"This book examines the diplomatic role of royal families in the era before the outbreak of the First World War. It argues that previous historians have neglected for political reasons the important political and diplomatic role of monarchs during the period. In so doing, it opens up an alternative approach that places monarchs at the centre of diplomatic developments in the last years of peace before 1914." "Particular attention is given to the Prusso-German, Russian and British monarchies. The Prusso-German and Russian monarchies played a central role in their countries' diplomacy and foreign policy, primarily as a result of their control over diplomatic and political appointments, However, the book also argues that the British monarchy played a much more influential role in British diplomacy than has been accepted hitherto by historians." "Individual themes examined include relations between the Prussian and Russian monarchies in the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicholas II, the political significance of the ill-feeling between Willhelm II and his uncle King Edward VII, the role of Edward VII in British diplomacy, and the impact of royal visits on Anglo-German relations before 1914. The book argues that royal influence in diplomacy remained a political reality in early twentieth-century Europe. The analysis is supported by a wealth of archival evidence, much of which has never before been brought to light."--BOOK JACKET.