On Royalty

On Royalty - Jeremy Paxman

On Royalty by Jeremy Paxman is a sharp, witty and deeply researched exploration of why monarchy endures in the modern world. Drawing on history, interviews and his own long experience as a journalist, Paxman examines the British royal family not as distant icons but as human beings shaped by an institution built on ritual, symbolism and contradiction. He looks at how monarchs maintain authority without political power, why people continue to feel loyalty toward them, and what psychological and cultural needs the monarchy fulfils. The book blends anecdote, analysis and humour as it traces the evolution of royal roles, the pressures of public life, and the peculiar mixture of tradition and performance that keeps the crown relevant. Rather than defending or attacking the institution, Paxman offers a clear‑eyed, often entertaining investigation into how royalty works and why it still matters.