How is it that after three hundred years of enlightenment, after all our efforts to solve the mysteries of the world, the monarchy still retains a magic that even a staunch republican cannot escape? Alexander von Schönburg attempts to uncover this mystery. In doing so, he explores not only the essence of monarchy—from mythical figures like King Arthur or King David to today's media royals—but also answers numerous concrete questions: How does one become a king? Why do kings wear crowns? And why shouldn't kings be too clever? Alexander von Schönburg is well-versed in the world of crowned heads—his wife is a great-niece of the Queen, and at his wedding, Queen Sofia of Spain danced. Thus, he can report from personal experience.