by Sally Bedell Smith

This new biography is extremely well researched and based on numerous interviews and never before revealed documents that make for a factual, behind the scenes look at one of the world’s most famous women. Queen Elizabeth II’s passion for the British Commonwealth including the welfare of the people in those countries is foremost and helps clarify the historic role of the Commonwealth and its continuation today. I was also enthralled to discover her friendships, some closer than others, with a parade of British Prime Ministers that she has outlasted. From Winston Churchill to Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher, they have come and gone but the Queen has remained as an example of stability and dedication. Now I have to admit there were times when I didn’t like Elizabeth much, particularly in her early years as a parent. However, she seemed to mellow over time and her love and dedication to her family, particularly the younger Royals, had won me over by the end of the book.
By her side all this time has been Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. This newish title looks at his life before his marriage to then Princess Elizabeth, the heir presumptive. While his life since his marriage has been mostly spent in the public eye, the man who is the longest serving Royal Consort in Britain’s history is a man with a colourful and eventful past life.
by Philip Eade

Among Elizabeth II’s favourite young Royals are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate to us folks!) and Prince Harry. The Royal Wedding last April brought more biographies of the British Royals including these favourites of mine that looked at the young Royals.
by Christopher Andersen
The book takes a favourable look at the royal couple, their family backgrounds, the friendship they formed at St. Andrews University, and the long and sometimes rocky road to the Royal Wedding.
by Katie Nicholl
Nicholl does an extraordinary job of compiling and detailing accounts of the nonpublic lives of royal princes William and Harry of Great Britain, on whom the future and influence of the House of Windsor largely depend. Nicholl relies on a network of insider sources to lend further insight and draw a more complete picture of the brothers, bringing their story up-to-date. Get the scoop (or catch up) on William's and Harry's respective love lives as well as how they have been shaped by royal politics, their parents' divorce, and their mother's tragic death.
Now of course we need to remember that Princess Elizabeth would never have become Queen nor would her father have become King if not for the abdication of the throne by Edward VIII for the woman that the Royal Family often referred to as “that woman”. Now a new biography takes a look at the life of Wallis Simpson, later the Duchess of Windsor and her role in altering the ascension to the British Throne.
That Woman (M)
by Anne Sebba

For special programs marking the Diamond Jubilee check out All Things British at the Keshen Goodman Public Library.
Louise
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