The Life and Style of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother is as old as the century. She was born nearly 100 years ago during the reign of Victoria, when the British Empire covered a quarter of the earth. She has seen two world wars and the most rapid progress in mankind's history completely alter her world and the Royal Family's place in it. Yet she retains the old-fashioned charm, elegance and dignity that epitomised the Edwardian lady. And more significantly, she has successfully continued to live the Edwardian lifestyle in four separate homes, surrounded by dozens of loyal staff who tend to her every need.
She does not like to eat alone so lunch is seldom for fewer than sixteen people and in the spring and summer held in what she calls her "salle vert" under the plane trees in the gardens of Clarence House. Twice a year she makes her stately progress to her estates in Scotland where the flowers always bloom in time for her arrival. She has a childlike love of beautiful clothes and even in her declining years orders new outfits and hats every season. Born a commoner, she has made herself the most royal of all the Royal Family. That is her achievement.
Using her unique insight into the Royal Family, Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of 'Majesty' magazine, has written a fascinating and intriguing account of the life of Britain's best-loved Royal. Lavishly illustrated with many never-before-seen pictures, this book stands as a unique portrait of a long-vanished lifestyle.
