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Our Queen
Throughout history, there has been no Monarch like her. She is not merely the oldest Sovereign this country has ever known. She is the most worldly. She has travelled further than all her predecessors put together. She has met more historic figures than anyone alive - from Churchill to Mandela, de Gaulle, Reagan and Obama. And today, Queen Elizabeth II is no more contemplating retirement than she was when she came to the throne in 1952. She sits at the head of a hereditary institution so often associated with rigid tradition. And yet, it is more dynamic now than ever. Having inherited a quasi-Edwardian institution nearly 60 years ago, the Queen presides over a Monarchy which has managed to remain, simultaneously, popular, regal, inclusive and relevant in a 21st Century world. She has done this so effectively that she is, beyond doubt, the most respected and popular figure in British public life. As she reaches a defining moment of her reign - her Diamond Jubilee - Robert Hardman explores the secrets of the Queen's success to produce a fascinating new portrait of a Sovereign who has witnessed more change than any since the creation of Great Britain.
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First published October 6, 2011
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About the author
Robert Hardman
22 books51 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Robert Hardman has covered aspects of royal life for more than twenty years and is the writer of both the film and the book Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work as well as Her Majesty: The Court of Elizabeth II, also available from Pegasus Books. He writes for the Daily Mail in London.
Robert Hardman has covered aspects of royal life for more than twenty years and is the writer of both the film and the book Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work as well as Her Majesty: The Court of Elizabeth II, also available from Pegasus Books. He writes for the Daily Mail in London.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 22, 2021
Brilliant, insightful and touching. Creates a sense of endearment towards a monarchy that has adapted to the changing times of modern society. Without the advice and thoughtfulness of Her Majesty, the Commonwealth would not be as strong and resilient as it is considered to be today. Would highly recommend.
February 4, 2020
With all the drama going on in the royal family from a prince involved with a pedophile (no comment on if he took part in the crimes) and a certain other prince and his wife showing disrespect for her majesty (face it they could've done it more gracefully than they did) it was nice to take a step back to the diamond jubliee year 2012. Considering we're two years from a platinum jubliee it was long ago and things were so much rosier. Prince William just married the lovely Catherine, London was about to host the Olympics where the Queen would make a surprise appearance with James Bond, Brexit and all the turmoil and uncertainties that would bring hadn't even been thought of. This book takes a look at the life of Her Majesty the Queen, but not in a traditional way. It meanders along and at times it feels like you might've read it but maybe not. The usual events are covered from Prince Phillip's many gaffes, to the Diana, Charles, Fergie and Andrew issues in the 90's, Princess Margaret and all her scandals, and so much more. But instead of looking at those events, the book goes behind the scenes to show how things good and bad were dealt with, whether it's making the Queen pay taxes, or dealing with children and in laws gone rouge, which makes this book unique. I really only picked up this book because it had insights from members of the royal family. Loved hearing from Prince William about his grandmother, cringed with Prince Andrew as in hindsight well let's just say nothing he's said in the past has aged well. It was a solid biography but hard to follow at times as it does jump around. One paragraph you're reading about Diana's funeral and poof you're onto a tangent about something else only to go back to funeral arrangements again. But it was good. I'd be interested in getting updates on what's currently going on inside the palace but that will have to wait until the dust settles on the drama and chaos left in the wake of the actions of her majesty's son and grandson (My tablet autocorrects son as con which might be a bit too on the nose).
April 16, 2023
A well written and interesting book about the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. A bit dated today, the book was published in 2011 in the run-up to its diamond jubilee. The author Robert Hardman has included in the book many homely and fascinating details, interviews and comments from family and individuals close to Queen Elizabeth II. Together with a good series of photos, the book shows the hard work of the Queen, her immense sense of duty and her often sensible, level-headed and caring approach to life, her family and her people.
The book gives a human image of Queen Elizabeth. With the book we get a nice insight into her way of governing, with fun moments, less fun moments also pass by. There is also room in the book for Prince Philip, her husband for over 70 years. Not only her husband but especially her rock.
The book is interesting, but it should be noted that you have to keep your attention because of the many circuits of people and the many names that pass by. The book does not read smoothly. However, it is a valuable source of information about a person who emerges as someone you were fortunate to have as your monarch.
In summary: This book offers a nice perspective on her life and reign. The book chronicles the workings of the royal household and the role of the monarchy in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth under Elizabeth II. There was so much to learn in the book. Despite its somewhat older age, the book is certainly recommended for anyone interested in the British Monarchy.
The book gives a human image of Queen Elizabeth. With the book we get a nice insight into her way of governing, with fun moments, less fun moments also pass by. There is also room in the book for Prince Philip, her husband for over 70 years. Not only her husband but especially her rock.
The book is interesting, but it should be noted that you have to keep your attention because of the many circuits of people and the many names that pass by. The book does not read smoothly. However, it is a valuable source of information about a person who emerges as someone you were fortunate to have as your monarch.
In summary: This book offers a nice perspective on her life and reign. The book chronicles the workings of the royal household and the role of the monarchy in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth under Elizabeth II. There was so much to learn in the book. Despite its somewhat older age, the book is certainly recommended for anyone interested in the British Monarchy.
May 9, 2024
Closely written with lots of loveley photos. I'm not normally attracted to this type of publishing and it was an odd read as it was written before Harry and Andrew left the Firm and The Queen abd Duke died, so it reads as a bit apologist and awkward from from today's standpoint. No new facts I suspect, given the sources referrred to a bit of a rehash of all that had gone before squashed into 350 pages. A good overview if you are starting a study of such things.
March 15, 2025
Just as he did with "Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work", Robert Hardman has written us the definitive book about the Queen today. "Our Queen" tells us the current story of Queen Elizabeth II, and gives us a fascinating view into the inner workings of "the Firm". Hardman skillfully guides us through the major changes and upheavals throughout her reign, and the thought process by which the Queen moves through them.
Excellent portrait in time for the Diamond Jubilee.
Excellent portrait in time for the Diamond Jubilee.
January 19, 2018
An interesting read which goes beyond the normal royal biography and addresses themes rather than well worn timelines.
September 22, 2022
The inside story of British Monarchy told by Robert Hardman. Queen Elizabeth II remarkable reign and her long and loving marriage with the Duke of Edinburgh.
November 3, 2016
Excellent book. Good introduction to the unwritten British constitution.
Notes to myself:
p. 166: note that "one of the great strengths of Britain's unwritten constitution that it can adapt to the unexpected" as it did when Gordon Brown resigned as PM while the other parties had still not decided whether they could work together
p. 168,169 about the proposal to sell homes belonging to the Crown Estate, with a goal of reinvesting the proceeds since it 'was a good time to invest. "The Queen was unimpressed. She replied that it could hardly be the ideal time to sell the homes of 1,230 families in the middle of a recession. All summer she deployed the same tactic she had described to that Dean of St. Paul's: if in doubt, keep on asking more questions….But we do know this: in October 2010 a new deal was suddenly struck whereby the houses were not sold to a private developer for 250million pounds. Instead they were sold for 150million to the Peabody Trust, a well respected housing association…..and the politicians patted themselves on the back. No one thought to ask what the Queen had to say on the matter. Why should they? She could not possibly get involved in anything political. Could she?
p. 250 about a staff member who once worked in the Royal Mews….."he will always be grateful for his years at the Palace…..'I learned about pride in your work and perfection."
p. 252 The former Daily Telegraph editor has written that Britain is the most matriarchal society in the modern world, in that the four most famous public figures since the Second Wrld War have been women: the Queen, the Queen Mother, Diana Princess of Wales, and Margaret Thatcher. It seems fitting that the Queen's personal legacy to the way Britain salutes its own should strike a feminine--though not a feminist--chord.
p. 252 on the Elizabeth Cross: "it is classless, different and, simply, very her. By definition it can only be conferred on those who lived and died in uniform. It is both a brooch and an emblem, suitable for men and women….[given to the families of those who have died.]
p. 253, on the subject of medals and awards…"Someone will always feel neglected or hard one by. Kenneth rose is fond of quoting Winston Churchill on the subject: "A medal glistens. But it also casts a shadow."
p. 264 "This reign can be characterized in many ways, not least by the number of closed doors which are now open."
Notes to myself:
p. 166: note that "one of the great strengths of Britain's unwritten constitution that it can adapt to the unexpected" as it did when Gordon Brown resigned as PM while the other parties had still not decided whether they could work together
p. 168,169 about the proposal to sell homes belonging to the Crown Estate, with a goal of reinvesting the proceeds since it 'was a good time to invest. "The Queen was unimpressed. She replied that it could hardly be the ideal time to sell the homes of 1,230 families in the middle of a recession. All summer she deployed the same tactic she had described to that Dean of St. Paul's: if in doubt, keep on asking more questions….But we do know this: in October 2010 a new deal was suddenly struck whereby the houses were not sold to a private developer for 250million pounds. Instead they were sold for 150million to the Peabody Trust, a well respected housing association…..and the politicians patted themselves on the back. No one thought to ask what the Queen had to say on the matter. Why should they? She could not possibly get involved in anything political. Could she?
p. 250 about a staff member who once worked in the Royal Mews….."he will always be grateful for his years at the Palace…..'I learned about pride in your work and perfection."
p. 252 The former Daily Telegraph editor has written that Britain is the most matriarchal society in the modern world, in that the four most famous public figures since the Second Wrld War have been women: the Queen, the Queen Mother, Diana Princess of Wales, and Margaret Thatcher. It seems fitting that the Queen's personal legacy to the way Britain salutes its own should strike a feminine--though not a feminist--chord.
p. 252 on the Elizabeth Cross: "it is classless, different and, simply, very her. By definition it can only be conferred on those who lived and died in uniform. It is both a brooch and an emblem, suitable for men and women….[given to the families of those who have died.]
p. 253, on the subject of medals and awards…"Someone will always feel neglected or hard one by. Kenneth rose is fond of quoting Winston Churchill on the subject: "A medal glistens. But it also casts a shadow."
p. 264 "This reign can be characterized in many ways, not least by the number of closed doors which are now open."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it was eerily similar to the author's previous work on the subject, "Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work". The reader is taken behind the scenes of some of the most testing times of the monarchy in the modern era and to the day to day management of the various offices which play an important role in bringing the monarchy and the people together. There was a lot of new anecdotes and insights into the Queen's personality and character and that of her husband alongside lots of information that I had already heard about. This was a good book but I would respectfully disagree with some of the endorsements on the back of the dustcover of the hardback edition which extolled how this was the definitive portrait of Elizabeth II. It wasn't; it was just a nice and cozy read about the life and world of a beloved sovereign of 16 nations which I would heartily recommend to general reader and royal enthusiast alike.
April 29, 2012
A little fawning, but I like the Queen too, so it didn't bother me that much. Really interesting look at the monarchy and how it has changed (and not) in the 60 years of Elizabeth II's reign, and how it has transitioned to the 21st century. The author is a long-time Royal observer and writer, and clearly has a lot of 'ins' with the family and staff. The only place it lost me was the the discussion of the county lieutenants - boring!! The stuff about the Commonwealth was interesting - I'm a part of it but don't honestly know much about what it does. This book is current, up-to-date, and well done!
My favourite bit was learning about the invitation extended by Estonia in 1994 after their break from the Soviet Union to Edward, asking if he wanted to come be King of Estonia. Awesome. (He politely declined.)
My favourite bit was learning about the invitation extended by Estonia in 1994 after their break from the Soviet Union to Edward, asking if he wanted to come be King of Estonia. Awesome. (He politely declined.)
June 16, 2017
26th - 29th June 2015 - A fantastic read, so much detail and lots I'd forgotten. Unlike Andrew Marr's book not the story of her life rather an insight into monarchy and her reign. This is my favourite of the two books now.
March 2012 A brilliant book, lots of new information about the Queen, so easy to read. Should be read in conjunction with Andrew Marr's Diamond Queen. Very knowledgeable writers, who somehow write comprehensive books of the Queen without much overlap. Love them both.
March 2012 A brilliant book, lots of new information about the Queen, so easy to read. Should be read in conjunction with Andrew Marr's Diamond Queen. Very knowledgeable writers, who somehow write comprehensive books of the Queen without much overlap. Love them both.
June 22, 2015
I recommend Our Queen to anyone interested in the Queen herself, the workings of the royal household, and the role of the monarchy in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth today. Hardman’s work is beautifully written, and filled with interesting material about Elizabeth II and the transformation of the monarchy during her reign.
Read full review at: http://www.royalhistorian.com/diamond...
Read full review at: http://www.royalhistorian.com/diamond...
March 27, 2012
sehr interessant, ein Sachbuch. man erfaehrt wirklich sehr viel darueber wie der ganze apparat organisiert und strukturiert ist. ein paar anekdoten gibt r. hardman auch preis, aber insg. ist ein ein verehrer der queen und der monarchie. macht nichtts - es gibt viel daran zu diskutieren: die monarchie, die queen als person,...
May 15, 2012
While Hardman has a tendency to get a bit too caught up in details (really, I don't need a recap of everyone who has ever worked for the Queen and what they did), this book is a great read and illustrates just what a remarkable monarch Elizabeth II has been. The perfect book to get oneself in the mood for the Diamond Jubilee! God save the Queen.
March 23, 2013
Enjoyed reading this book. It provided some background on the many functions performed by the queen and the royal household. As each chapter seems to have been written as a stand alone narrative, there is repetition in describing the same event in two or three places in the book but in general, it was informative and easy to read.
December 1, 2011
Really enjoyed this new book - it's smack up to date and partly a book about what the monarchy is and how it works in the 21st century and partly about the current royal family. I found it better than most.
April 13, 2013
Occasionally flirting with being a hagiography, Hardman's account of the Queen's reign and character has many insights, gleaned from lengthy interviews with staff, politicians and relatives of HM. It is a very interesting and easy read, well-written with plenty of good anecdotes..
March 3, 2019
This was way too similar to another Hardman book I read, but I didn't realize it at the time. Still in search of the post-The Crown, why haven't I ever read a proper QE2 bio biography to read, although like Hardman's other work, this was enjoyably wonky about the workings of the royal household.
Currently reading
December 14, 2011Interesting book, but a bit on the heavy side
June 23, 2015
This is the first book on the monarchy I've ever read and I'm really enjoying it.
August 13, 2023
Wanted to learn more about this amazing woman. Enjoyed this book describing the themes in her life and how she modernised the monarchy.
April 6, 2024
Excellent book!!
February 10, 2013
a bit fluffy but still informative
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews