BRIAN HOEY

Theyre not like us, the royals. Or are they? This is the definitive compendium of new and little-known facts about the British royal family.

The Windsors are Englands most famous family, but what are they really like when theyre out of the public gaze? Behind closed doors in every Royal residence, from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House, there are two families - one upstairs and one down - and nobody knows a Royal quite like a Royal servant, intimately acquainted as they are with every quirk, foible and eccentricity. And there are a fair few! This is the inside story of the Royal Family through the eyes of those who know them best, a sneak peek behind the ermine-trimmed curtains to reveal what they really get up to in their spare time. Are they just like us? Or are they are a world apart? Here are the answers to everything weve ever wondered about the Royals: which programmes does the Queen watch on TV? What music did the Queen Mother listen to? Who can drive and who cant? What is it like to attend a dinner party thrown by Charles and Camilla? Who are the most popular (and most unpopular!) Royals to work for and why? Not in Front of the Corgis is the real Upstairs Downstairs - a unique and fascinating collection of all the secrets you ever wanted to know about the Royal Family.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has carried out her role as Sovereign with flawless professionalism. Her demeanour has been perfect, and in the seventy years she has reigned she has epitomised all the hallmarks of an iconic sovereign beloved of her people.As Heir Presumptive, the young Princess Elizabeth received special tuition in law and constitutional history to prepare her for her future role as Sovereign.When she succeeded her father, King George VI, on 6th February 1952, Elizabeth was only twenty-five years old. Married for just five years with two young children, her life changed irrevocably. The responsibilities of monarchy have taken precedence over all else, and the public duties invariably have first call on the Queen's time and energy.This book celebrates the highlights and challenges of the Queen's reign over the past seven decades: *Recalls Princess Elizabeth's childhood and the war years *Includes accounts of the Accession and Coronation when she was still a young woman *Details each decade of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, focussing on both her working life and her family *Describes in detail a typical working day for the sovereign *A special focus on the enduring contribution Her Majesty has made to life in the UK and the Commonwealth, as well as her enviable reputation worldwide *A true celebration in honour of our Queen's Platinum Jubilee

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has carried out her role as Sovereign with flawless professionalism. Her demeanour has been perfect, and in the seventy years she has reigned she has epitomised all the hallmarks of an iconic sovereign beloved of her people.As Heir Presumptive, the young Princess Elizabeth received special tuition in law and constitutional history to prepare her for her future role as Sovereign.When she succeeded her father, King George VI, on 6th February 1952, Elizabeth was only twenty-five years old. Married for just five years with two young children, her life changed irrevocably. The responsibilities of monarchy have taken precedence over all else, and the public duties invariably have first call on the Queens time and energy.This book celebrates the highlights and challenges of the Queens reign over the past seven decades: Recalls Princess Elizabeths childhood and the war years Includes accounts of the Accession and Coronation when she was still a young woman Details each decade of Queen Elizabeth IIs reign, focussing on both her working life and her family Describes in detail a typical working day for the sovereign A special focus on the enduring contribution Her Majesty has made to life in the UK and the Commonwealth, as well as her enviable reputation worldwide A true celebration in honour of our Queens Platinum Jubilee

Long did she reign and peacefully may she rest: this beautiful and thoughtful tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the life of a remarkable woman whose 70 years on the throne made her the longest-reigning monarch in British History. Royal biographer Brian Hoey describes the childhood, accession and coronation of young Elizabeth, and chronicles her extraordinary and dignified transfiguration into beloved wife, mother and grandmother during her seven decades of unflagging service and dedication as Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth. He also explains the constitutional roles and public duties of this accomplished stateswoman, conducted with such outstanding grace and professionalism throughout her life. As the royal family, her country, and countless people around the world prepare to say goodbye, he describes all the honour and ceremony one would expect to be lavished on this cherished sovereign and considers the everlasting effect that her work, life, and legacy will continue to have for many years to come.