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Headlong is a novel by Emlyn Williams. It was published in 1980 with the ISBN 0-417-07160-4

The story takes place in England in the mid-1930's.

Jack Green, born and raised in Cornwall, leaves school as soon as possible and goes to London, where, almost by accident, he gets a job in the theatre as an Assistant stage Manager. He slowly learns the job and begins to get small parts. He learns to tapdance and tours as part of a double act. He falls in love with actress Kathy Tripp.

In May 1935, the entire Royal Family are killed in a freak accident and the search begins to find a surviving heir. After an extensive search, it is discovered that Green, who is in fact the grandson of the philandering Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, is the nearest heir and he is horror-struck on being virtually kidnapped and brought to Buckingham Palace. There he meets Cabinet Secretary Sir Godwin Rodd (known as "Sir God") and William Millingham (known as Willie) who is to be his Private Secretary.

Millingham assists the new King John over the period of adjustment to his new status.

His proclamation as King John II takes place, but after he refuses to marry any of several potential Queens offered to him (because his heart is still with Kathy), a plot is discovered to discredit him. In the meantime, he asserts his position and makes several statements on radio, containing opinions which The Powers That Be consider highly radical.

After several scandals have ensued, The Powers That Be, led by Sir God, "suggest" that he abdicate his throne. It is then revealed to him that Willie is also a direct descendant of Royalty, but that he refused the position. After much soul-searching, Jack decides to abdicate and King William V is announced. Jack leaves the palace, is reunited with Kathy and they emigrate to Mexico temporarily for two years. Jack later writes his memoirs.

The 1991 movie King Ralph is a loose, comic adaptation of the novel. John Goodman stars as Ralph Jones, an American lounge singer who becomes King of England.