There are also some connecting threads I hadn’t thought of. Basically, this book set out to prove how similar the two lineages are and did a decent job of that.
+Well researched. The author has clearly reviewed many sources in order to compile the material in this book. There are nods to the books some information came from in the text.

Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of the Kennedy and Windsor lines, obviously, will appreciate the sprinkling of new information presented.

My Rating: 3 Stars
This is really for a niche group of readers interested in these particular lineages.

For Full Review: https://alltherightreads.com/2026/06/...