Red, White & Royal Blue is the debut novel of author Casey McQuiston. When first published in May of 2019, it created an immediate sensation and rose to the top of the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and earned awards from NPR, Kirkus, Library Journal, and others.

Red, White & Royal Blue is the story of a gay romance between FSOTUS (First Son of the United States) Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, a potential heir to the British throne. As the two young men sort out their relationship and eventually brave public opinion by declaring their feelings openly, the novel explores the themes of honoring one’s true nature, trying to strike a balance between public duty and private desires, and the value of independence and diversity over conformity.

Plot Summary

Alex Claremont-Diaz is on the fast track to success. As the son of the first female president of the United States, he is determined to make a difference in the world by following in his mother’s political footsteps. Alex’s plans take a sharp detour when he is forced to attend a British royal wedding for the elder brother of his sworn enemy, Prince Henry. Alex has harbored resentment against Henry for years. He dislikes the prince’s perfect good looks and perpetual poise. An effort to shake Henry’s composure at the reception goes seriously wrong when the two engage in a shoving match and collide with the $75,000 wedding cake. Both countries immediately try to salvage the faux pas by orchestrating joint public appearances for the two young men.

Alex and Henry’s mutual loathing soon softens as they get to know one another better via texts and emails. On New Year’s Eve, Henry kisses Alex, and the latter is shocked to realize that he’s sexually attracted to the prince. Over the course of several months, the two arrange meetings to carry on a secret affair. As their feelings grow stronger for one another, Alex wants to plan a future together, but Henry feels that this is impossible. 

When their private emails are leaked to the press, Alex and Henry need to decide whether their love can stand the test of global humiliation. Much to their surprise, they receive an outpouring of public support from both sides of the Atlantic. Even the tradition-bound Queen Mary eventually bends to popular demand and acknowledges Alex as a suitor for her grandson’s hand. Alex’s mother wins re-election, carrying her home state of Texas.