The Queen

"There will be no better biography of Elizabeth II as a figure of state until her official one appears—and perhaps not even then."
—The Independent

"One of the many merits of Ben Pimlott's superbly judicious biography of Elizabeth II is that it understands this connection between monarchy and masses, and carefully evokes its political importance."
—The New York Times Book Review

"The best all-around study of the Queen so far, showing understanding as well as amused irony."
—Sunday Telegraph

Written by Ben Pimlott, considered Britain's most respected political biographer, The Queen brings us the most authentic life yet of the reigning monarch. For the first time, Buckingham Place opened its doors and those closest to the queen provided compelling new information into Elizabeth's life and reign. New sources include the unpublished diaries of Jock Colville, public secretary to both Churchill and Elizabeth, as well as interviews with Princess Margaret, Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Runcie, and longtime private secretary Lord Charteris.

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

INDEX

About the Author

Praise for The Queen

About the Publisher

BEN PIMLOTT is Professor of Politics and Contemporary History at Birkbeck College, University of London, and the youngest fellow of the British Academy. His books include Harold Wilson and Hugh Dalton, winner of the Whitbread Prize. Dr. Pimlott lives in London. "One of the many merits of Ben Pimlott's superbly judicious biography of Elizabeth II is that it understands this connection between monarchy and masses, and carefully evokes its political importance.
—The New York Times Book Review

"A level-headed study . . . helps us appreciate the capacities as well as the limitations of a woman who, whatever else happens, just keeps on going on."
—People

"There will be no better biography of Elizabeth II as a figure of state until her official one appears—and perhaps not even then. . . . Pimlott has succeeded triumphantly. He has written a book that can be enjoyed and admired by people who would never have imagined reading any previous royal biography."
—The Independent (London)

"An important and stimulating book."
—Antonia Fraser, author of Mary, Queen of Scots in The Guardian (London)

"The best all-around study of the Queen so far, showing understanding as well as amused irony."
—The Sunday Telegraph (London)

"There will not be a better royal biography for many years."
—The Daily Telegraph (London)