Battle of Brothers

A New York Times–bestselling insider’s look at tumult, secrecy and schism in the British royal family, by the historical consultant to Netflix’s The Crown.

An insider account of two intriguing brothers who have fascinated the world since birth—William, the future King of England, and his iconoclastic younger brother, Harry—examining their childhood and family life, their close yet fraying bond, their roles in the royal family, and the factors shaping their future.

Harry and Meghan shocked the world when they opened up about their lives and the royal family to Oprah Winfrey. But the interview—watched by millions around the globe—was only part of the story. In this intimate glimpse into royal life as never offered before, royal insider, biographer, and historian Robert Lacey reveals the untold details of Harry’s relationship with his brother, William, asking what happens when two sons are raise for very different futures—one burdened with the responsibility of becoming the king, the other knowing he will always remain a spare.

How have William and Harry both agreed and diverged in their views of what a modern royal owes to his country? And what parts have Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle played in helping their husbands choose differing paths? What role did Queen Elizabeth II play in marshalling her feuding heirs? Lacey explores these questions and reveals the real, unvarnished story behind Harry and Meghan’s dramatic departure, and whether the seeds of damage were sowed by the divorce of King Charles III and Princess Diana.