The Royal We Summary & Key Insights

Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan's "The Royal We" is a witty and charming fictionalized account of a young American woman's whirlwind romance with a British prince. The novel follows Bex Porter, a bright and ambitious graduate student at NYU, as her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Prince Nicholas "Nick" of England at a party.

Their relationship blossoms quickly, fueled by shared passions and witty banter, defying the strictures and expectations of royal life. Nick, despite his privileged upbringing, is portrayed as genuinely kind, intelligent, and fiercely protective of Bex. He's conflicted between his duty to the crown and his desire for a life with Bex, a life outside the rigid confines of royal protocol. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of high-profile royal events, lavish parties, and intense media scrutiny, which constantly threatens to expose and unravel their budding romance.

Bex, though initially overwhelmed by the royal world, navigates it with a combination of humor, grace, and unwavering loyalty to Nick. She confronts the challenges of dealing with the demanding royal staff, jealous courtiers, and the relentless paparazzi with remarkable resilience. The novel also introduces several key supporting characters: Nick's brother, the charming but mischievous Prince Rufus; the formidable and opinionated Queen Helena, Nick's mother, who initially disapproves of Bex; and various members of the royal household who have their own agendas and secrets.

A significant plot point revolves around the couple's attempt to keep their relationship private for as long as possible before eventually going public. This leads to a series of humorous mishaps and near-misses, testing their commitment and resilience. As their relationship progresses, Bex begins to feel the pressure of royal life weighing on her. She grapples with adjusting to a new culture and dealing with the constant invasion of privacy that accompanies being in the public eye.

The overarching themes of the novel include the complexities of love and duty, the pressures of fame and public scrutiny, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world that demands conformity. It explores the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly within the context of the British monarchy. Ultimately, "The Royal We" is a feel-good story about finding love in unexpected places and the courage it takes to defy expectations for the sake of happiness, offering a lighthearted yet insightful perspective on the intoxicating and often challenging aspects of celebrity and royalty.