Barbara Cartland, one of the most prolific romance novelists of the 20th century, led a life marked by both extraordinary personal experiences and close, sometimes complex connections to the British Royal Family. A newly released biography reveals many previously undisclosed aspects of her life, from her candid sexual exploits to her role as the step-grandmother of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Cartland’s writing career began in 1925 with the publication of her debut novel, "Jigsaw." Despite mixed early reviews, she went on to produce hundreds of titles over several decades, cementing her status as a bestseller. Beyond her literary output, Cartland’s personal life was notably unorthodox. Archival materials, preserved untouched since her death in 2000 at her country estate, Camfield Place, offer rare insight into the novelist and her family. The biographer responsible for this access described it as an exceptional opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Correspondence from her and her brother, Ronnie—who was both openly gay and a Conservative Member of Parliament—frequently detailed their intimate lives and social gossip. This openness extended to her daughter, Raine, whom Cartland encouraged to share similar frank communications. However, some private correspondence deemed too sensitive was withheld from publication by the biographer.

Cartland’s relationship with the Royal Family was notable. The archives reveal a warm and friendly exchange with Diana, and it is known she maintained connections with other members of the monarchy, including King Charles. These ties were partially formalized through family relations when Cartland’s daughter Raine married John Spencer, Diana’s father. The stepmother-stepdaughter relationship was reportedly strained, with the Spencer children expressing discomfort with Raine’s assertive personality.

Raine sought to endear herself to Diana by introducing her to Cartland’s novels, with one photograph showing the young Diana reading the author’s 1975 bestseller, "The Flame is Love." Raine also marketed Cartland’s books through a gift shop at Althorp, the Spencer family estate. Cartland herself believed she played a role in fostering the relationship between Charles and Diana, though she was notably absent from their 1981 wedding.

The author’s exclusion from the wedding, according to the biographer, stemmed from her efforts to profit from the event by offering tea at her home followed by a paid lunch at Althorp with “a real earl and countess” (Raine and John). This scheme attracted undercover journalists during the height of royal wedding enthusiasm and may have contributed to the perceived distance between Cartland and the royal family.

Despite this, Cartland remained a public figure until her death, continuing to release books and actively expand her brand. Plans she reportedly had to encourage reconciliation between Charles and Diana—such as a televised royal address—were never realized. Following John Spencer’s death, Raine was removed from Althorp, and Cartland’s books were withdrawn from the estate’s gift shop.

While her fame has waned since her passing, the new biography aims to revive interest in Cartland’s vibrant life and career. Described as a “maximalist,” Cartland’s enduring legacy includes not only her extensive literary catalogue but also her determination to remain in the public eye and challenge social conventions.