Monarchy, Europe's oldest system of government, continues to attract the world's attention. Ex-kings such as Constantine II of Greece, Michael II of Romania and Simeon of Bulgaria retain their titles and followers still hope for their restoration. Of the 15 members of the European Union 7 are monarchies. Of these, the Spanish king saved that country's democracy from military coup in the 1980s; the Belgian monarchy is a vital factor in the survival of that fractured nation; the Dutch royal house is immensely popular. History and historical gossip are part of the tradition of monarchy and neither are neglected in this account. The young Windsors, of course, have their place in the book but the focus, both of narrative and scandal, is on the colourful, sometimes controversial world of Continental monarchy. Geoffrey Hindley's lively new book speculates on the prospects of the institution after the year 2000.