Review of 'The Princess' by Wendy Holden

Review of 'The Princess' by Wendy Holden

Publish date:

August 17th, 2023 (E-book)

August 29th, 2023 (ANZ Paperback)

Publisher: Welbeck

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REVIEW

The final instalment of The Windsor Women Trilogy is a real tribute to one of the most beloved and famous persons in the world. Although The Princess, as author Wendy Holden states, is a product of her own imagination, it is based on Lady Di. And it is the most moving heart-breaking royal story I have ever read. I had tears in my eyes and lumps in my throat continuously. There were moments of laughter, shivers and smiles from me, too. It really stirred up my emotions. The compassion I felt for Di previously, went into overdrive as I read this story. I have always been an admirer of the Princess, but this novel brought her life into focus with such clarity, I felt as if knew her as a friend.

The Princess provides a detailed background of Diana’s youth: what may have led her down a troubled path. Her inner compass would have been affected by her mother’s departure and her parents’ bitter divorce. Wendy helps us consider that period and then provides excellent descriptions of Diana’s school years, and what it might have been like for her. We all know that youth and naivety go hand in hand and Diana was no exception. Her positive views were infectious but did not prepare her for the ruthlessness of the world. Her free spirit often collided with highly structured institutions. Her love of romance novels fuelled her desire for a fairy-tale romance. And who can blame her? The thought of being rescued by a handsome prince was the dream of many young girls.

Diana’s kind and caring heart shines up through the story’s core. And the fact she was good with children, seen in various work positions of childcare and with her own boys. Wendy has invented Sandy to be the teenage school friend she might have had. This friendship was believable and it demonstrated Diana’s loving heart for orphans and those less fortunate. For we know from the life she led, it was her passion to help the underprivileged (including children who captured her attention and compassion). It’s possible Diana’s initial optimism, blinded her to some of the ugliness in the world. She saw good in people and her naivety may have caused her to miss their calculating plans, masked personalities and damaging actions. But as time progressed, she matured and what she saw saddened her. She began to understood the warning given to her, not to trust anyone.

We all know that Diana became the People’s Princess: the one who bridged the world between royalty and the common citizen. She truly cared about people. But the reality of how it all started was gut-wrenching. The Crown was in trouble. This archaic hierarchy had fallen out of fashion with the modern world. Charles was expected to marry and bring new blood into the line. This novel focuses on the price Diana paid for their ‘need’ of her. Many would say she was a pawn on the royal chessboard. Her youthful enthusiasm and eager-to-please attitude were manipulated. Once drawn into that royal realm, she was trapped in a web. It is easy to understand how she became lonely and disillusioned. For while Charles was off on various Crown ventures and entertaining his mistress, her loneliness was spreading like a disease. It had horrendous effects on her physical and mental health. Diana was cut off from her past friends and without her husband’s love and support, she became lost. And when she learned of his betrayal, it hit her hard. Plus, discovering who truly held Charles’ affections, was too much to bear. As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, it broke her heart and spirit.

The novel is told mainly from Diana’s and Sandy’s point of view. After years of not seeing each other, the Princess invites her old friend over for a chat and meal. It is here Diana shares how it all happened. This clever writing technique draws the reader into the conversation on a personal level. It feels like you are hearing Diana’s story from her own lips. Other points of view are interjected, too, that were part of the Crown plot of getting this couple together such as Stephen the valet and the Queen Mother. The Press and Mary Robertson are included as well.

Although this novel is a work of fiction, I believe it gives us a bird’s eye view of what it might have been like for Diana before Charles and in the lead up to their marriage, plus a bit on their marriage and separation in 1992. The hurt and grief I previously felt for Diana, only multiplied through the reading of this novel.

The portrayal of Charles is interesting, as he is shown to be the Crown’s pawn, too. But he knew it, where Diana did not. This story highlights her initial adoration for the Prince and her hunger for his affection. And her willingness and dedication to learn how to be the best Princess of Wales possible. She was a natural in so many ways. Diana brought unique elements to the role for as the character Sandy reiterates, she was special. She was truly a trailblazer, a style icon, an activist – and so much more. The Press was both her lifeline and frustration. Their constant fixation on her would have driven any sane person mad. But I think she handled it better than most. If only she had had the support and love from her husband and family, things may have turned out differently. She was a modern girl in an archaic institution. A colourful and vibrant soul in a black and while arena. The royal life with its strict conventions and formalities put her in a straitjacket, sent her running, seeking the love and acceptance she always craved. In many ways, it contributed to her tragic end. Although The Princess story does not enter the last stages of her life, we can see what led up to it.

This is a powerful story that makes you ponder, feel and debate the negative and positives effects of choices: the ones we make for ourselves and those that are made for us. I was totally moved by this novel and highly recommend it not only to those who have an interest in the royal family but who appreciate a well written story that will shake up their views and challenge their hearts. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Wendy Holden and her publisher for my review copy.