Elizabeth the Queen

 Book 2 of my 2022 Reading Challenge

Elizabeth the Queen 

by Sally Bedell Smith

4 stars

Published in 2012, Elizabeth the Queen focus on Queen Elizabeth while also including information about the people and events that have shaped her public and private life.  The last major event covered in this book is the marriage of William and Catherine in 2011 with a final chapter speculating about potential directions the monarchy could go.

I already had this next in my book pile to read but as I start this on January 1, the Queen is being talked about a lot.  Betty White died yesterday so the rounds of "protect [insert elderly public figure here]" are going around on social media and the Queen is at the top of most people's lists.

I've always had a fascination with the Royal family.  My fascination is mostly in the history and traditions while watching how they adapt to changing times.  As an American, I don't have an opinion/stake in the financial implications of maintaining the monarchy and I can also avoid the oversaturation/tabloid gossip as well.  I think having a political system separate from the monarchy is one reason the House of Windsor has remained while other countries' kings/queens have lost their standing.  I also think the Queen herself plays a large part; her consistency and long reign has lasted through many turbulent times.

Although not an official biography, the author was granted access to many people, locations, and papers.  The book is well-researched and does not shy away from mentioning missteps and scandals.  Speaking of which, it's eerie foreshadowing that the book specifically mentions the issues people have with Prince Andrew's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein; the relationship continued and he is still feeling the consequences at this moment.

The little touches the author was able to learn and add to the book, such as the queen's impromptu visit to a supermarket in the United States, were fun.  Not everything "behind-the-scenes" has to be a big and juicy story and the little things humanized her.  

It lost a little at the end for me as the author speculated about the future, just because it was published almost 10 years ago so I already knew what did and didn't happen (or hasn't had a chance to happen yet since the queen is still alive).

Quote from the Book

"There is a saying that a strong sovereign must be either young and beautiful, or old and venerable; the Queen through her long reign has managed to be both."