Never Be Royals? Follow Them in a New Book: “Modern Monarchy”

By Chris Jackson; Rizzoli; $45

from the real-life ratings juggernauts of their regal nuptials to the fictionalized recent history of Netflix’s The Crown, few subjects draw more global fascination than the lives of Britain’s royal family. And few people are as responsible for shaping the way they are perceived as Getty Images Royal Photographer Chris Jackson, who has spent the last 15 years with them as they engaged in affairs both domestic and foreign. The result is a sumptuous and spectacular record of the royals — from matters of state to matters of the heart, including their extraordinary devotion to causes such as raising awareness about HIV, mental health issues and cancer research. You don’t want to miss these moments: Prince Charles getting up-close-and-personal with a bird of prey, adorable prince George’s first day at school, HRH Elizabeth II sporting the crown jewels. Fans of recent addition to the royal family Meghan Markle will be pleased to find her well represented (not merely on her wedding day). And we’d be remiss if we did not mention the hats — oh sweet heaven, do these Brits know their headwear?! You’ll find entire sections devoted to such topics as horses, the military (including Harry looking hunky in uniform), travel and sports. The volume also exemplifies what a magnificent job the Duchess of Cambridge (née Kate Middleton) has done stepping into her late mother-in-law’s shoes as the ideal of British grace and beauty. And you’ll even find appearances by America’s answer to royalty — the Obamas. It’s a must-read for fans of this most famous of families.