A Year with the Queen

by Robert Hardman

What really happens when the most powerful man in the world invites the most famous woman in the world to dinner? What is life really like in the 650 rooms beyond the gates of Buckingham Palace? Who are the 50 people in the line of succession to the throne? What does a Lady-in-Waiting do? What do you actually say when it's your turn to meet royalty? A Year with the Queen tells the story from the inside. No Monarch in history has travelled as far and met as many people as Queen Elizabeth II. And no book has revealed the workings of the Monarchy like this -- with members of the Royal Family and world leaders telling their own stories, too. Like the brilliant television series it accompanies, A Year with the Queen shows the extraordinary world of the Monarch and her family -- from sacred constitutional talks with the Prime Minister to the razzmatazz of a stay at the White House and from a seaside stroll with the Prince of Wales to a weekend in Iraq with Prince Philip. Equally extraordinary is the work of the Royal Household team -- the man who carries the Crown around in a box, the team who counts out the medals, the chef who paints the chocolates, the in-house royal agony aunt.... The result is a book packed with fabulous photographs, important insights, wonderful anecdotes -- and plenty of advice, too. Ever wondered how to reply to a royal invitation? Or how to get one...?

Genres: Nonfiction, Royalty, Biography, British Literature, History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published December 4, 2007

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[Leeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Year with the Queen, by Robert Hardman

I spent all day immersed in this book, and didn't put it down until I had read every page. I've always been curious about the Queen of England - and always been curious about what, exactly, she does. This book attempts to answer that question.

"A Year with the Queen" is meant to accompany the BBC television documentary of the same name, which I have not seen, so my opinions are based solely on the information in the book. I get the feeling that there is much more information in the documentary.

But that aside, "A Year with the Queen" is a great standalone book, that gives insight into England's monarchy. I'd describe this book as lush - something to be enjoyed slowly. The glossy photographs, book design, fonts, and additional information sections made this book a complete package - pleasant to look at, as well as enjoyable to read.

There are fun facts scattered throughout - for example, did you know that if someone in the line of succession marries a Roman Catholic, they're out? I did not. Or did you know that each invitation sent out from the palace is handwritten? Or did you know that the Queen awards 2,500 honors to deserving people each year? The book is full of facts like that, facts that go toward answering just what it is that the Queen does.

I would have liked to see a little more input from the Queen herself referenced in the book. But I think the author does an overall great job in keeping a balance between giving information and keeping a veneer of privacy on the monarchy - as he explains in the introduction, part of reverence towards the monarchy is from the mystery surrounding them. I'm personally going to use this book as a springing off point for continued reading. Even while I read "A Year with the Queen," I kept my computer handy so I could look up some of the people and places that were mentioned.

4/5.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Elendil's Heir recommendation over on the SDMB, and after reading Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch I requested an ILL loan of this book.

It was written to accompany the PBS series of the same name. Chock full of photos, the book takes its readers on a journey through the daily life of Queen Elizabeth II - not only her visits abroad and her hosting of foreign dignitaries, but her interactions with the Government and the public as well. I really got a feel for how much work she and her family do in terms of recognizing public service, both at home and abroad.

Hardman also highlights the Royal staff and includes them in the process of maintaining the Monarchy. I found it to be quite a fascinating book, and a good co-read with the QEII biography I read earlier this year. Recommended to anyone interested in the Royals, even if you're a Yank.

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book for understanding what the British monarchy does on a day-to-day basis. You won’t get any direct idea of who the queen is (that is, in the sense of her political beliefs or personal opinions — not sure anyone knows that), but you will get a powerful sense of what she believes the monarch should and ought to be for the nation. Excellent overview and beautifully illustrated with photographs from the activities being discussed. I’d highly recommend this one, even though it is now dated (pre-Catherine Middleton, George, Charlotte, Louis, and Meghan Markle).

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#89 of 120 books pledged to read during 2023

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit up-front that I have a fascination with the British royal family. It started with a book I actually owned and looked at fairly often as a child called 'Little Princesses' about Elizabeth and Margaret. For many years I read little about them, but I did like the Queen Mother's personality and Diana's clothes. I've been annoyed with their marriage failures but continue to have hope. I do see them as rather hard-working, and that was what this book was about. It had a section on each member of the Queen's family and detailed the activities they were engaged in. There were also a number of witty quotes, which was a delightful surprise. Anyone with wit can't be all bad, can they? Charles even was rather self-deprecating on occasion. I have Facebook friends that seem to promote themselves more than the Windsors. It was most interesting to learn how the Queen's staff is organized and details of her regular duties. I had no idea about the twice-annual garden parties involving 1300 people each time, invited because of some service they've performed. Twenty or so investiture ceremonies honor 2500 each year. I really like recognition for doing good work. Princess Anne is considered 'the hardest-working royal.' Even Edward and his wife have 550 engagements each year. William is already considered one of the best conversationalists in the family. I even liked the Philip quotes: "I'm delighted to be able to stand in for her (the Queen). You will have, second to her, the world's most experienced plaque-unveiler!" and "I'll just pop out to Iraq to see some of my mates."

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a year with the Queen's household, since I learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes life of the senior staff and the traditions of palace life. I read this in conjunction with Lilibet by Carolly Erickson, which was more about the Queen and the soap-opera of the family.

This book was full of fascinating information but it was all very clean and tidy - no skeletons revealed in this book.

Most interesting item learned:
Before the monarch departs the residence, the Crown takes a member of the House of Commons to Buckingham Palace as a ceremonial hostage. (He's not jailed or anything, he just hangs out at the Palace while the Parliament is opened.) This is historically to guarantee the safety of the Sovereign as she enters a possibly-hostile Parliament. The hostage is released upon the safe return of the Queen.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing terribly groundbreaking here, but worth it for die-hard fans of the genre (like me). This is a familiar story told in delightful -- or excruciating -- detail, depending on your point of view.

It's worth the price, though, just for the behind the scenes peek at the infamous Annie Leibovitz photo shoot with our girl!

[Delight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since Lady Diana became Princess Diana, I have been fascinated by the Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth granted the author unprecedented access to the inner-workings of the family business--and it is a business. This book might not interest a lot of people, but I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to renting the BBC companion series.

[Dara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is (predictably) tourist brochure-y "behind the scenes!!!" stuff. So it's certainly not anything you wouldn't expect in a book sanctioned by the Queen, but it's entertaining for what it is. Perfectly enjoyable, nothing to write home about.

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're at all interested in the British Monarchy, this book has fascinating information about their day-to-day lives and beautiful photographs. Lucky buggers!

[Tori]

2011- I know this was a companion to the TV series of the same name, but on its own, the book was a bit blah. Interesting pieces here and there though, and a gorgeous book to boot.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, quite intresting

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book, it's really interesting to see what the Queen actually does.

[Jenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel vaguely embarrassed to admit it, but I am totally fascinated by royalty.

[Canette Arille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book is great! I like the cover. If You want to know something about life of the Queen of England, You can find something in the book

[Nancy Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous find in my library!!