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A Most English Princess: A Gripping Victorian Era Saga of Queen Victoria's Daughter, Prussia's Crown, and Kaiser Wilhelm
To the world, she was Princess Victoria, daughter of a queen, wife of an emperor, and mother of Kaiser Wilhelm. Her family just called her Vicky…smart, pretty, and self-assured, she changed the course of the world.
Young Vicky imagines she'll inherit the throne of England. Why not? She's the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and her little brother Bertie is sweet but lazy - she'll make a far better heir.
When her father tells her that males will always take precedence, the precocious princess sets her sights on marrying a powerful prince who will also be the love of her life.
January 1858: Vicky glides down the aisle of St. James Chapel into the waiting arms of her beloved, Prince Frederich, heir to the kingdom of Prussia. Vicky is determined they will lead by example, just as her parents had done, while bringing about a liberal, united Germany.
Brought up to believe in herself, Vicky struggles in the narrow-minded Prussian court, where her status as Queen Victoria's daughter fuels the resentment she faces as an outsider. Frowned upon by her in-laws and criticized in the press, each day she seems to take a wrong step.
But handsome Fritz is always by her side as they navigate court intrigue and challenge the cunning Chancellor Otto von Bismarck while fighting for principle—and the soul of a nation. At home they endure tragedy, including their son, Wilhelm, rejecting all they stand for.
This is the dramatic story of an indomitable English princess, undoubtedly royal and completely human, from her younger years as the apple of her father's eyes, through her rise to power, to the final months of her life.
Young Vicky imagines she'll inherit the throne of England. Why not? She's the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and her little brother Bertie is sweet but lazy - she'll make a far better heir.
When her father tells her that males will always take precedence, the precocious princess sets her sights on marrying a powerful prince who will also be the love of her life.
January 1858: Vicky glides down the aisle of St. James Chapel into the waiting arms of her beloved, Prince Frederich, heir to the kingdom of Prussia. Vicky is determined they will lead by example, just as her parents had done, while bringing about a liberal, united Germany.
Brought up to believe in herself, Vicky struggles in the narrow-minded Prussian court, where her status as Queen Victoria's daughter fuels the resentment she faces as an outsider. Frowned upon by her in-laws and criticized in the press, each day she seems to take a wrong step.
But handsome Fritz is always by her side as they navigate court intrigue and challenge the cunning Chancellor Otto von Bismarck while fighting for principle—and the soul of a nation. At home they endure tragedy, including their son, Wilhelm, rejecting all they stand for.
This is the dramatic story of an indomitable English princess, undoubtedly royal and completely human, from her younger years as the apple of her father's eyes, through her rise to power, to the final months of her life.
470 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2020
709 people are currently reading
8810 people want to read
About the author
Clare McHugh
4 books220 followersI am a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor. In my fifties, I left behind those practical professions to write fiction, and my first novel "A Most English Princess," told the story of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter Vicky. It was published in September 2020. I have now written another novel about the Queen's family—featuring her granddaughters, Princesses Victoria, Ella and Alix of Hesse. Alix became Alexandra, the last empress of Russia. "The Romanov Brides" will be published in March 2024. I'm a historian at heart—having the luck and the privilege of excellent instruction both in high school and at college. I read fiction of all kinds, with a special love for Tolstoy, Dickens, Henry James, Shirley Hazzard, Alice McDermott, and Tessa Hadley. Happy to answer questions about the events and characters in my books. How much is true? I imagine my stories within the bounds of known fact.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
January 4, 2021
An admirable debut tackling a very complicated time in history. The focus is on Crown Princess Victoria as she grows up, marries a Prussian crown prince and raises her children in the midst of the turmoil surrounding the many German states. I learned so much about Queen Victoria and husband Albert; about the life one leads as an in-law married into royalty; about the Prussian outlook on the world. Vicky was fortunate to have a loving and faithful husband at her side, but the politics was a thorn in her side. Compared to the nationalistic views many Prussians had, Vicky had learned more liberal and parliamentarian principles at the knee of Prince Albert and believed it was her duty to work for a unification of the German states. As we learn in the beginning, her son would continue the militaristic of his grandfather Wilhelm, the first kaiser. The pacing was a bit slow at times and I would have loved to read more about the interlude when the kaisers first began to rule. All in all, the whole thing was on the long side. I do want to read more about both royal families after finishing this one.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to William Morrow and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2021
This historical fiction novel sheds light on the life of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Princess Vicky. As a child, Vicky was her father’s favorite. She was intelligent, outgoing, and curious about the world. In 1858, at the age of 18, she married Fritz, Prince Frederick of Prussia. Vicky’s life in Prussia was very challenging, but she loved Fritz and was convinced that together their life would be happy. They doted on their children, especially Willy, their oldest son who would someday rule the country. They tried to instill their beliefs and values in their children and were disappointed when it became clear that Willy did not share their views.
Prussia was part of a loosely connected group of kingdoms which would eventually unite to become the country of Germany. Vicky and Fritz were immersed in the political atmosphere and intrigues that were part of royal life. In addition to learning about Vicky and Fritz, this novel provides a detailed account of history from that time period.
Anyone interested in nineteenth century European history would enjoy reading this book. Thank you to Goodreads First Reads, William Morrow - an imprint of Harper Collins publishers, and author Clare McHugh for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this thoroughly researched novel.
Prussia was part of a loosely connected group of kingdoms which would eventually unite to become the country of Germany. Vicky and Fritz were immersed in the political atmosphere and intrigues that were part of royal life. In addition to learning about Vicky and Fritz, this novel provides a detailed account of history from that time period.
Anyone interested in nineteenth century European history would enjoy reading this book. Thank you to Goodreads First Reads, William Morrow - an imprint of Harper Collins publishers, and author Clare McHugh for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this thoroughly researched novel.
December 23, 2022
I am ashamed to admit how little I knew of Queen Victoria’s oldest daughter, and very happy to have been able to remedy at least some of my ignorance with help of this, not so little (500 pages in a printed version), but fascinating book.
Born in 1840 as the first of Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s nine children, Victoria Princess Royal grew up to become an intelligent, ambitious and well educated young woman. Prince Albert, who was very keen on educating all his children to the best possible, modern standards, was specially proud of Victoria’s scholarly achievements. He encouraged her to think, question, analyze and freely express her views. She would have probably been a perfect material for a leader in her own right if she was to become a queen of England, but it was her younger brother Bertie who was to inherit the throne and she, married at 17 to Prince Fredrick of Prussia came to spend the rest of her life in circumstances quite different to those she was brought up in.
Instead of being able to freely express her views and exert her influence on her subjects, she needed to learn to navigate a foreign court and unfamiliar culture. If the picture this book paints is true, she would have needed a far greater dose of diplomacy in the set of skills she was equipped with during her education. And it has to be said that the winds at the Prussian court were not blowing in a favoring directions for her either. The conservative Prussians were nowhere near ready for her independence, decisiveness and liberal ideas, and least of all for being lectured on how they were to live their lives by a woman, and at that an English one.
So with her husband as her only ally and her father as a distant advisor, she kept fighting her own battles within the court. She and her husband had eight children, their marriage was a happy one and they together never rested in efforts to modernize Prussia according to the English model. After years of being Crown Princess of Prussia and German Crown Princess, in 1887 she finally became the Empress of Germany. The honor lasted unfortunately only for 99 days, before her beloved husband passed away and the crown was passed on to her oldest son Prince Wilhelm, making her the Empress dowager. The relationship between William and her wasn’t the best. His berth-defect, her guilt and efforts to remedy his disability have shaped the attitudes between them and can perhaps to an extend explains Wilhelm’s sharp turn from his parents liberal course to a conservative leadership entirely in Bismarck’s stile.
What I love about historical novels is the ease with which they put things in context making the facts from tedious to unforgettable. If I was a historian I am sure I would have found things in this book that I would be irritated by, things that perhaps are untrue, far fetched or simply impossible to know from our perspective, but I am not, so I can enjoy learning while being aware that neither the words uttered nor situations described can be taken as the absolute truth but rather only as a background that helps to remember and connect the facts.
Born in 1840 as the first of Queen Victoria’s and Prince Albert’s nine children, Victoria Princess Royal grew up to become an intelligent, ambitious and well educated young woman. Prince Albert, who was very keen on educating all his children to the best possible, modern standards, was specially proud of Victoria’s scholarly achievements. He encouraged her to think, question, analyze and freely express her views. She would have probably been a perfect material for a leader in her own right if she was to become a queen of England, but it was her younger brother Bertie who was to inherit the throne and she, married at 17 to Prince Fredrick of Prussia came to spend the rest of her life in circumstances quite different to those she was brought up in.
Instead of being able to freely express her views and exert her influence on her subjects, she needed to learn to navigate a foreign court and unfamiliar culture. If the picture this book paints is true, she would have needed a far greater dose of diplomacy in the set of skills she was equipped with during her education. And it has to be said that the winds at the Prussian court were not blowing in a favoring directions for her either. The conservative Prussians were nowhere near ready for her independence, decisiveness and liberal ideas, and least of all for being lectured on how they were to live their lives by a woman, and at that an English one.
So with her husband as her only ally and her father as a distant advisor, she kept fighting her own battles within the court. She and her husband had eight children, their marriage was a happy one and they together never rested in efforts to modernize Prussia according to the English model. After years of being Crown Princess of Prussia and German Crown Princess, in 1887 she finally became the Empress of Germany. The honor lasted unfortunately only for 99 days, before her beloved husband passed away and the crown was passed on to her oldest son Prince Wilhelm, making her the Empress dowager. The relationship between William and her wasn’t the best. His berth-defect, her guilt and efforts to remedy his disability have shaped the attitudes between them and can perhaps to an extend explains Wilhelm’s sharp turn from his parents liberal course to a conservative leadership entirely in Bismarck’s stile.
What I love about historical novels is the ease with which they put things in context making the facts from tedious to unforgettable. If I was a historian I am sure I would have found things in this book that I would be irritated by, things that perhaps are untrue, far fetched or simply impossible to know from our perspective, but I am not, so I can enjoy learning while being aware that neither the words uttered nor situations described can be taken as the absolute truth but rather only as a background that helps to remember and connect the facts.
January 4, 2021
Following the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, Princess Victoria, as she marries a Prussian Prince and lives in the court of Berlin in the late Victorian period, this novel had the potential to be excellent. Sadly, that potential was missed. My main issue with this book is that Vicky didn't really do anything. She sat around, cried, had children, complained about her life, and wrote letters to her mother. There were wars brewing around her, and complicated political schemes, but she did not really influence any of it. I am not sure if that was the historical figure herself, or rather the author's portrayal of her, but I found Vicky to be childish and lacking tact. Beginning when the princess was 6, she never really grew up, keeping the demeanor of a spoiled child for most of story.
Additionally, this book was about 500 pages long, and did not even include Vicky's actual rise to power. Half of the story dragged, and the writing in general was dense. The book ended abruptly, and there was no real climax. I kept hoping things would get more interesting, but they never did. The one thing that saved this book from being a one star is that is was extremely well researched. It was clear from the first chapter that the author knew what she was talking about, though why she chose to write a novel on a princess who accomplished little is beyond me. Considering there are so many more interesting women in history, from Irene of Athens to Harriet Tubman, the author could have definitely chosen a more captivating person to study.
Additionally, this book was about 500 pages long, and did not even include Vicky's actual rise to power. Half of the story dragged, and the writing in general was dense. The book ended abruptly, and there was no real climax. I kept hoping things would get more interesting, but they never did. The one thing that saved this book from being a one star is that is was extremely well researched. It was clear from the first chapter that the author knew what she was talking about, though why she chose to write a novel on a princess who accomplished little is beyond me. Considering there are so many more interesting women in history, from Irene of Athens to Harriet Tubman, the author could have definitely chosen a more captivating person to study.
August 9, 2020
Queen Victoria's oldest daughter Vicky met her future husband Fritz, the heir to the king of Prussia, when she was nine, became engaged at fifteen, and married him shortly after she turned seventeen. Vicky's father Price Albert supervised her education and she studied history, philosophy, politics, and government and was acquainted with royalty and politicians in England and on the continent to prepare her for her future role of queen consort. She kept up a voluminous correspondence with her father and mother and continued hey liberal education in politics in that way.
Vicky gave birth to the future Kaiser Wilhelm when she was 18, and this novel details the formation of his character and the simultaneous formation of a unified Germany. Despite Vicky's best efforts (or possibly because of her strictness and criticisms), Wilhelm expects adulation as his birthright, takes excessive pleasure in victory, and is unable to feel sympathy, gratitude, or compassion. The novel ends at the victory parade following the Franco-Prussian War when Vicky is 30 and Wilhelm is 12, and it is easy to understand how Wilhelm's character, the German national character, and the reparations demanded of France at the end of that war planted the seeds for the first world war.
Despite its length this book was a very fast read and an interesting blend of character study and history. Highly recommended.
Vicky gave birth to the future Kaiser Wilhelm when she was 18, and this novel details the formation of his character and the simultaneous formation of a unified Germany. Despite Vicky's best efforts (or possibly because of her strictness and criticisms), Wilhelm expects adulation as his birthright, takes excessive pleasure in victory, and is unable to feel sympathy, gratitude, or compassion. The novel ends at the victory parade following the Franco-Prussian War when Vicky is 30 and Wilhelm is 12, and it is easy to understand how Wilhelm's character, the German national character, and the reparations demanded of France at the end of that war planted the seeds for the first world war.
Despite its length this book was a very fast read and an interesting blend of character study and history. Highly recommended.
May 28, 2021
While the cover is lovely it doesn’t give justice to the story within. It is a historical fiction story based on truth. Much history within. I loved the story of Vicky and Fritz. Vicky was Victoria’s eldest daughter.
I can’t say enough about how excellent the story and writing.
I can’t say enough about how excellent the story and writing.
January 12, 2022
Due to the subject matter this book could have been heavy and dull, but it was not. The author’s writing style made it easy reading, although there was a bit too much politics for my taste.
Victoria, Princess Royal, Queen Victoria and Prince Alberts’s first born was well educated and seems to have been a favourite of her father who took pains to make sure she understood politics.
When she married Prince Frederick of Prussia (Fritz) Victoria took her role seriously and took pains to encourage and advise her husband. It was a marriage of love, not convenience, but while he may have agreed with Victoria’s ideas he was overly cautious about displeasing his father who did not share these liberal ideas.
The book begins in 1847 and ends in 1871 jumping forward to an Epilogue November 21, 1940.
History buffs will love it. Its detail is outstanding displaying extensive research by the author.
What I learned from this book is that I thank my lucky stars I was not born into a royal family. It’s a tough life.
Victoria, Princess Royal, Queen Victoria and Prince Alberts’s first born was well educated and seems to have been a favourite of her father who took pains to make sure she understood politics.
When she married Prince Frederick of Prussia (Fritz) Victoria took her role seriously and took pains to encourage and advise her husband. It was a marriage of love, not convenience, but while he may have agreed with Victoria’s ideas he was overly cautious about displeasing his father who did not share these liberal ideas.
The book begins in 1847 and ends in 1871 jumping forward to an Epilogue November 21, 1940.
History buffs will love it. Its detail is outstanding displaying extensive research by the author.
What I learned from this book is that I thank my lucky stars I was not born into a royal family. It’s a tough life.
August 25, 2020
Thank you to William Morrow Books for this ARC & opportunity to review A Most English Princess by Clare McHugh.
This book was very well written and easy to read. I found myself having read it for a couple hours and not noticed how quick the time went by. With that said, it did become rather repetitive and somewhat boring. I felt like the same things kept happening and there was nothing to look forward to. I do realize this book is based on actual people and events and you can’t change history but it just kind of dragged on for me.
I did enjoy the author’s writing style and will most likely read anything she may write in the future.
This book was very well written and easy to read. I found myself having read it for a couple hours and not noticed how quick the time went by. With that said, it did become rather repetitive and somewhat boring. I felt like the same things kept happening and there was nothing to look forward to. I do realize this book is based on actual people and events and you can’t change history but it just kind of dragged on for me.
I did enjoy the author’s writing style and will most likely read anything she may write in the future.
November 26, 2020
Very detailed historical record for Queen Victoria's firstborn. Good nuance for her (Vicky's) strong self identity and reliable intelligence and strength of solid opinion. Actually more domestic in nature, IMHO, but quite similar to her mother's personality and notable vitality. And at the same time more book smart or language talented.
Most of the book is her married years in Prussia, before her widowhood. Much minutia of political moves and 19th century noble mores is 50% of the copy. The more you know of Osbourne and the siblings - the less you may like the density of the masses of information for minor daily exchange in this telling. Just a guess but a good one.
Wilhelm, her son, that's the life path and proclivities that were the most "new" material for me here in this novel. And it did give light to his difficult and rather adversarial nature and handicaps.
If you know much less re her birth family and first 18 years (less than I did) there are exchanges and relationship connections that may be more a 4 star level for your interest. But not for my own. I've read too much fiction and non-fiction about her Mama and Papa already. Her life all told seems so advantageous and yet incredibly sad at the same time. Infectious disease and general physical problem cures or even proprietary help being nearly nil.
Most of the book is her married years in Prussia, before her widowhood. Much minutia of political moves and 19th century noble mores is 50% of the copy. The more you know of Osbourne and the siblings - the less you may like the density of the masses of information for minor daily exchange in this telling. Just a guess but a good one.
Wilhelm, her son, that's the life path and proclivities that were the most "new" material for me here in this novel. And it did give light to his difficult and rather adversarial nature and handicaps.
If you know much less re her birth family and first 18 years (less than I did) there are exchanges and relationship connections that may be more a 4 star level for your interest. But not for my own. I've read too much fiction and non-fiction about her Mama and Papa already. Her life all told seems so advantageous and yet incredibly sad at the same time. Infectious disease and general physical problem cures or even proprietary help being nearly nil.
October 9, 2020
My favorite kinds of historical fiction are those that skillfully recreate a past period in a way the lets us time travel but at the same time makes the issues and challenges feel relevant and contemporary. McHugh nails it!
A friend gave me this book, luckily, because I never would have thought I had an interest in historical royal politics or princesses. But the story of Vicky, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, is most definitely worthy! McHugh makes the case that history is indeed at mercy of a few powerful leaders, and those who are in their circle. In monarchies, those powerful individuals inherit their role, it is not earned by merit. McHugh delves into the psychological and personal biographical elements that influence the character and his or her personal values. I was captivated by how Vicky's admirable intellect, character, and belief in liberalism were influenced by her father Albert. Yet, when Vicky is in the daunting role of parenting her eldest child, heir to the Hohenzollern dynasty and future German Emperor,
Vicky's life is fascinating, as she operates with a confidence and vision that feels very modern. She was prepared by her parents to take on the great challenge of influencing the bellicose, authoritarian Prussians to transition to German unification, parlimentary government, liberalism.
Who would have thought that 19th Century British/Prussian history has such relevance to our current problems? Trump's character likely also has the deep psychic wounds that Wilhelm II suffered. It has dire consequences for history.
A friend gave me this book, luckily, because I never would have thought I had an interest in historical royal politics or princesses. But the story of Vicky, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, is most definitely worthy! McHugh makes the case that history is indeed at mercy of a few powerful leaders, and those who are in their circle. In monarchies, those powerful individuals inherit their role, it is not earned by merit. McHugh delves into the psychological and personal biographical elements that influence the character and his or her personal values. I was captivated by how Vicky's admirable intellect, character, and belief in liberalism were influenced by her father Albert. Yet, when Vicky is in the daunting role of parenting her eldest child, heir to the Hohenzollern dynasty and future German Emperor,
Vicky's life is fascinating, as she operates with a confidence and vision that feels very modern. She was prepared by her parents to take on the great challenge of influencing the bellicose, authoritarian Prussians to transition to German unification, parlimentary government, liberalism.
Who would have thought that 19th Century British/Prussian history has such relevance to our current problems? Trump's character likely also has the deep psychic wounds that Wilhelm II suffered. It has dire consequences for history.
July 27, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up because the author’s grasp of Prussian military history is astounding. I wonder if better cover art would have benefited this book—it’s not simply a “princess story” but a historical account of Germany’s unification and the personalities behind it. I learned so much. Well done.
January 11, 2021
An interesting read for those who enjoy historical fiction about less celebrated people of history. Princess Victoria the Princess Royal of Britain, oldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who marries Prince Friedrich of Prussia and becomes Kaiserin of Germany for ninety-nine days. Easy reading, biographical style telling her story through family life and detailing the machinations of the conservative Prussian Court preceding the unification of Germany. A little drawn out in places and finishing in an odd place as Victoria lived another thirty years after the events in this book nevertheless an enjoyable and informative read about a Princess who was so much more than just Queen Victoria's daughter.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
October 16, 2020
A MOST ENGLISH PRINCE: A NOVEL OF QUEEN VICTORIA'S DAUGHTER taught me quite a bit about Vicky and her Prussian husband while I enjoyed the read. I can't recall reading anything about her before, but this novel was very interesting. The only thing which I didn't enjoy was the abrupt ending. This is a great novel to read!
July 27, 2020
If it's possible to be both bored and interested by a book at the same time, A Most English Princess accomplished this for me. I can't confess to knowing that much about Vicky, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter. So this was a different period of history to read about, and learn the beginnings of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the strategy of members of the German elite and the increasing desire for prestige and power in Europe. I suspect this is the first book of more than one, considering how it leaves off, and it's interesting to see the beginnings of the chess game that ultimately led up to two World Wars. All that being said, it didn't seem to accomplish any of this in emotional or exciting fashion. At points it felt very tedious in explaining all of the politicking going on. Maybe McHugh was trying to keep to true events so much that she put TOO much information in, and stayed TOO far away from creating three dimensional characters with feelings and emotions. I felt like I was just along for the ride, and struggled to really put myself in Vicky's shoes and how everything made her feel. If this had been non-fiction, it would have been pretty wonderfully done, but as fiction it feels like it is lacking character depth that truly allows the reader to inhabit the world the author creates.
September 23, 2020
If you enjoyed Victoria on PBS Masterpiece, you want to read A Most English Princess by Clare McHugh. McHugh focuses on Queen Victoria oldest daughter, who is also named Victoria. This fictional biographic account of her life begins as a young girl and continues throughout her adult years. While focused on the life of Victoria, the lives of her siblings and parents are included. However, the most attention is given to Victoria's relationship with her husband's father and with her son, Kaiser Wilhelm II.
With the title A Most English Princess, one might think that the book is only for women. While women will definitely enjoy the book, the emphasis is not on romance but on history. Any history buff will enjoy the behind the scenes look at Prussia and the royal families. Reading this book provides much insight into the militarization of Germany and why conditions were set for World War I. McHugh provides just the right mix of an enjoyable story that is well-researched and historically accurate.
I received a complementary copy of A Most English Princess from William Morrow Paperbacks via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
With the title A Most English Princess, one might think that the book is only for women. While women will definitely enjoy the book, the emphasis is not on romance but on history. Any history buff will enjoy the behind the scenes look at Prussia and the royal families. Reading this book provides much insight into the militarization of Germany and why conditions were set for World War I. McHugh provides just the right mix of an enjoyable story that is well-researched and historically accurate.
I received a complementary copy of A Most English Princess from William Morrow Paperbacks via NetGalley. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2020
A Most English Princess is a wonderfully written and incredibly in-depth imagining of the life of Victoria, Princess Royal, the eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It is very much in the vein of the BBC/PBS show Victoria in that it follows Vicky through important events in her life and in the world around her and does so in a very humanizing way. We get to see these events through her eyes. There is so much written about Queen Victoria that is refreshing to explore the life of someone else around her. We follow Vicky but by virtue of her relationship with her parents we get a unique view of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as well. This book feels incredibly well researched and I imagine the massive quantity of surviving letters between Vicky and her mother were invaluable in this regard. In fact, these letters themselves serve as the frame narrative to the story. I highly recommend this to fans of Victorian historical fiction especially, but also to anyone who just enjoys well researched and immersive historical fiction, no matter the era.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2020
A perfect read for Downton Abbey/The Crown fans, this book struck a difficult balance between difficult English/German 19th century history and fascinating royal characters. Vicky, Queen Victoria's eldest daughter, weds Franz, the Crown Prince of Prussia, and inherits a whole host of difficult European problems with anti-British sentiments that eventually plants the seeds for animosity during World War I. Vicky was a courageous heroine to read about; I immediately needed to Wikipedia her, Franz, and their firstborn son (the infamous Kaiser Wilhelm of WWI fame). Good stuff for fiction British royalty fans fresh off their latest "The Crown" viewings.
April 2, 2021
This book exceeded all my expectations. It is the story of Princess Victoria, daughter of Albert and Queen Victoria. The author takes us back to the 19th century, and through her words, she recounts the feelings, dreams, frustrations, and challenges that this woman lived. The truth is that I did not know anything about this princess. I am glad that with this book, I was able to get an idea. It feels very nice to read about a character whose name is the same as mine and even more so to know that I have things in common with the protagonist. If you have a chance, read this astonishing book.
October 30, 2024
I originally listened to this on audiobook and did not enjoy it.
I forgot I read it and during a long appointment found this in a free library.
I started the paperback version and really enjoyed it.
It never fails to amaze me the impact of a narrator on a story.
I think I simply didn't like the narrator because in print I quite enjoyed the story.
I am not counting this as a reread but I did want to update my review.
I originally read this in 2021 and revisited this in 2024.
I forgot I read it and during a long appointment found this in a free library.
I started the paperback version and really enjoyed it.
It never fails to amaze me the impact of a narrator on a story.
I think I simply didn't like the narrator because in print I quite enjoyed the story.
I am not counting this as a reread but I did want to update my review.
I originally read this in 2021 and revisited this in 2024.
October 2, 2020
Wonderfully written historical novel. The writer explores the personal and political issues of that time in very clear detail giving the reader tremendous insight of the characters thoughts, feelings and activities of that time in history.
A very, very good read.
A very, very good read.
August 28, 2024
Excellent!
September 25, 2020
Crown Princess Victoria marries the Prussian Crown Prince Frederick (a.k.a Fritz) and they should have lived happily ever after but politics gets in the way.
A Most English Princess by Clare McHugh is an apt title and apt historical fiction novel about the life of England's Queen Victoria's daughter Vicky. The princess was blessed with parents who taught her about the importance of leadership with a kind and fair hand. They both have very liberal views that they try to pass on to their children
It is this background that heightens the irony that the princess gives birth and raises Wilhelm who will become the first Kaiser of a unified Germany and the pinnacle of WWI.
Besides the politics of it all, Vicky and Fritz do raise a family while fighting for their enlighten views of democracy. Like her parents she has a once in a life time love with her prince and their relationship is definitely goal worthy.
One of the aspects of this book that I became obsessed with was all the illnesses and medical remedies for them. So many within the royal household had all manor of diseases from gastric to nerves. The cures ranged from
spices to a contraption built with the help of the best horse leather saddle manufacturer to hold up the head of a child!
This book is meticulously researched using actual letters between the princess and her royal parents. Some of the political history went over my head but I got the jist of it. For fans of royals, politics, history and love this is a very enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via a Goodreads win. All opinions are my own.
A Most English Princess by Clare McHugh is an apt title and apt historical fiction novel about the life of England's Queen Victoria's daughter Vicky. The princess was blessed with parents who taught her about the importance of leadership with a kind and fair hand. They both have very liberal views that they try to pass on to their children
It is this background that heightens the irony that the princess gives birth and raises Wilhelm who will become the first Kaiser of a unified Germany and the pinnacle of WWI.
Besides the politics of it all, Vicky and Fritz do raise a family while fighting for their enlighten views of democracy. Like her parents she has a once in a life time love with her prince and their relationship is definitely goal worthy.
One of the aspects of this book that I became obsessed with was all the illnesses and medical remedies for them. So many within the royal household had all manor of diseases from gastric to nerves. The cures ranged from
spices to a contraption built with the help of the best horse leather saddle manufacturer to hold up the head of a child!
This book is meticulously researched using actual letters between the princess and her royal parents. Some of the political history went over my head but I got the jist of it. For fans of royals, politics, history and love this is a very enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via a Goodreads win. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2021
What I enjoyed about this novel was the portrayal of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as parents in their mid-years. Unfortunately, I found the portrayal of Vicky's life rather wan, and the attempt at bringing the Prussian court to life seemed lost amid all the trite little details which came off as cumbersome rather than engrossing, and the ending was disappointing- not because of the lack of research (this definitely was well-researched), but at the end of it I wondered what the whole purpose of Vicky's life actually was. A fair attempt, but perhaps one that only the truly die-hard fans of British history will find enthralling.
September 27, 2020
2.5 Stars
A fictional account of the life of Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria, and mother to Kaiser Wilhelm. This book takes you though her childhood until 1871, after the Franco-Prussian War. (Victoria lived for about 19 years after the events in the book.)
While I didn't really enjoy the way the story was told, all of the characters seemed very interesting and I imagine I will read more about them in the future. The book had a way of making Princess Victoria always someone else's person (daughter, wife, mother) and never actually herself (as evidenced even in the title of the book). She was written it seemed almost as a 21st century girl with independence, forward thinking ideas, and behaviors while still being held to the standards of the time (having to ask the King's permission to visit her family after even the death of her father). Maybe she was ahead of her time, but the way it was executed, I kept feeling removed from the story when her personality clashed with the events around her.
Another issue I had that kept pulling me from the story were the miniature time jumps. The author would be moving right along about one thing or another and then jump ahead for a paragraph or two telling you how this even would affect things 2 or 5 years (or more) in the future. I kept wondering, "Why do I need to know that now as opposed to when that event actually happens?"
I think theses issues combined led me into a small reading slump. I normally read a book in a few days to a week where as this book took me nearly the whole of September to get though and put all my other reading plans behind, which was quite frustrating.
All that being said, I did like the characters and if nothing else this book has piqued my interest in learning more about them in a more non-fiction capacity. I think the relationship between Princess Victoria and Prince Frederick William of Prussia was sweet and unusual for their time being that they were royals and wed still for love. I am very interested to know if that was actually the case or just the author romanticizing the couple. I am curious to know where her children wound up in life given that Princess Victoria seemed so intent on instill them with an education and a moral attitude.
I would recommend to very big fans of historical fiction based on actual events, those just wanting to get a small feel for this time period in Prussia/Germany, or people interested in fictional accounts of royalty.
* I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review *
A fictional account of the life of Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria, and mother to Kaiser Wilhelm. This book takes you though her childhood until 1871, after the Franco-Prussian War. (Victoria lived for about 19 years after the events in the book.)
While I didn't really enjoy the way the story was told, all of the characters seemed very interesting and I imagine I will read more about them in the future. The book had a way of making Princess Victoria always someone else's person (daughter, wife, mother) and never actually herself (as evidenced even in the title of the book). She was written it seemed almost as a 21st century girl with independence, forward thinking ideas, and behaviors while still being held to the standards of the time (having to ask the King's permission to visit her family after even the death of her father). Maybe she was ahead of her time, but the way it was executed, I kept feeling removed from the story when her personality clashed with the events around her.
Another issue I had that kept pulling me from the story were the miniature time jumps. The author would be moving right along about one thing or another and then jump ahead for a paragraph or two telling you how this even would affect things 2 or 5 years (or more) in the future. I kept wondering, "Why do I need to know that now as opposed to when that event actually happens?"
I think theses issues combined led me into a small reading slump. I normally read a book in a few days to a week where as this book took me nearly the whole of September to get though and put all my other reading plans behind, which was quite frustrating.
All that being said, I did like the characters and if nothing else this book has piqued my interest in learning more about them in a more non-fiction capacity. I think the relationship between Princess Victoria and Prince Frederick William of Prussia was sweet and unusual for their time being that they were royals and wed still for love. I am very interested to know if that was actually the case or just the author romanticizing the couple. I am curious to know where her children wound up in life given that Princess Victoria seemed so intent on instill them with an education and a moral attitude.
I would recommend to very big fans of historical fiction based on actual events, those just wanting to get a small feel for this time period in Prussia/Germany, or people interested in fictional accounts of royalty.
* I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review *
February 13, 2021
What a brilliant debut novel this one is.
September 5, 2025
Chronicling the life of Queen Victoria's oldest child, from her teenage years learning everything she could from her father Albert, to her marriage to Prince Frederick of Prussia and being a young mother living in and navigating a foreign land and court.
Admittedly, I don't know a lot about this tumultuous time period in Europe, but I think McHugh at the very least gave an interesting perspective on the political turmoil happening through Princess Victoria's eyes. While McHugh did her best to differentiate characters, it was expectedly hard at times to keep some straight since everyone seemed to be named Frederick (I had the cast of characters at the beginning of the book earmarked for continual reference!) and seemingly everyone had ten children.
Again, not being overly familiar with the situation or figures to begin with, I'm not sure whether McHugh's depictions are fairly accurate or took too many liberties. In my opinion, Princess Victoria came across as quite naive, though incredibly intelligent. It was heartbreaking to read through the decisions she made as a mother, and choices that inevitably led to her son Wilhem being a prideful and unforgiving character. It was interesting to think about how she held so much guilt for Wilhelm's condition and tried so hard to prepare him for his future and make up for his condition that she blamed herself for, that it led people (him, most importantly) to think she didn't love him.
I thought that McHugh painted Queen Victoria in an interesting (and seemingly controversial) light. Again, I honestly don't know much about her, but have always heard her described as being a great queen, and yet McHugh seemed to suggest that she was really just a figurehead and Albert was the one making the keen political decisions and moves. Perhaps that really is the case, and she didn't come into her own until after his death, but it just contradicted so much of what I had heard about her as a ruler. She certainly wasn't written as a very likable character in my opinion.
I love historical fiction and I thought this was well written and an interesting take on an important time in European history.
Admittedly, I don't know a lot about this tumultuous time period in Europe, but I think McHugh at the very least gave an interesting perspective on the political turmoil happening through Princess Victoria's eyes. While McHugh did her best to differentiate characters, it was expectedly hard at times to keep some straight since everyone seemed to be named Frederick (I had the cast of characters at the beginning of the book earmarked for continual reference!) and seemingly everyone had ten children.
Again, not being overly familiar with the situation or figures to begin with, I'm not sure whether McHugh's depictions are fairly accurate or took too many liberties. In my opinion, Princess Victoria came across as quite naive, though incredibly intelligent. It was heartbreaking to read through the decisions she made as a mother, and choices that inevitably led to her son Wilhem being a prideful and unforgiving character. It was interesting to think about how she held so much guilt for Wilhelm's condition and tried so hard to prepare him for his future and make up for his condition that she blamed herself for, that it led people (him, most importantly) to think she didn't love him.
I thought that McHugh painted Queen Victoria in an interesting (and seemingly controversial) light. Again, I honestly don't know much about her, but have always heard her described as being a great queen, and yet McHugh seemed to suggest that she was really just a figurehead and Albert was the one making the keen political decisions and moves. Perhaps that really is the case, and she didn't come into her own until after his death, but it just contradicted so much of what I had heard about her as a ruler. She certainly wasn't written as a very likable character in my opinion.
I love historical fiction and I thought this was well written and an interesting take on an important time in European history.
September 26, 2020
A Most English Princess by Clare McHugh added tremendously to my love of Victorian England history. Vicky’s parents played such prominent roles in her personality development. Mama (Victoria) influenced her to be a strong, independent woman. Papa (Albert) encouraged her to be a thinker, scholar, and conversationalist. Vicky applied all of this to her relationship with her husband Friz and his connections to the Royal Family of Prussia.
The Princess’s story revealed details about the House of Windsor in England and the development of the unified country of Germany. I particularly liked the parts about Victoria’s children and Vicky’s children, centering on her relationship with her eldest son.
McHugh did a wonderful job creating this portrayal of Victoria, English Princess Royal and Prussian Princess. I feel so fortunate to have received this early edition.
The Princess’s story revealed details about the House of Windsor in England and the development of the unified country of Germany. I particularly liked the parts about Victoria’s children and Vicky’s children, centering on her relationship with her eldest son.
McHugh did a wonderful job creating this portrayal of Victoria, English Princess Royal and Prussian Princess. I feel so fortunate to have received this early edition.
September 6, 2020
I received an advance Kindle copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest review.
Clare McHugh’s debut novel, A Most English Princess, will add to a very sparse collection of historical fiction books featuring Victoria, the Princess Royal of England. Vicky, as she is most often referred as, is the first born child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She would ultimately marry Fritz, heir to the Prussian Empire and later become the mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
This well-researched offering is brimming with details of Vicky’s life from her English childhood education directed by her father, to her marriage and move to Prussia at age seventeen, to raising her family of eight with Fritz, to German unification in 1871. Through each stage of her life the reader inspects her educated responses to patriotism, marriage, gender roles required of her, and her lack of sufficient power in this male dominated society to be a positive influence in world events. How different Germany’s future would have been if she and Fritz were allowed to participate more positively throughout the years.
Once again a book has piqued my interest in a period I knew little about. The “Cast of Characters” at the beginning of the book, both in England and in Prussia, was most helpful as the information helped me quickly understand the many relationships between the major participants. I was especially inspired to research the events between June, 1871, and the epilogue dated November, 1940 as this chronicle needs a sequel!
A Most English Princess most definitely deserves five stars!
Clare McHugh’s debut novel, A Most English Princess, will add to a very sparse collection of historical fiction books featuring Victoria, the Princess Royal of England. Vicky, as she is most often referred as, is the first born child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She would ultimately marry Fritz, heir to the Prussian Empire and later become the mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
This well-researched offering is brimming with details of Vicky’s life from her English childhood education directed by her father, to her marriage and move to Prussia at age seventeen, to raising her family of eight with Fritz, to German unification in 1871. Through each stage of her life the reader inspects her educated responses to patriotism, marriage, gender roles required of her, and her lack of sufficient power in this male dominated society to be a positive influence in world events. How different Germany’s future would have been if she and Fritz were allowed to participate more positively throughout the years.
Once again a book has piqued my interest in a period I knew little about. The “Cast of Characters” at the beginning of the book, both in England and in Prussia, was most helpful as the information helped me quickly understand the many relationships between the major participants. I was especially inspired to research the events between June, 1871, and the epilogue dated November, 1940 as this chronicle needs a sequel!
A Most English Princess most definitely deserves five stars!
August 25, 2020
Truly not your average princess novel, A Most English Princess is a fascinating read about the lesser-known life of Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Vicky. A woman who genuinely wanted to serve her people but could not hold the British crown simply due to her sex, Vicky is a character who I am surprised has not been written about before. McHugh’s novel oozes with well-researched Prussian history that, for a history layman such as myself, was a delight to learn about in such a palatable way. The story explores themes of patriotism, motherhood, love, and sexism as Vicky matures from the Princess Royal of England into the Crown Princess of Prussia. There certainly is some escapism to be found in the marvelous party scenes at Versailles or the triumphant descriptions of the Great Exhibition of 1851, but the book stays relevant to modern issues in its exploration of gender roles and power-hungry villains. I highly recommend this novel to lovers of historical fiction and especially to those who are interested in the behind-the-scenes of royal life in Europe during the 19th century.
September 21, 2020
I loved this book. If you are a fan of history—particularly British or German history—this novel is a must-read. Princess Vicky, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, led a fascinating life that not many people know about. She was a devoted letter writer (to her mother and Prince Albert, in particular), and the author deftly mines those letters so the reader gets a rich (and accurate!) glimpse inside the life of the private Vicky, a woman of strong opinions, real passions (including for her husband, Fritz), and a fierce devotion to the notion of modernizing the monarchy. McHugh clearly did deep research, and the result is a fascinating portrait not only of a woman worth knowing but of Europe in the decades leading up to World War I.
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