Sydnor Thompson, Jr. served as a distinguished North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge in the same tradition of excellence as his ancestors served Kings of England. Following the lives of generations in the James Mitchener style, this book traces the extraordinary events of English and American history in which the Sydnor family played critical roles. It’s an exciting read! -Jim Hunt, Governor of North Carolina 1977-1985, 1993-2001 As an old diplomat, I found the interplay of nations and families in “Royal Connection” fascinating; and the rich dialogue makes the people and the times come alive. Following the complexities of the Sydnor family history tangled with English and American history is a feast. An absorbing volume! -Jack Perry, U. S. Ambassador (retired) No more dry and dusty history. Sydnor Thompson has reached back into the past and given life and warmth to the historical characters that populate this book. Sit back and enjoy the story of an extraordinary family’s association with kings and cardinals, saints and scoundrels. Thoroughly grounded in fact, yet soaring in spirit. A remarkable narrative! -Mary Coker Joslin, professor, St. Augustine College (retired) and medieval scholar. Sydnor Thompson has compiled a highly readable chronicle based on the lives of his Sydnor forbears, beginning in Tudor times, continuing through their arrival in the New World in the 17th Century, and ending with their participation in the War of 1812. While the dialogue may be fictional, it is closely based on documented events in the subjects’ lives, resulting in a unique and lively introduction to a great deal of history as lived by successive members of a distinguished family. Mr. Thompson’s work can be highly recommended as an introduction to Renaissance English and Early American history and can be enjoyed with profit by readers of all ages. -T. C. Price Zimmermann, Charles A. Dana Professor of History Emeritus, Davidson College Sydnor Thompson Jr. graduated from Harvard Law School as a member of Harvard Law Review in 1950. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Thompson has practiced law with Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein in Charlotte for nearly 60 years. After devoting a number of years to researching his family’s history in Tudor England and colonial America, he began to discover the story that constitutes this novel. In 2012, he was named to North Carolina’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine. A vocal advocate for interfaith outreach and cooperation, he recently received the North Carolina Council of Churches’ Distinguished Service Award.