Charlie Higson to publish monarchy book with Jim Moir illustrations
- Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, a book by Charlie Higson about the British kings and queens, will be published in October
- The book follows on from Higson's podcast of the same name. He says: "In many ways it's the story of the world's most dysfunctional family"
- Jim Moir - better known as Vic Reeves - has provided the illustrations
The Fast Show star Charlie Higson has written Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, a book dubbed "an epically short history of our kings and queens".
Due to be published in October, it is described by publishers Mudlark as "the first non-fiction book from the comedy legend - an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy".
The book has the same name as the podcast that Higson publishes. Launched in 2023 and still running, there have been over 100 episodes of the monarchy-based podcast to date.
This new book is illustrated by Jim Moir, better known as Vic Reeves. The comedian's website says: "This is Charlie's first foray into non-fiction, and it's a brilliantly bonkers ride through the blood-soaked, power-hungry, and often absurd history of the British monarchy. Using the classic schoolyard rhyme as his roadmap, Charlie guides readers from William the Conqueror all the way to the present day - throwing in plenty of scandal, sibling rivalry, and sword-swinging mayhem along the way.
"And who better to match that energy than Jim Moir? His original illustrations bring a fresh, offbeat visual twist to the chaos of kings and queens past. Known for his distinctive, surreal style, Jim's artwork adds a whole new layer of humour and curiosity to this already unpredictable royal romp."
The book's own blurb further elaborates: "Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry three. One, two, three Neds, Richard Two, Henries, four, five, six, then who? Charlie Higson has always been interested in the story of the fabled English monarchy: from the bastardly to the benevolent, brilliant to the brutal. In this wonderful new book, with the famous rhyme he learned at school as his trusty guide, Charlie takes the plunge into the storied history of this most treasured of institutions - introducing readers to every single ruler since poor Harold was shot in the eye at the Battle of Hastings. Bloody treachery? Check. Unruly incest? Check. Short parliaments? Check. A couple of Cromwells? Check."
Speaking to The Bookseller, publisher Joel Simons said: "It's a total honour to be publishing these two comedy greats on Mudlark and collaborating with them both on what I think is going to be a bloody brilliant book this autumn."
Higson says: "I'm neither a monarchist nor a republican, I just think that the story of our monarchy is an extraordinary one, with a cast of amazing characters. In many ways it's the story of the world's most dysfunctional family. I hope that, through learning a bit more about these people and the events in their lives, readers will also be able to make sense of British history... and do better in pub quizzes."
Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee will be published in hardback, eBook and audiobook formats on 9th October. It is available to pre-order now.
Charlie Higson - Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee
An epically short history of our kings and queens.
The first non-fiction book from the comedy legend Charlie Higson - an irresistible, family-friendly deep dive into the murky lives of the British monarchy.
Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee, Harry, Dick, John, Harry three. One, two, three Neds, Richard Two, Henries, four, five, six, then who? Charlie Higson has always been interested in the story of the fabled English monarchy: from the b*stardly to the benevolent, brilliant to the brutal. In this wonderful new book, with the famous rhyme he learned at school as his trusty guide, Charlie takes the plunge into the storied history of this most treasured of institutions - introducing readers to every single ruler since poor Harold was shot in the eye at the Battle of Hastings. Bloody treachery? Check. Unruly incest? Check. Short parliaments? Check. A couple of Cromwells? Check.
A rip-roaring journey that takes in the Normans, Stuarts and Tudors, not to mention the infamous Blois (how can we forget them?), Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee is an utterly engrossing and grossly entertaining primer on who ruled when and why.
First published: Thursday 9th October 2025
- Publisher: Mudlark
- Pages: 416
- Catalogue: 9780008741051
BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.
- Publisher: Mudlark
BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.
- Publisher: Mudlark
BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.