The Heir Apparent

An irresistible modern fairy tale about a British princess who must decide between her duty to her family-or to her own heart.

A Reese's Book Club Pick!

It's New Year's Day in Australia and the life Lexi Villiers has carefully built is working out nicely: she's in the second year of her medical residency, she lives on a beautiful farm with her two best friends Finn and Jack, and she's about to finally become more-than-friendly with Jack-when a helicopter abruptly lands.

Out steps her grandmother's right-hand-man, with the tragic news that her father and older brother have been killed in a skiing accident. Lexi's grandmother happens to be the Queen of England, and in addition to the shock and grief, Lexi must now accept the reality that she is suddenly next in line for the throne-a role she has publicly disavowed.

Returning to London as the heir apparent Princess Alexandrina, Lexi is greeted by a skeptical public not ready to forgive her defection, a grieving sister-in-law harboring an explosive secret, and a scheming uncle determined to claim the throne himself.

Her recent life-and Jack-grow ever more distant as she feels the tug of tradition, of love for her grandmother, and of obligation. When her grandmother grants her one year to decide, Lexi must choose her own destiny: will it be determined by an accident of birth-or by love?

From the publisher Cardinal | Dec 2, 2025 | 416 PAGES | ISBN-13 9781538776308 | Women's Fiction

1. When Lexi flies to London following the deaths of her father and brother, we see her transformation from private citizen to public royal unfolding en route: wardrobe, hair, and manicure all remade before landing. What is that meant to signify and foreshadow? What does it tell you about royal life and obligations, and do you feel those obligations are still relevant or necessary today?

2. On the night Lexi arrives in London, what first impressions did you gather from her reunion with Amira? What does their conversation reveal about their friendship and Amira's role in the royal family?

3. As the palace discusses the plans for the funeral, Lexi notes how even small details-the procession order, the choice of flowers-can have cascading effects. Considering the movements of the royal family members so far, what are some details that stood out to you, and did they yield large consequences?

4. How does Queen Eleanor balance her familial and royal responsibilities, being Lexi's grandmother as well as the Queen of England? Do you feel she gives each role equal weight?

5. Lexi feels betrayed when she learns that Louis was given their mother's engagement ring. In their argument-unbeknownst to them, their last meaningful time together before Louis's death-did you sympathize with one or both of them?

6. How would you describe Lexi's resolve and conflicting emotions during the trip to the Highlands?

7. Did Lexi change during the year of weighing her options and fending off Uncle Richard's attempts to seize power? How so?

8. What was your reaction upon learning the truth about Lexi's mother's death? How do Lexi's recurring dreams set up this revelation?

9. If Louis and Kris had survived, with Louis eventually crowned King, do you think they would have been able to have a public life together?

10. Some of the characters aren't what they initially seem, or change over the course of the novel. Can you think of a character who might fit either description? Which character wound up surprising you the most?

11. After this glimpse behind fictional palace gates, was there anything about royal life that might appeal to you, might make you understand if Lexi had made a different decision?

12. Who were your favorite characters?

Book Club Talking Points:
This story has so many layers that make it fun to talk about with other readers. The characters are messy in a very human way, and watching them struggle with loyalty, ambition, and old family wounds gives you a lot to unpack. You can easily imagine a lively conversation about who deserved what, who made the biggest mistakes, and how much of their behavior was shaped by the pressure of power and privilege. It also raises those big "what would you do?" questions, which always spark good discussion.

"An absolutely delicious, compulsively readable, stylish novel about a young aristocratic woman, who has to choose between duty and her heart-think The Crown meets Taylor Jenkins Reid. I loved it. I devoured every page of this glorious novel."-Holly Ringland, author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart and The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding

"Lexi must face the sorts of questions that fans of The Crown will find familiar: What is a monarch's duty to her people? What matters more: change or tradition? And where does love play into it all? ...Armitage's debut novel is a juicy one."-Elle

"Fans of the royal family will love The Heir Apparent."-Town & Country

"Tiaras, titles, and titillating royals abound in this engrossing debut from Armitage...The Heir Apparent is filled with secrets, scandals, and a few unexpected twists, including a forbidden and beautiful love story...Armitage's writing is spectacular, with rich dialogue and descriptions, a vibrant depiction of the burden of duty versus personal freedom, and unique insights into royal life."-Booklist (starred review)

"Feels and reads like an adult version of The Princess Diaries...With Armitage's expertise, she has crafted a novel about an exiled royal that is so believable that it could have actually happened...A sharply written novel rich with insight into the lives of royal families, as well as a beautifully crafted story that will have you waiting for Armitage's next release."-BookTrib

"In Armitage's perceptive debut, the British monarchy navigates a crisis following the death of two heirs...A standout portrayal of the royals and the tabloid culture surrounding them."-Publishers Weekly

"The author's deep knowledge of all things royal adds realism and texture to this entertaining debut."-Kirkus Reviews