The Queen: Elizabeth II and the Monarchy

The Queen: Elizabeth II and the Monarchy
Ben Pimlott

An updated edition of Ben Pimlott’s classic biography of the Queen: ‘There is no better biography of Elizabeth II.’ PETER HENNESSY, Independent on SundayThe royal family have been through a tumultuous decade, but with the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton, Prince Philip’s 90th birthday and the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations, there is renewed interest and appreciation of our monarchy. The Queen is an in-depth look at the woman at the centre of it all and is the only biography to take Elizabeth II seriously as the subject of historical biography, or to examine the influences that formed her and the ideas she represents.Ben Pimlott (described by Andrew Marr in the Independent as ‘the best writer of political biography now writing’) treats the Head of State to the rigorous and objective scrutiny he applied to major political personalities, using a wide range of sources, including interviews, diaries and letters, and papers in the Royal Archives.The Queen looks at the social, political and psychological aspects of his subject in detail, as well as at the changing role of Monarchy in the British Constitution. In the process, the book displays all the author’s formidable analytic and narrative skills, and provides a gripping yet sensitive account of one of the most publicised – yet least known – figures of our time. It is vital reading for all those who care about public life in Britain – past, present and to come.Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content that appeared in the original print version.

THE QUEEN

Elizabeth II

and the Monarchy

Diamond Jubilee Edition

BEN PIMLOTT

Dedication

To my family

Contents

Cover (#u2dcc11bf-33c5-50c1-8e8d-908671271581)

Title Page (#udbb63f7a-1548-56e6-b69c-d178a0ac561b)

Dedication

LIST OF PLATES

CARTOONS

QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926

FOREWORD - TO THE DIAMOND JUBILEE EDITION

FOREWORD - TO THE GOLDEN JUBILEE EDITION

PREFACE

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

AFTERWORD - JEAN SEATON

NOTES

SOURCES AND SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY