What child hasn't imagined life as a prince or princess? We read fantastical stories about them when we are young, hear about them in the news, and wonder what it would be like to be in their shoes. Growing Up Royal is a fun, informative, and realistic look at a royal upbringing -- a true behind-the-scenes peek at what a life of splendor is really like. Filled with humorous anecdotes and engrossing stories of royals past and present, it soon becomes clear that despite some obvious differences, kids in a royal family are much like kids everywhere.

Tradition, politics, privilege, and restrictions all play out in the life of young royals. Learn of the many ways the current British royal family is adapting to the changes brought by modern times, and how these events have shaped the lives of future royals, particularly Prince William, second in line to the British throne and a heartthrob for young girls everywhere. Is it really so glamorous to be born into royalty? What's it like to have your every move watched by the public and the press?

From birth through to the teen years, all stages in the life of a young royal are explored, from the palace nursery to learning one's place in society. The book discusses the social scene behind the castle walls, royal leisure pursuits and sporting activities, and education (will it be private tutoring as in times past, with no schoolmates, or a private school?). Then there are the challenges of one's private life. Imagine a royal teen on a date - with bodyguards!

Growing Up Royal is divided into sections: What Does It Mean to Be Royal?, In the Palace Nursery, Realizing You Are Different, Behind Castle Doors, Royal Pursuits, Entering the Big, Bad World, Mad About Royals and Being a Royal Teen. Sidebars with interesting facts and tales are interspersed throughout the text. Get the inside scoop on Royal Families in Europe, Royal Servants, Royal Birthday Bashes, and much more! A table of contents and an index are included for easy reference. The sixteen-page photo section captures a broad spectrum of images that reveal even more about the life of young royals.