The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage

Armitage’s debut is quite assured and demonstrates a firm knowledge and grasp of British royalty. Some of these characters and circumstances skate pretty close to events that happened and to real people. For example, Lexi’s mother will certainly be compared to Diana and there are many other connections for the reader.

The story itself is engaging. While the book is about a royal, a non-royal will, I think, relate to what happens when life suddenly changes and important decisions have to be made. What Lexi will choose is a major plot point.

Lexi has turned her back on England as the story begins. She is in Australia and in her second year of a medical residency when she is urgently called back due to a horrific tragedy. This puts Lexi back in contact with her family and prior life.

Readers come to understand Lexi, her family and events in a story that takes place in the present and past. The pages turn as readers share her life in this long, just over 400 page, novel.

Reese Witherspoon chose this for her book club. I can understand why.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 02 December 2025

Post first published on 4 February 2026

Description:

from the publisher

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?

​“There’s nothing better than snuggling up with a great story this time of year. The December Reese’s Book Club pick, The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage, has everything I love in a holiday read—royals, romance, family twists, and a woman finding her own path. Can’t wait for you to dive in.” —Reese Witherspoon

“One of the best books I’ve read all year.” —Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress

From the Publisher:

Editorial reviews:

“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