Sheila: The Australian Beauty Who Bewitched British Society

She wedded earls and barons, befriended literary figures and movie stars, bedded a future king, was feted by London and New York society for 40 years, and died a Russian princess.

As a child Sheila Chisholm chased kangaroos on horseback and swam with sharks at Bondi Beach. As a young woman she nursed soldiers wounded at Gallipoli, married an English lord, became a darling of London society, and had an affair with “Bertie”, the future King of England. By the age of 30 Sheila had captivated America, leaving Hollywood and the high society of New York and Florida smitten by her charm and grace.

She was courted by Rudolph Valentino and Vincent Astor among others, was a confidante of the Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton, and a close friend of the Kennedys, the Vanderbilts, and the society hostess Elsie Maxwell. Her showbiz circle included Sophie Tucker, Charlie Chaplin, Fred and Adele Astaire, and Douglas Fairbanks.

Who was this remarkable woman who was so warmly welcomed into the palaces, mansions, and clubs of the elite? Filled with scandalous revelations, Sheila is essential reading.