A TALE of princes, kings and secret visits to “Royal Frinton-on-Sea” will be explored by a top author at the town’s upcoming literary festival.

Award-winning author and TV producer Deborah Cadbury will host an evening at this month’s festival to talk about her latest book, Princes at War.

It focuses on the sons of King George V, their relationships with each other and the throne.

The royal brothers were no strangers to Frinton, using the town for subtle seaside getaways.

Deborah said: “In the 1920s and 30s, Frinton was so popular with royalty it was discreetly referred to by those in the know as ‘Royal Frinton-on-Sea’.

“This was the chosen spot where royalty could unwind from the pressures of London life and enjoy the bracing English seaside just like anyone else.

“The sons of George V, the lead characters in my book, were regular visitors.

“The Duke and Duchess of York, later George VI and Queen Elizabeth, stayed at The Grand Hotel.

“The Duke of York , or ‘Bertie’ of The King’s Speech fame, was an expert tennis player, and enjoyed Frinton’s Lawn Tennis Club, where the tournament was seen as second only to Wimbledon.

“Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, also favoured The Grand when he visited with his wife and children and, of course, gave their name in 1904 to Connaught Avenue.

“Eldest brother Edward, the Prince of Wales, preferred The Cedars Hotel.

“John Barter, of Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust, says he isn’t sure if it was because it was cheaper and nearer the people, or because he could more easily meet his girlfriends there unobserved.”

She added: “Various glamorous confidantes used to join him in Frinton before he fell in love with Wallis Simpson in the early 1930s, prompting his abdication."

Deborah previously penned bestseller The Chocolate Wars, delving into her family’s history to uncover rivalries that have driven 250 years of chocolate empire-building.

She will focus on Princes at War when she visits Frinton for the literary festival.

Her event is at Frinton Tennis Club on October 16 at 8pm.

Tickets are available from Caxton Books, in Connaught Avenue, Frinton, or on 01255 851505.