Her Majesty

Robert Hardman has covered the Royal Family for many years in print and in several television documentaries. Often such close long term contact with someone leads to a certain amount of cynicism about them, but in Hardman's case this has not occurred. Her Majesty: Queen Elizabeth II and Her Court, is an unabashedly favorable examination of the monarch, her family, and her courtiers and officials. Adding new interest and authority to Hardman's book are many attributed quotes and observations, not only from those who work with the Royal Family but also from some members of the Family itself, including Princes Philip, Charles, Andrew, and (most interestingly because they are his first public statements on the issue) William.There is much fascnating information in this book, not only about the Queen herself, but also about the day to day business of being a constitutional monarch with all the pomp, circumstance, and a few banalities that go along with it. I enjoyed reading about all the details that go into a State Visit, or what goes on at a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was also interesting to learn more about the Queen's relationships with her various Prime Ministers, including some fascinating reminiscences from Tony Blair, John Major, and David Cameron. This is not really a chronological biography of the Queen, so there isn't much about her childhood or early adult years. But what I found really intriguing about this book was the amount of information about how the Queen in her own quiet way has presided over a thorough revamping of the monarchy over the years, making it more accessible and less remote without letting in "too much daylight upon the magic." In some cases this was accomplished by officials like the former Lord Chamberlain the Earl of Airlie, but in many cases the impulse for change came from the Queen herself, and as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee she can definitely feel proud of her accomplishment in preserving an institution that many felt could never survive.If you're looking for long discussions of the reasons why some of the Royal Family's marriages have failed or a recapitulation of tawdry gossip then this book will disappoint you. But if you want to know more about some of the ways the small quiet woman we've all seen smiling and waving for 60 years now has managed a difficult task with grace and dignity, with able assistance from a long line of hard working men and women, then Her Majesty makes the perfect Diamond Jubilee reading.

This informative book provides much detail about how the court of Eliabeth II really functions. As such, it is a fascinating account of the responsibilities of many different people who work for the Court, from the august Private Secretary and Master of the Household to a groundskeeper, all of whom consider the Queen as the boss. Details are also given about the intricacies of state dinners, the garden parties, overseas trips, and even annual events such as the Maundy Thursday service. Could one imagine that the monarchy has over 1000 employees, including roughly 350 who work for the Royal Collection alone. Readers may be intrigued at the complexity of Court operations and how much is involved in sustaining the Monarchy. This is not a biography of the Queen by any means, neither is it a hagiography as one reviewer wrote, but a comprehensive explanation of just how the monarchy functions, especially the Queen's role in government. The explanation of her relationships with her Prime Ministers over the years and the work of the Court in conjunction with Ministries of government was something of a surprise. She does far more than meet with the Prime Minister once a week and sign all those documents sent to her in the famous Red Boxes. And all this without a formal Constitution delineating powers and functions. Of course, the Queen has no real power other than those she wields by tradition and the respect and admiration that she has garnered in sixty years of impeccable service. It does make one think that there are certain advantages in having a Head of State who is distinctly apart from the Head of Government. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and left me with even more admiration for this 86 year old woman who has certainly had her ups and downs but who has persevered in carrying out what she considers her God-given duties for sixty years.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gives a lot of background on the working of the palace and the changing thought processes of the monarchy. The chapter on Prince Philip was most enlightening showing that he is a very important figure not only as a consort, but as a confidant and his many roles in his charities and the maintenance and improvement of the royal estates.

...but once it gets going, it’s really interesting. The subject matter of the book is really about the Queen over the last 15-20 years, with some back story brining us up to almost the present. I picked this up for the Kindle on a lark, and I’m really glad I did.

Fascinating glimpse of Her Majesty as a ruler, a manager, but even more interesting to me, a person, including a wife, mother, and grandmother. This book helped me understand exactly what she does, and what the monarchy means to England, Great Britain, the UK, and the Commonwealth. It also helped explain how Elizabeth II was instrumental in shaping the institution as it exists today. This book paints a picture of a shrewd, intelligent, witty woman who is absolutely committed to the demanding role she has played for sixty years. It also helps explain how the court, and those around the Queen, have contributed to her reign. Interesting book. A bit repetitive, but still incredibly interesting and worth a read.

Amazing to consider the length of the Queen’s reign and all that she has seen, observed and participated in. God Save The Queen!

It's not all parades and pretty hats for this amazing lady. Just reading about her schedules and duties wore me out, and I'm a good bit younger than her. Not being English, there were some parts of the book where I found the detail of traditional honors/titles/ceremonies, etc. a bit much, but overall, the book was a delightful insight to a woman who will go down in history as one of the UK's legends.

Frankly I was disappointed when I received this book. It was intended as a Christmas gift for my wife. She had much enjoyed 'Our Queen' by Robert Hardman--in fact it would score 5 stars. However, this latest book is exactly the same book--same chapters, same photos, same text (at least 99% the same). The only differences are different publisher, different title, different front cover, and higher price! It is highly misleading for this to happen. Result--a disappointed wife, and the price of the book wasted!!

I'm a Royalist, have been since I was a child and I have extensive "Royal library from Queen Victoria to Elizabeth II and her family" More than likely "I've read the book and know the back story on the Royal character that the author is detailing." In Robert Hardman's book, he gives you the real "back story" of Elizabeth II and her family from the "court's perspective" this to me was fascinating and I couldn't put this book down! "The Court" advisors can make or break a person and the Queen has shown that over her 64 years, she will initially take their input but if this advice is contrary to her beliefs or does not line up with Royal tradition than she will follow her own intention and thought. There are some very "new ideas and concepts" about how the Queen and Prince Phillip "reign" together, in their various capacities as vibrant senior couple. This book was very refreshing to me to learn these new details about Elizabeth II reign relating to "her court". Well worth checking out this book!

The book arrived on time and in excellent condition. Fully satisfied. Thank you very much, pierre damboise.

Came yesterday in good condition, thanks.