On February 6^th 1952 the life of the Princess Elizabeth changed forever when her father died and she came to the throne. She had been born 3^rd in line to the throne and would never have expected to be the Monarch, but first the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936, and the early death of her father, George VI, thrust the 25-year-old princess onto the throne. She was crowned on June 2^nd 1953, and this year she celebrates 60 years as the Head of State of the United Kingdom as well as fifteen commonwealth countries. She has been served by 12 British Prime Ministers; seen 12 American Presidents hold office, and seen six Popes elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church. 

The changes in the country from the post-war 1950s to the 21^st century have been phenomenal. From widespread social change in the British way of life, to advances in education, science, technology, medicine, and telecommunications – the list is endless and throughout this period the Queen has been at the head of this evolving state. The popularity of the Monarchy rises and falls, but even the most ardent Republican would have to concede that Her Majesty has been a dignified and dutiful Head of State throughout the last 60 years.

We have a selection of books about the Monarchy in the library, and hope that there will be something of interest for everyone.

 

5094             ANNE                                               by Brian Hoey

An account of the life and work of the Princess Royal.

 

7678             CHARLES AND CAMILLA        by Giles Brandreth

Royal biographer, Gyles Brandreth, paints a portrait of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the love of his life, Camilla Shand, now Duchess of Cornwall.

 

9182             DIAMOND QUEEN                     by Andrew Marr

In the year of her Diamond Jubilee, Andrew Marr examines the monarchy, and the Queen's role at the centre of the state. He thematically dissects her role and her political relationships, arguing that the drastic changes that have occurred since her accession have ensured that the monarchy is still fit for purpose.

 

5830             FROM COTTAGE TO PALACE    by Margaret Bramford

An account of the life of Florence Bramford who became a ladies' maid to the ladies-in-waiting of the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II. It describes her work in the Royal Palaces and on several Royal Tours.

 

8810             HARMONY: A New Way of Looking at the World

                                                                          by H.R.H. Prince of Wales

This is the Prince of Wales’ guide to what we have lost in modern life and a blueprint for a more balanced, sustainable world.

 

8792             THE KING’S SPEECH    by Peter Conradi & Mark Logue 

The previously untold story of speech therapist Lionel Logue and his role in transforming the stammering Duke of York into a man capable of becoming King.

 

5173             A KING’S STORY                          by Duke of Windsor

The story of the man raised to be King but who abandoned the throne for love. Written in 1951, this is the only autobiography ever written by a British Monarch.

 

4882             MY DARLING BUFFY                 by Grania Forbes

A unique portrait of the Queen Mother. The author was granted unprecedented access to the Royal Family, their friends and advisors when researching this book.

 

8260             ON ROYALTY                                by Jeremy Paxman

This book provides information about kings, queens, princes and princesses - who they are and what they are for. Included are details such as: how Albania came to advertise in England for a king; which English Queen gave birth in front of 67 people; and how meeting the Queen is a bit scary no matter who you are!

 

7004             PHILIP AND ELIZABETH          by Giles Brandreth

The author, having spent time with the royal couple, explores the marriage between Queen Elizabeth II and Philip.

 

8280             PRINCESS MARGARET by Tim Heald

Tim Heald's vivid and elegant biography is written with help from those closest to Princess Margaret - her family, three of her private secretaries, and many of her ladies in waiting - using material from the royal archives.

 

The following books will be in the library shortly:

THE LITTLE PRINCESSES                                  by Marion Crawford

SNOWDON: The Autobiography                         by Anne de Courcy

WILLIAM & CATHERINE                                       by Andrew Morton

 

 

For those of you who might wish to consider a republican state!

 

3734             THE QUEEN AND I                      by Sue Townsend

Funny and provocative novel about the Queen and her family being re-housed on a council estate after a republican party wins the General Election.

 

 

Christine Ronaldson