Elizabeth the Queen

Sally Bedell Smith's book was published in 2012, the year of the Diamond Jubilee, so it covers roughly the first 60 years of Elizabeth II's reign. It does not cover later events such as Prince Philip's death in 2021 or the Queen's death in 2022.

Smith presents Philip as an important private partner who had to adapt his naval ambitions and public role to his wife's constitutional position. Their marriage began in 1947, five years before Elizabeth became queen.

Yes. Smith examines the royal family's response to Diana's death in 1997, including criticism of the Queen's initial public silence and her eventual televised address. The episode illustrates the tension between private mourning, royal protocol, and changing public expectations.

The book begins with Winston Churchill, the Queen's first prime minister, and follows her weekly dealings with successive British governments. Its 2012 publication means the narrative reaches the premiership of David Cameron but not the later reign of Charles III.