Delving deep into the royal archives, 'The Heir Apparent: A Life of Edward VII, the Playboy Prince' by Jane Ridley offers a comprehensive and riveting look at the life of Queen Victoria's eldest son. Known amongst friends as Bertie and regarded as the black sheep of the family, he was burdened with a dubious reputation—a gambler, glutton, and womanizer. However, upon ascending the throne at the late age of fifty-nine, he transformed these expectations and his image. During his reign, he showcased his talents as a capable diplomat and a dedicated ruler, proving himself to be an instrumental figure in shaping Britain's modern constitutional monarchy. The book retraces his emergence from a life plagued by scandal and excess, to becoming a beloved and effective King. Ridley paints a complex picture of the royal's relationships, including that with his mother, Queen Victoria, and the notable women in his life, providing an insightful depiction of the royal household and the politics of the time.