The Royal Families of Europe

As fascinating as it is informative this chronicle of Europes most enduring system of governmentmonarchyexplores the many colorful and often controversial facets of an institution that has survived revolution warfare regicides national strife and the occasional sheer incompetence of the head beneath the crown. While it considers monarchical history as well as the tales intrigues scandals and historical gossip that have attached themselves to both the British and continental monarchies this always engaging volume also speculates upon the future of European monarchy as a vital and viable form of government after the year 2000. The speculation is not idle for monarchy continues to command the worlds attention and to wield significant influence throughout Europe. Of the fifteen members of the European Union seven are monarchiesamong them Spain whose king saved the countrys democracy from a military coup in the 1980s and Belgium where the monarchy has proven to be a crucial factor in the survival of a fractured nation. In England four generations of Windsors survive and thrive and the Dutch royal house too enjoys immense popularity. Meanwhile former monarchs like Constantine II of Greece Michael II of Romania and Simeon of Bulgaria retain their titles and loyal followers who refuse to forfeit the hope of their kings restoration to power. Surveying the sweep of monarchy in Britain and across the regal face of the European continent The Royal Families of Europe adeptly illuminates an institution that flourishes with possibilities and prospects beyond ceremony ermine robes crowns and scepters.