Alex Claremont-Diaz is the 21-year-old son of California Senator Oscar Diaz and Ellen Claremont, the president of the United States. As soon as he moved into the White House, Alex started wearing the key to his childhood home in Texas on a chain around his neck. It helps him stay grounded in the dizzying atmosphere of Washington. Alex’s closest ties are to his older sister June and to Nora, the vice-president’s granddaughter, whom he occasionally dates. Alex, June, and Nora are known as the White House Trio, and their social activities are avidly reported by the press. Ellen’s gruff deputy-chief-of-staff, Zahra, manages the social calendar for the trio and arranges for them to attend a royal wedding in London where Alex will encounter his nemesis, Prince Henry.

Alex has been fascinated by Henry ever since he saw the royal’s photo at the age of twelve: “He had thick, tawny hair and big blue eyes, a warm smile, and a cricket bat over one shoulder. It must have been a candid, because there was a happy, sun-bright confidence to him that couldn’t be posed” (15-16). He is also jealous of Henry’s easy confidence.

At the reception, Alex watches Henry as he dances with June and is irritated by his unflappable poise.