AN INTRIGUING question was raised at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival - which this year had a "royal authors" theme.

Will King Charles III be the monarch to help confirm the identities of the bodies believed to be the Princes in the Tower?

Historian and author Tracy Borman, at the festival to promote her book Crown and Sceptre, told her audience the centuries-old mystery could at last be solved now there is a new monarch.

Previously, the Church of England, with backing from Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly refused requests to carry out forensic tests to see if the bones now buried in Westminster Abbey are those of Richard III's two nephews.

However, Ms Borman said King Charles is on record saying he would be interested in solving the royal mystery, which could now benefit from DNA advances.

Ms Borman's talk at the festival on Thursday was a fascinating insight into nearly 1,000 years of monarchy in Great Britain.

She spoke about many of the country's 41 monarchs, focusing on the most interesting rulers, and perfectly timed the entire speech to the allotted hour. It was an impressive history lesson!

She also told the packed room that she loves the Isle of Wight and her latest appearance at Northwood House was part of her "moving here by stealth".

She revealed she is now a proud patron of Vectis Archaeological Trust.

Isle of Wight County Press: Historian Tracy Borman, left, with Bob and Valerie Pitts of the Vectis Archaeological Trust.Historian Tracy Borman, left, with Bob and Valerie Pitts of the Vectis Archaeological Trust. (Image: Newsquest)

She signed copies of her book for a long queue of customers.

Continuing the royal theme, journalist and presenter Robert Hardman spoke on Saturday, fresh from his coverage of the Queen's funeral for the BBC.

His book, Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II, was out earlier this year and provides a chronicle of the late monarch's incredible reign.

Isle of Wight County Press: Author Robert Hardman about to sign a copy of his book for Judy Baxter at the IW Literary Festival.Author Robert Hardman about to sign a copy of his book for Judy Baxter at the IW Literary Festival. (Image: Newsquest)

He said it was an extraordinary situation to now be giving talks about the book, in the light of the Queen's death. 

He said he got a surprise when watching Boris Johnson on the news, visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and noticed Mr Johnson presenting Mr Zelenskyy with a copy of the book.

Audience members rushed to get their own books signed after the talk.

Also appearing at the festival was royal expert Hugo Vickers, who has studied the life and times of the Duke of Kent for a new book, and spoke about the royal on Friday.

Ingrid Seward, long-time editor of Majesty magazine, was due to talk on Saturday but had to cancel due to Covid.

The festival ends today (Sunday).