Call me a crazy American, but I am totally fascinated with the Royal Family. I supposed it started with my first reading, and viewing, of Cinderella as a child. Or perhaps it was Snow White….thank you Disney! But, I never really paid attention to the real, bigger-than-life-real-life Royal Family until I had a roommate in college whose father worked for a global company, stationed in London. While she was at college here in Wisconsin, the rest of her family was rubbing elbows with elite Brits. Go figure! My fascination really took off with the marriage of Diana (rest in peace) and Charles, and I remember being glued to the telly during their wedding.
I really wanted to understand just how this non-ruling monarchy has survived so many years. How, exactly, does ascension to the thrown happen? What the heck are their last names? How does the Queen decide if you’re worthy of the word Duke, Duchess, Princess, Lord, Lady? How do you become a Knight? Is there any chance, with some English in my background, that I could be in line for the throne? O.k., that one’s a stretch. But, you have to admit it’s all pretty fascinating. Clearly I’m not the only fascinated one, considering all the movies and television programs in the last few years – Downton Abbey, The Crown, Victoria, etc. And, the Queen is just a damn amazing woman.
I got my hands on a terrific book, New York Times Best Seller, Elizabeth The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith a few years ago, and pulled it back out this summer to read. If you like big, fat books this one is for you. If you’re looking for a fast read, this is not it. At 677 pages, coupled with the level of detail, it’s sure to take you some time. Sally Bedell Smith is recognized for her books being engaging, easy to read, and precisely researched. I would concur.
Elizabeth begins in 1936, just days after her father assumed the throne following his brother’s abdication to marry Wallis Simpson, and winds down following her Golden Jubilee, celebration of 60 years on the throne. It’s a sweeping story that captures current day, supported by its historical precedence. Sprinkled throughout is a collection of photographs that capture the monarchy in pomp and in circumstance.
What I really liked was learning about the Queen, her majesty, her habits and daily rituals (no wonder she’s so smart!), her love of horses and corgis, and her relationship to Parliament and England’s Prime Minister. I also…sort of…understand how and why there are still so many countries within the realm of the Monarchy. And…now I know how to set a proper Queen’s table. This book captures the epitome of the working woman, the Queen, in a real-life, human way that any working woman and mom can relate to.
If you, like me, enjoy learning history, ceremony and royal goings-on, dig into this book. You’re going to love it!
