Queen Elizabeth is far and away the most experienced figure in British public life. The most famous woman in the world, she is also its most private. Now, in her fiftieth year on the throne, Brian Hoey - one of our best-informed royal chroniclers - takes a searching look at the ups and downs of Her Majesty's long reign, and highlights the important difference in people's attitudes towards the Queen personally and the monarchy in general.
The author has had unrivalled access to past and present members of the royal staff and household, as well as to ex-Heads of State, statesmen, politicians and personal friends of the Queen. Nothing they have said is "off the record". The result is a lively, authoritative and revealing portrait of the Queen's life and work - private and public - seen largely through the eyes of those who've known her and worked with her over the course of half a century.
The Queen has earned widespread respect and admiration as one of the most remarkable people of our time. How she has always put country and Commonwealth before family and personal happiness is the central theme of this book.