Through carefully selected historical examples and witty analysis, Mitchell systematically dismantles the notion that monarchs were specially chosen by God. He reveals how royal power was often secured through a combination of violence, manipulation, and sheer luck, rather than any divine or inherent superiority.

Mitchell traces the fascinating transformation from might-makes-right leadership to institutionalized monarchy. He shows how England's governance evolved from essentially organized thuggery to a complex system of divine right monarchy, highlighting the chaos, contradictions, and occasional absurdity of this development.

The book expertly examines how historical narratives are constructed and maintained, revealing the gap between popular perception and historical reality. Mitchell demonstrates how each generation has rewritten and reinterpreted royal history to suit its own needs and values, often at the expense of historical accuracy.