From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Governess. The Princess, the final novel in Wendy Holden's trilogy about royal outsiders, fictionalises Princess Diana's little-known early years. She became the world's most famous woman, but who was she really? What influences and experiences formed the phenomenon? From aristocratic childhood and boarding-school girlhood, from London flatshare to the steps of St Paul's, Holden follows with depth and empathy Diana's complicated journey to the heart of royalty. ___________ Praise for Wendy Holden's The Governess: 'A beautifully woven and exquisitely detailed story' HEATHER MORRIS, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz 'Brilliantly researched . . . I was completely absorbed and transported' ADELE PARKS, author of Just My Luck 'Compelling characters and a wonderful blend of historical accuracy and real narrative drive . . . A heart-breaking study of loyalty and love' SALLY MORRIS, Daily Mail '[A] beautifully researched and captivating novel . . . Wendy Holden's tender and intimate portrait of Lilibet, the future Queen Elizabeth II, is masterly' RACHEL HORE 'A great book for escaping into . . . I loved this!' KATIE FFORDE 'Sensitive, funny and fascinating ? this masterful novel gives the reader fly-on-the-wall privileges into the early life of the Queen' FREYA NORTH 'A brilliantly imagined and poignant novel [...] of sacrifice, deep affection, strained loyalties and divided English society in the post-Downton Abbey era' ELIZABETH BUCHAN 'An intimate view of the royal family at a time of great uncertainty and change . . . Marion Crawford's dedication to her charges, as well as her passion for education and reform, shines through the pages' CHANEL CLEETON 'Wendy Holden absolutely delivers in this perfect blend of story and history . . . Lovers of The Crown series on Netflix will adore this!' SUSAN MEISSNER 'I loved, loved, LOVED this book and if it isn't adapted for the screen, I'll eat my crown!' ERICA JAMES