Sibling Relationships

The Royal We focuses on the ways in which sibling relationships are just as complicated as other types of family relationships, or even romantic relationships. The sibling relationships explored in the novel are sources of both anger and joy for the characters, and require as much work the romantic entanglements.

Though the obvious central focus of the novel is Bex’s relationship with Nick, Bex’s relationship with her twin sister Lacey proves equally vital to the narrative arc in that Lacey provides support for Bex’s relationship, but also holds up a metaphorical mirror so Bex can better understand the choices she is making in choosing to be with Nick.

The exploration of this relationship begins in the Prologue, which indicates that Bex and Lacey’s relationship is strained. Then, Part One reveals that Bex’s semester at Oxford is the first time they...