“It's history, and remember, it's part of our heritage too,” Koenig said, explaining his passion for the subject. “We live in Virginia, which, of course, is named after Elizabeth I… To me, the personalities are just fascinating. Of course, there are constitutional monarchs in Europe today, but they do not exercise the power: that is the government. King Charles is there to advise you. He reigns, but he does not rule. But it’s just these fascinating personalities.”

Koenig earned her master's degree in library science from SUNY Albany in 1981 and spent 20 years working as a news librarian, so she knows how to find information. During that time, she gradually gained access to the royal family, exchanged correspondence with family members, and eventually wrote several books.

In 1992, she was presented to Queen Elizabeth II, who was in the United States on a state visit, at a private press reception held at a local Washington, DC hotel. She bowed and chatted with the queen for a bit before moving on.

“I don't remember anything we said,” Koenig said. “That happens to a lot of people. But it was great. It was pretty cool. I mean, I've seen her many, many times, but being introduced and talking to her was great.”

She also has a photo with King Charles, who assumed the throne after Queen Elizabeth's death last September, and was once presented to Prince Philip, King Charles's now-deceased father. Additionally, Koenig has been to celebrations, weddings, funerals and the late Queen's four anniversaries (important milestones in the reign of the monarchy).

In fact, Koenig's presence at King Charles' coronation marked her 51st visit to England, which was pretty heady for the Virginia Tech WAAC librarian.