We have performed shell-model calculations for the N = 126 isotones 210 Po, 211 At, and 212 Rn using a realistic effective interaction derived from the Bonn A nucleon-nucleon potential by means of a G-matrix folded-diagram method. The calculated binding energies, energy spectra and electromagnetic properties show remarkably good agreement with the experimental data. The results of this paper complement those of our previous study on neutron hole Pb isotopes, confirming that realistic effective interactions are now able to reproduce with quantitative accuracy the spectroscopic properties of complex nuclei.