Although they were not subjected to the intense media scrutiny that our Royals are today, two Princes of Wales and two namesakes have appeared and captured the fevered imaginations of the public in their wilder early days – later to become Edward VII and Edward VIII respectively.

Peter Beer's dual biography offers a compelling portrait of men living for the moment, knowing that a later life of solemn duty beckons. The story of each resonates in a fascinating way as he compares them to what we have now in the way of princes.