Power and Glory: Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty

by Alexander Larman

All This I Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty will be the new book from Alexander Larman, author of The Crown in Crisis and The Windsors at War, and the conclusion of Larman's 'Windsors trilogy' .

It will begin with the fallout from the revelation of the Duke of Windsor's wartime treachery, and will end with the Coronation of Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. In between, it will depict a monarchy - and a country - struggling to cope with the aftermath of World War Two, in an era where old certainties have been replaced by the rise of a new, uncertain world, and where love, tragedy and modernity battle for supremacy.

All This I Promise will use the same previously unseen and rare sources as Larman's previous books , including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, the Churchill College Archives and the Balliol Archives, as well as the Clement Attlee archives at the Bodleian in Oxford and the Parliamentary Archives in London.

New material will include extensive unpublished correspondence between major members of the Royal Family including George VI, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Windsor, the Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill, and previously unseen diaries and memoranda from courtiers, personal secretaries and leading politicians, exploring everything from the King's declining health to the (often negative) reactions to Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip and Coronation.

All This I Promise will offer the same intricately researched and incisively written account of Britain's most famous family as Larman's previous books, but with a panoramic and epic international scale. It will explore everything from the end of British rule in India to the foundation of the United Nations, and the crucial role that monarchy played in the ever-shifting era - as well, naturally, as the way in which the Duke and Duchess of Windsor attempted to return to relevance, whatever the cost might be to the wider Royal Family.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Alexander Larman is an author, historian and journalist. After reading English at Oxford, from where he graduated with a First, he ghost-wrote and edited various memoirs and biographies, including the late artist and flâneur Sebastian Horsley’s Dandy In The Underworld. His involvement with the book led Horsley to say ‘there is no man in London more capable of genius – or a flop – than Alexander Larman’.

He began his own writing career with Blazing Star (Head of Zeus, 2014), a biography of the 17th century poet and libertine Lord Rochester, and followed this with Restoration (Head of Zeus, 2016) a social history of the year 1666, and Byron’s Women (Head of Zeus, 2016), an ‘anti-biography’ of the poet Lord Byron and the significant women in his life. His next book, The Crown in Crisis (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2020) was a revisionist history of the abdication saga. It was selected by the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Express as one of their best books of the year and led to significant international media coverage of the new revelations about the event.

As a journalist, Larman regularly contributes to titles including The Observer, The Critic, the Daily Telegraph, The Spectator and The Chap, for which he serves as literary editor. He lives in Oxford with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Steve Donoghue]

A breathless, cliched, and often ridiculous look at the final years of King George VI. The author has done some research, but he when he got to his writing table, he ended up preferring gossip, salacious footnotes, and bombastic nonsense over any kind of sober analysis. Readers who want a Royals biography to love the queen and dish the dirt will eat this up - but there's not much more here. My review: https://openlettersreview.com/posts/p...

[Sherwood Smith]

In his introduction, Larman seems to find it necessary to protest that he's a republican, not a monarchist, but from time to time I wondered how deep that republicanism really ran as I read this absorbing follow-on to his previous book about the UK's royal family just before and during WW II. In the beginning he repeats rather often that the king had health problems due to overwork, leading me to wonder what health problems, and what overwork does a parliamentary king really have? He's rich as sin and he's a king. He can do pretty much what he wants save issue actual laws or launch wars, while all political power rests in the hands of Parliament.

We do get to the health issues, and also the overwork, as a gradual picture emerges of a natural recluse who was forced into the public stage when his brother abdicated, and who admirably did his duty, though he became a chain smoker in order to do it. Larman, using formidable research, paints a picture of a complex but admirable man.

Meanwhile, his daughter Elizabeth comes to age, falls in love, and then becomes queen, and here is where the unstinting admiration really comes into play. Though the book is chock-full of interesting characters, well and succinctly described, there is no really getting past the carefully groomed public persona of Elizabeth. Prince Philip fares slightly better.

Best of all are Larman's catchups with the the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as they inexorably descend into utter banality, with jets of spite and greed. Apparently they were obsessed with the notion that they were owed a luxurious life because Edward had once been a king, and they ought not be required to (shudder) pay income tax.

Though I retain a sliver of sympathy for Wallis Simpson shut out of the inner circles of royalty simply because she was a divorcee (and my sympathy might have been stronger if there had been presented evidence that she had fallen in love with Edward duke rather than the title to which she felt she was owed) I did have to laugh at a protest from this American-born girl who whines that she cannot run a "correct" house that upholds what she feels the duke's prestige requires if they aren't handed a wad of cash in order to buy a giant house and all the minions to do the work of running it. Why didn't she cash in some of those crushingly expensive jewels she was flaunting everywhere? In fact, might have pretended were stolen so she could collect the insurance, and which turned up in her effects after she died?

Anyway, their dealings with Nazis and Nazi sympathizers doused cold any remainder of sympathy. They deserved to dwindle to obscurity, and did.

Altogether it was an absorbing and stylishly written read, even if Elizabeth remained the perfect princess-turned-queen that royal publicity spent so long refining; I expect some of that might be due to the fact that she is so recently deceased, and evidence of her as a human being lies in the future to be discovered.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If my first book was a ticking-clock’s suspense thriller set against the backdrop of something thought constitutionally unprecedented, and the second a wartime saga that explored a dysfunctional, squabbling family tested to its limits, so this one too has a simple story at its heart: it is an account of a close and loving father-and-daughter relationship, albeit one where the father is dying and the daughter is facing upheaval and change on an unimaginable scale.
From the Introduction of Power and Glory by Alexander Larman

“I am not a monarchist,” Larman writes in his Introduction to Power and Glory. Yet at their best, the royal family exhibited virtues such that when he finished writing this book, Larman wanted to leap onto a table and shout, “God Save the Queen!”

I have been riveted by all three volumes of Larman’s trilogy, beginning with The Crown in Crisis, about the turmoil created with the abdication of Edward VIII, and continuing with The Windsors at War, set during WWII with the new king juggling the threat of Nazi Germany and keeping his ex-king Nazi sympathizer brother out of trouble. Power and Glory finishes the series with the end of the war, England in economic crisis and the king in failing health and Princess Elizabeth coming into adulthood and assuming the throne.

Sure, I knew the basic facts from other books and television series and such. Yet Larman’s narrative is so compelling and accessible, with some snarky humor tossed in, and the political intrigues so interesting, I couldn’t stop reading. In fact, I would love to spend a week and reread the entire trilogy nonstop.

Throughout this time in history, the Duke of Windsor continued to bemoan and complain about the loss of the perks of being royalty, the lack of funds necessary to keep up the lifestyle to which he had been accustomed, and the lack of a permanent home, preferably where he didn’t need to pay taxes. And, he continued to press for Wallis’ reception by the royal family and given the title Her Royal Highness. He claimed she had made him deliriously happy, without either ever seeming happy with their lot in life. Apparently, love isn’t everything. So, the Duke and Duchess got creative with what was apparently insurance fraud. Then the Duke decided to write his biography for easy money, except he was unable to concentrate on getting it done.

Meanwhile, King George VI had exhausted his health during the war, with additional harm from taking up smoking as self-medication for stress. He was dealing with the end of US financial support and rebuilding the British economy and repairing all the war damage. Churchill was out; Atlee and the Labor party were in and the king’s role in government was diminished. There was some question as to the point of a royal family. The king was pretty cranky, even mistreating a corgi. Meantime, the Duke of Windsor fantasized about assuming the role of regent at the King’s death, for obviously Elizabeth was too young for the job.

His daughter Elizabeth was the king’s main support, but she had fallen for her distant cousin Phillip Mountbatten. Philip was handsome, but was not quite up to standards–brusk, informal, shabby, poor, and a Greek citizen to boot. The family whisked the princess away on a tour which did nothing for the king’s health but showed Elizabeth was firm in her love choice.

I am either very brave or very stupid.
Philip Mountbatten, quoted in Power and Glory by Alexander Larman

Elizabeth got her man. In fact, she ‘got’ several other notable men, including President Truman and Winston Churchill, both love-struck. What a gal! And, she not only took on the mantle of queen with aplomb, she showed herself to be serious and informed and ready.

And so the book ends with the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth II, just six months before I was born, and which ended while the author was writing.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

[Janereads10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for my free book for review.

The book "Glory and Power: Elizabeth and the Rebirth of Royalty" by Alexander Larman is truly exceptional. The storytelling-like narration drew me in, making it a remarkable read. Two aspects that particularly stood out were the relationship between King George VI and his brother, the Duke of Windsor, and the special bond between King George VI and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth. The book provides a comprehensive insight into the customs, politics, and crisis during the post-war era. It highlights the profound impact on the family and the country following the loss of the King. However, the book ends on a positive note, shedding light on the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, as well as the ascension of the princess to the throne. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the royal family and English history.

[Sara Planz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concluding book in Alexander Larman's "Windsor Trilogy", Power and Glory, takes us from the fallout of the abdication of King Edward VIII, through the post-WWII years under the reign of KIng George VI, ultimately to his death and the coronation of his daughter Queen Elizabeth II. Larman was able to access unseen documents, letters, and records to give the reader better insight into this pivotal time for the Windsor family and the British Empire. This books goes in-depth into the abdicated King's meddling and desire to be given a role after he stepped aside for love, the love story of Philip and Elizabeth, the terrible toll that leading took on King George VI, along with behind the scenes looks at how the courtiers managed it all.

With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, this book serves as a window into the beginnings of her reign as well as the turmoil preceding it. Seeing everything leading up to her coronation laid out in this book, the reader is able to see how much pressure she was to right the royal ship so to speak and bring constancy back to the monarchy. Her father's dedication to his role that ended up killing him, her mother's guidance, and Philip's love and understanding allowed her to become that beloved figure of leadership for decades. As mentioned previously, this is the final book in a history series, but can easily be read as a standalone if you want to concentrate more on the Queen in this pivotal time.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Larman’s third book in his series about the House of Windsor and three of the last four monarchs of the United Kingdom, he explores the postwar years of Windsor rule under George VI and Elizabeth II while Edward, Duke of Windsor, lives abroad. Using previously unseen documents about the royal family, Larman’s final book sees Elizabeth II grow as the heir apparent and into her own as queen in her own right, following her young adulthood, courtship, and the early years of her marriage to Philip Duke of Edinburgh. As the family divides between the family on the throne and the abdicated former king, all three monarchs set out to leave their mark on history and restore faith in the House of Windsor and the monarch of the United Kingdom. Larman’s prose is straightforward and clear, while the quotes from these rare royal documents are fascinating to read and a real treat for readers and fans of the royal family. With a clear historical background and a lot of historical context, Larman is a masterful writer with a clear familiarity with the modern royal family and their history. A great background of Elizabeth II, her father, and her uncle, fans of the royal family are sure to enjoy this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.

[Kimberley Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m gonna read any and all authorized biographical info on the royals (I may have a bit of an obsession) & though there’s not always a lot of new information, this book did provide the basis & authenticity for many of the letters written by the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII) in the early seasons of The Crown. It’s nice to know these weren’t formed using creative license & many are actually almost verbatim.
It’s an interesting read about the early life, marriage, & very early reign of Queen Elizabeth.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this and other reviews, subscribe to my email list at www.bargain-sleuth.com

I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the final book in Alexander Larman’s trilogy about the Royal Family. He protests that he’s a republican and not a monarchist, but the unabashed admiration for Queen Elizabeth II comes through as the book unfolds. This is a solid entry into the trilogy, and I found it the most interesting of the books, although I enjoyed all of the books.

The book centers on several people: George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Elizabeth, and the Duke of Windsor. Other players include Prince Philip and the Duchess of Windsor. If you haven’t read the other books in the series, this book picks up post WWII, after Churchill was voted out of office and Princess Elizabeth is in the early stages of a serious relationship with Philip. Included in this book are many previously unpublished letters involving the major and minor players in the royal family, which was very revealing of their character.

The more I read about George VI and all his health problems, I am amazed at how long he lasted on the throne. The man had some serious health problems even prior to becoming king and developed many more after. He managed to survive the war years, but the strain of that, as well as developing a serious problem with smoking just shattered his physical and mental health. He really was a fragile man.

Queen Elizabeth comes across just like most people think of her: a woman who did everything to help her husband succeed as king, a role for which he was ill-prepared, yet grew in the role. She had a stainless-steel backbone but projected herself as a sweet and docile woman. She often worried about Bertie’s health and admitted as much to certain people like Queen Mary, his mother, but to others, she outright covered up the king’s health issues and put on a happy face.

The Duke of Windsor is still lurking about, badgering his brother for the elusive HRH designation he so desperately wanted for Wallis. He also pestered George VI to let him live part of the year in England. One thing that this book makes clear that many other books about Edward VIII’s abdication and subsequent life abroad always implied he couldn’t return to Great Britain, but he made many trips to the country to visit his mother, Queen Mary, and to meet with major players to beg for an official job from the crown.

Also included is Edward VIII’s journey to write an autobiography, not to just tell his side of the abdication story, but to make a lot of money. His ghostwriter grew more and more frustrated with the former king, who grew less and less interested in doing any actual work on the book, so the ghostwriter, Charles Murphy, cobbled something together that tried not to offend the living members of the royal family. The book was a huge success, and the duke had a sudden influx of cashflow.

Princess Elizabeth is shown in a good light at all times. Prince Philip and she grew more and more serious in their relationship, and she longed to get married. Her mother and father insisted she slow down and took her and Princess Margaret to South Africa for months to get her away from Philip. When they returned to England, she was still mad about the prince, and her parents grudgingly agreed to a marriage.

Prince Philip does not come off very well, but to be fair, the attitudes and comments attributed to him in the book should be no surprise to anyone that has followed the royal family for any length of time. He was hoping for a long naval career but realized that would not be happening early on because of the king’s failing health. He tried to make the best of the time he and Elizabeth had together, before that fateful day in 1952 when she became queen upon the death of her father.

Power and Glory is a well-rounded conclusion to the trilogy. For people like me who consume anything related to the royal family, good or bad, this is a solid entry into the pantheon of literature about the House of Windsor.

[Poppy Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************
All This I Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty will be the new book from Alexander Larman, author of The Crown in Crisis and The Windsors at War, and the conclusion of Larman's ' Windsor's trilogy' .

It will begin with the fallout from the revelation of the Duke of Windsor's wartime treachery, and will end with the Coronation of Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. In between, it will depict a monarchy - and a country - struggling to cope with the aftermath of World War Two, in an era where old certainties have been replaced by the rise of a new, uncertain world, and where love, tragedy and modernity battle for supremacy.

All This I Promise will use the same previously unseen and rare sources as Larman's previous books , including the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, the Churchill College Archives and the Balliol Archives, as well as the Clement Attlee Archives at the Bodleian in Oxford and the Parliamentary Archives in London.

New material will include extensive unpublished correspondence between major members of the Royal Family including George VI, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Windsor, the Prime Ministers Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill, and previously unseen diaries and memoranda from courtiers, personal secretaries and leading politicians, exploring everything from the King's declining health to the (often negative) reactions to Elizabeth's marriage to Prince Philip and Coronation.

All This I Promise will offer the same intricately researched and incisively written account of Britain's most famous family as Larman's previous books but with a panoramic and epic international scale. It will explore everything from the end of British rule in India to the foundation of the United Nations and the crucial role that monarchy played in the ever-shifting era - as well, naturally, as the way in which the Duke and Duchess of Windsor attempted to return to relevance, whatever the cost might be to the wider Royal Family.

I loved The Crown and love books about the Royal Family and this one did not disappoint – lots of new information that an individual reader or a book club will want to share and discuss with others. ERII will undoubtedly be known as the greatest ruler of Great Britain and this book does not argue the point – fabulous read. #shortbutsweetrevews

(I don't think I have read the previous two books in the trilogy - this book works as a stand-alone.)

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in his carefully researched trilogy, "Power and Glory" is Alexander Larman's conclusion to the saga of King Edward VIII and King George VI of England. The first two books followed the death of their father, King George V and the abdication crisis as Edward (David to the family) abdicated his responsibilities to the throne, meaning his younger brother (Bertie in the family) had to become king. It ended up being the best thing that could happen for England, even if the stress and strain of the job probably helped kill him. Book two follows World War 2 and Bertie leading England while David flits around being thoughtless at best, a Nazi sympathizer and possibly quite a bit more.

Book 3, "Power and Glory" is the immediate aftermath of the war. England is dealing with economic crisis and a shrinking empire, George VI is trying to deal with local crisis as well as the rise of Communist Russia and his own failing health. Elizabeth is growing up, falling in love with Phillip, and marrying him despite some push back. I was saddened by reading exactly how ill George VI was and how much he suffered, but the rest of that part of the story didn't hold my attention too much. What I very much enjoyed was when the story would switch to David and Wallis.

Trying desperately to hold on to some level of power or relevance in the world, David and Wallis try to get the crown to have the former king made a kind of ambassador so he can have social parties and get the government to pay for them (and not pay taxes). Surprisingly, the government declines this offer. So they start trying to see what kind of trouble they can cause.

Probably a tragic-comedy if they weren't so thoroughly dislikable, the detailed research into David and Wallis' actions and how the British government and the Royal family had to deal with them were by far my favorite parts of this book, and I'd recommend it for that alone. If you're interested in Britain post WW2, this is a good place to start.

As always, thoroughly researched and generally well written, if occasionally given to more "if they only knew then"type of chapter endings than I prefer, Larman's "Power and Glory" is a solid conclusion to his trilogy on the Windsor family and Great Britain and their combined experiences in World War II.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

525 Pages

5 Stars

This is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy by Alexander Larman.

The story picks up at the conclusion of WWII in Europe. There is a wild celebration in the streets. King George VI was kind enough to allow Elizabeth and Margaret to go out amongst the ordinary citizens as part of their celebration. But, of course, the King and his family and council knows that the war with Japan is very much real.

We follow the remainder of the king’s reign, short though it was. Sadly, his health problems finally overcame him. Elizabeth and Phillip were touring Africa at the time of King George VI’s death. They hurried home to a devastated family and citizenry.

The book also follows the shenanigans of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Honestly, those two did all they could to make others miserable for their own gain. I felt like I was reading the local gossip column. Not that I didn’t find it salacious or delicious. They were so very irritating.

We also travel to the lead up to Elizabeth II’s coronation.

This is a wonderfully informative book. It is very well written and flows along as one event follows another. Mr. Larman is able to draw complete pictures of the characters. This reader felt like I was there, witnessing all that occurred. I loved it!

There is also an extensive bibliography for those who would like to further explore the situations as described in this book. We can also gather more information through the copious footnotes scattered throughout.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Rachel Heil · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Power and Glory: Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty, Alexander brings his acclaimed Windsor trilogy to a compelling and judicious close, examining the fragile postwar years when the British monarchy’s future was anything but secure. With his trademark clarity and narrative confidence, Larman charts the turbulent transition from the reign of George VI to the ascension of a young, untested Elizabeth II, illuminating how the modern monarchy was reshaped under pressure.

The book excels in its portrayal of uncertainty: victory in World War II offers little reassurance as abdication scandals linger, imperial power wanes, and the Duke of Windsor continues to destabilize the family from abroad. Larman’s use of rare and previously unseen documents adds authority and texture, particularly in his exploration of Edward VIII’s wartime activities and the behind the scenes tensions that threatened royal unity.

Elizabeth emerges not as a mythic figure but as a conscientious, quietly resolute woman inheriting a deeply compromised institution. Key moments, the royal wedding, George VI’s death, and the early days of Elizabeth’s reign, are rendered with insight and restraint, underscoring how continuity, discipline, and emotional reserve became tools of survival as much as tradition.

Balanced, meticulously researched, and highly readable, Power and Glory is both a fitting conclusion to Larman’s trilogy and a valuable study of leadership under scrutiny. It will reward readers interested in modern British history, monarchy, and the careful reinvention of power in an age of decline.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is largely about Elizabeth's transition to the throne after World War II and George VI's physical decline. Larman doesn't look back on her lengthy reign, which might provide more support for his argument that she was transformational, but the overwhelming impression conveyed is that the late Queen was a traditionalist where the monarchy was concerned. She had the normal contacts of someone in her position with "normal" people before acceding to the throne, which is to say that she probably (and inevitably) saw them as 1) inferior in status and 2) her responsibility. There is widespread agreement that the Queen was a distant mother figure to Charles, and I suspect the same was true for her subjects. I understand why Larman limits her responsibility for a putative "rebirth" to the opening of her reign, when Churchill was burbling about a second Elizabethan Age. If you look forty years on after the Coronation, the monarchy was at its lowest ebb in public opinion. Matters weren't helped by Diana's death. These events grew out of the way in which her children were raised. The problem is that most family problems don't play out on an international stage. I don't think Diana was a saint, nor Elizabeth a bad person. She was popular when she came to the throne because her parents were popular and Elizabeth and Philip were attractive young people. They became increasingly popular after the turn of this century because they were old, and she at least performed her public duties with grace and elan. But Charles and Camilla are already approaching the job somewhat differently and enacting real structural changes.

[Belinda Bunce Naicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a longtime monarchist and royal enthusiasts, I watched The Crown series several times, and I approached Alexander Larman’s Power and Glory with interest in “valid” points about the monarchy. A caveat: I have not read Larman’s earlier volumes in the trilogy, namely The Crown in Crisis and Windsors at War. My impressions here are thus shaped by this standalone encounter, rather than a comparison with those preceding works.

I must admit that I felt the book focused more on the Duke of Windsor (previous King Edward) than on Queen Elizabeth, despite Larman’s introduction stating that his focus is on three separate protagonists.

What I appreciated

Dramatis personae. - The inclusion of a dramatis personae at the start is particularly helpful, given the number of figures and the frequent interconnections between them. It makes it easier to track relationships and references as the book moves along.

Engaging prose and energy. - Larman writes with a distinctive style that brings the period to life, making the history feel immediate and vivid. Even without having read his previous works, I found his voice compelling and readable.

Effective atmosphere. - The book succeeds in conveying the mood of an era—one where power, prestige, and public duty intersect with personal choices and political maneuvering. That sense of “Englishness” you sometimes feel in these pages can be quite powerful.


I will certainly add his earlier volumes, The Crown in Crisis and Windsors at War, to my to-read list. I don’t see them as urgent reads, but I look forward to the broader arc they promise.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power and Glory
By Alexander Larman

This book concludes Mr. Larman's trilogy concerning the house of Windsor. The first book – "The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication" is, as the title says, the story of Edward VIII – his ascension as king of England, his wild love for Wallis Simpson, his abdication in favor of the "woman he loved".

The second book ("The Windsors at War") details the kingship of King George VI, the younger brother who never expected to be king, and his subsequent partnership with Winston Churchill in leading the country through the horrors of World War II.

This final volume begins with the end of the war, Churchill's loss of power, the King's various health issues which eventually lead to his death, and the constant thorn in the King's side, his brother David, the Duke of Windsor. It includes the courtship and marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Montbatten. In its final pages Churchill returns to power, becomes a great friend to the new and untried Queen, and helps her through the coronation.
The story of the coronation makes clear the roles – both public and private – that Elizabeth and Philip had to assume throughout their lives.

While not a big non-fiction reader, I really enjoyed reading all three of these books. They bring home the family dynamics involved both privately and publicly. Together, the three books provide a fascinating view of the British monarchy.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off after the war and the people are happy for the King and Queen. In addition, on her 21st birthday, Princess Elizabeth gives her infamous speech promising to dedicate her life to the good of the monarchy.

We visit the family’s 4-month trip away to a warm environment while Britain was experiencing an extremely cold winter. This stressed the King immensely as he felt he should be with his people instead of away from them.

Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip are continuing to be attracted to one another and the possibility of their engagement is discussed. Lascelles is adamantly against it but Mountbatten wants the marriage to happen. The King doesn’t want Elizabeth to become engaged until she is 21 years old.

We follow the incredibly bad antics of Edward and Wallis which shows their greediness and total disregard for the royal family. Reminds me of another couple in the news with the same greed and disregard. I’m sure you know who I mean.

When Bertie dies, Elizabeth is poised to become queen. She is strong and promises to dedicate her life to this. The book ends on her Coronation day.

I enjoyed yet another book about the royal family that I deeply admire. The one person that I have felt had way too much say in royal matters is Lascelles. Ugh. However, Winston Churchill, on the other hand, has always been a favorite of mine. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power and Glory
Elizabeth II and the Rebirth of Royalty
by Alexander Larman
Pub DateApr 30 2024
St. Martin's Press
Biographies & Memoirs| History


I received a copy of Power and Glory from St. Martins Press and Netgalley for review:



In 1945, when the Royal Family sat on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate VE Day, they knew that the happiness and excitement of the day was illusory. In spite of Britain's victory in a painful war, the peace would be no easier. Following the abdication crisis, the death of King George VI, and the ascension of young Elizabeth II to the throne, the monarchy seemed doomed. Adding insult to injury, the former Edward VIII, now the Duke of Windsor, conniving and sniping from the sidelines in an attempt to regain relevance, even writing a controversial memoir, could only make matters worse. However, it remained to be seen whether Elizabeth would be able to make the monarchy a force for international pride and even love once again.


Using rare and previously unseen documents, Alexander Larman concludes his acclaimed Windsor family trilogy. As Larman chronicles events such as the Royal Wedding, George VI's death, and the discovery of the Duke of Windsor's treacherous activities during World War II, he paints a vivid picture of how the end of one sovereign's reign signaled the beginning of a new Elizabethan Age, which brought power and glory back to a monarchy in need.

I give Power and Glory five out Of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Matthew Schiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is notoriously hard to stick the landing with trilogies especially one as epochal as dealing with the Royal Family but the author does a commendable job. Coming from the abdication crisis and World War II this volume might appear to be a letdown but I think it’s a great coda to the overall story. Political drama and war make for good reading but the “happily ever after” ending is a good note to go out on as well. The Duke of Windsor is such an enigmatic and loathsome, at times, figure that, while he may be the central figure of these stories, it was good to read about others and to hear about triumph in the face of adversity. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, for any faults they may have had, really exemplified what the people wanted from their monarchy. We can all
aspire to be like them and act that way when someone like the Duke of Windsor is there to make a mess. Really interesting and detailed first hand personal accounts make for a very informative read and the authors usual wit and snark (in a good way) really make the reading fun and never a history lesson.

*I received this advanced copy as part of a Goodreads Giveaway

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power and Glory by Alexander Larman is the third in a trilogy about the royal family. The first book is the ‘Crown in Crisis’ which covers the abdication of Edward VIII. The second book is ‘The Windsors at War’ which is set during World War II and ends on VE day. The ‘Power and Glory’ picks up at VE day and continues through the coronation of Elizabeth II.

Mr. Larman’s research is incredible. The amount of facts that are in this triology is mind blowing. This portion of the trilogy covers the economic crisis after the war, the King’s failing health and Princess Elizabeth growing up, falling in love with Philip Mountbatten and her assent to the throne. There is also the untidy business of the Duke of Windsor. His continual whining, his need to feel relevant and recognized and the unrelenting push to have his wife receive the title of HRH.

I think the average person knows the basic facts from newspapers, television and books. However, Mr. Larman’s writing and research is very compelling. I had some trouble getting bogged down in some of minute details but overall the story of the Windsors is fascinating. The intrigue is so interesting. I was thoroughly pleased with all three books. Mr. Larman’s hard work definitely shows.

I would like to thank Mr. Larman, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie)]

I enjoyed this detailed book which covers the time period during the reign of King George VI and the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. We learn about a young Elizabeth and her wedding as well as her relationship with the King. It is also interesting to draw comparisons between the Duke of Windsor (the King’s brother) and his wife Wallis SImpson and Prince Harry and his wife Meghan. I’m always amazed when I read about royalty at how much power the high ranking staff that work for the various palaces has and how they contribute to the decisions of the Royal Family. With all the difficulties the current members of the Royal Family are experiencing and the issues regarding their relevance it was interesting to read some of the history leading up to current times. This book was well researched and well written. The author had access to an impressive wide variety of correspondence and documents from the Royal Family as well as politicians and world events from that time. It’s the third book in a series but can be read as a standalone.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Power and Glory is the third and final chapter in the story of Windsor Brothers up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Mr. Larman has thoroughly researched the topic at length. This last saga reveals more about the dwindling health of George VI and his spoiled and wayward brother the Duke of Windsor,

It is a fascinating read even if you have read other books, there is much that was revealed that was new but not a surprise. One of the things that I found incredulous to believe. Wallis believed them to be homeless. I wonder if she would have the same opinion today. The idea of being homeless is vastly different in today's standards. It is hard to find any sympathy at all for the displaced Windsor's. It hard to decide if their self-entitlement was due to being raised that way or from greed, possibly both.

If you love to read about the Royals, this is worth the time to read.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.

[Diana Cheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am conflicted on this, partly because whilst reading this I went to watch him speak about this book, and so I am also leaning on that experience.
I would say 3.5 stars rounded up to 4, because of the talk. I would say that the content covered isn’t really that new - there are a few things, particularly around Prince Philip. It seemed as though this would be about the relationship between George VI and QE2, which was shown by the photo on the front, and to a certain extent there was. However, he lets his visceral hatred of Edward VIII shine through and dwells a lot on him. I feel that this is almost a continuation of book 1 (I’ve not read book 2 yet) and is more about his dislike for Edward and Wallis, than it is the relationship of father and daughter he set out to display.
Larman is very knowledgeable, and when questioned he knows his stuff. However, his animosity towards Edward extends to anyone that liked him, and I’m not sure he knows why. If you’re looking for something unbalanced, you won’t find it here.

[Meghan ReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you St Martin's for the review copy! I admit, as much attention and coverage that the Royal family gets, I actually don't have a strong grounding in the history of the families and the crown. I appreciate the grounding of this story in terms of examining family relationships and the placement of world war II, the challenges of that time and the role of the royal family, Elizabeth II's growing role and presence. I valued the details and development of the book.
I thought the themes on the place and presence, relevance, of the royal family was most interesting to me as I feel we are, almost 100 years later, facing a similar issue: what role does the royal family play in today's world community and in England? How do they reshape themselves to remain not just relevant but also valuable to their country and other world communities?

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power and Glory is the third book in Alexander Larman’s Windsor trilogy that began with The Crown In Crisis. This volume picks up the story where The Windsors at War ended on VE Day and continues through the coronation of Elizabeth II. Mr. Larman continues his study on The Duke of Windsor’s continued quest for relevance and formal family recognition of his wife. He also details the challenges faced after the war by the change of government from conservative to liberal, and, of course, the courtship and eventual marriage of Elizabeth and Phillip. Detailed in its researched events, the book is educational, entertaining and immensely readable. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

For absolutely all the gossip in one easy-to-read novel, this is your book!

Larman did extensive research into the diaries and journals of those who interacted with the royals as well as gossip rags, newspapers and magazine exposes! Oh MY!

Edward, VIII, known as David to his family and his wife, Wallis, featured strongly in these journalistic and caustic comments about the royals.

And then there's Philip, who later became the consort of Queen E II, who was shown in the worst light.

If gossip is your thing, you'll love it!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after finishing the book, I find the choice of title incredibly odd, as only the last few chapters of the book really dealt with the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign. I assumed the book would begin at... well, the beginning of the reign of the young queen and continue up until her death, and yet much of the book dealt with post-war Britain, and some of the last traces of the abdication crisis. Nonetheless, the book is written in an appreciably approachable style that reminded me somewhat of Lady Antonia Fraser, and the subject is one that I enjoyed learning about. I would without question read another by Larman.

[Anne S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focused less on Elizabeth than it does on her father and his relationship with his brother the Duke of Windsor. The author clearly dislikes the Duke. I haven't read either of the other two books in this trilogy which focuses on the abdication in the first book and the Windsors activities during WWII. I have read other books about these events. This book reinforces that the Duke was not a good person.
Elizabeth's father wanted to make sure she would be ready for her role when he died. I didn't know that he had health issues for such a long time.
This book was well written and well researched.

[Lyndsay Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never and will never claim to be an enthusiast of the royal family but Power and Glory was an enlightening story about the royal family post world war II up to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It was very well written in that it was easy to read but was still full of interesting and rare facts about the Windsor family. I will definitely be adding the previous two books from the trilogy to my TBR list. Maybe Alexander Larman will make me a royal enthusiast after all....

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely wonderful book about Queen Elizabeth II and how she and her family has helped breathe new life into the Royal Family. Alexander Larman has been helping us to see the Royals as human for a while now, and this end to his trilogy about the House of Windsor is the perfect ending to that series. I enjoyed this book about the humans that make up the Royal family.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great look into the reign of Queen Elizabeth and her father King George. The family dynamics between the King and his brother (Who abdicated the throne) was especially interesting. The story is straightforward without any political prejudice. Overall, a great read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.