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The Queen's Speech: An Intimate Portrait of the Queen in her Own Words
During her 70 years on the throne, few got to know the Queen well, but there is one body of work that sheds new light on her thoughts, personality and the issues that really concerned the Queen's own speeches.
For many years, the Queen's Christmas address was the most-watched programme on television on Christmas Day, and millions regularly tuned in to hear what she had to say. Now, in this wonderful, intimate portrait of Her Majesty, Ingrid Seward uses the Queen's speeches as a starting point to provide a revealing insight into the character of the woman who reigned over us since the days when Churchill was prime minister. Starting with her first-ever broadcast, in December 1940, when the teenaged Princess Elizabeth addressed a war-torn nation, right through the annus horribilis, and on into the 21st century, the book highlights the most important moments in her life and how she responded to them.
Based on in-depth research and interviews with many of those who knew the Queen best, this book sheds new light on the life and career of our much-missed monarch. Renowned as one of the most authoritative writers on royal matters, Ingrid Seward, the editor of Majesty magazine, has written a charming and fascinating portrait that will be cherished by all who read it .
For many years, the Queen's Christmas address was the most-watched programme on television on Christmas Day, and millions regularly tuned in to hear what she had to say. Now, in this wonderful, intimate portrait of Her Majesty, Ingrid Seward uses the Queen's speeches as a starting point to provide a revealing insight into the character of the woman who reigned over us since the days when Churchill was prime minister. Starting with her first-ever broadcast, in December 1940, when the teenaged Princess Elizabeth addressed a war-torn nation, right through the annus horribilis, and on into the 21st century, the book highlights the most important moments in her life and how she responded to them.
Based on in-depth research and interviews with many of those who knew the Queen best, this book sheds new light on the life and career of our much-missed monarch. Renowned as one of the most authoritative writers on royal matters, Ingrid Seward, the editor of Majesty magazine, has written a charming and fascinating portrait that will be cherished by all who read it .
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2015
17 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Ingrid Seward
54 books63 followersIngrid Seward is Editor-in-Chief of Majesty magazine, the leading monthly journal covering all aspects of British, European and other royal families around the world.
Since it began in 1980 Majesty magazine has remained the market leader in its field.
Ingrid is acknowledged as one of the pre-eminent writers and commentators on the royal family and has published over 20 books and contributed numerous articles to publications worldwide.
An experienced public speaker both in the UK and North America, Ingrid has worked for every major TV and radio station across the world. She is currently royal commentator for ABC network's Good Morning America.
Ingrid is in the unique position of knowing many members of the royal family personally and through Majesty enjoys a special relationship with the Royal Household.
Since it began in 1980 Majesty magazine has remained the market leader in its field.
Ingrid is acknowledged as one of the pre-eminent writers and commentators on the royal family and has published over 20 books and contributed numerous articles to publications worldwide.
An experienced public speaker both in the UK and North America, Ingrid has worked for every major TV and radio station across the world. She is currently royal commentator for ABC network's Good Morning America.
Ingrid is in the unique position of knowing many members of the royal family personally and through Majesty enjoys a special relationship with the Royal Household.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 31, 2022
I love following the royal family and have always been enamored with the Queen. Although I've had the book (loaned to me by a friend) for some time, it was Queen Elizabeth's death in September (2022) that finally made me pick it up.
As far as a history book goes (something I probably haven't read since high school), it was well done. Ingrid Seward, who had closely followed the queen's life through journalism over many years, wove together historical events with the queen's duties, travels, family life (both ups and downs), and, best of all, snippets of her countless speeches. The quotes were well-chosen and brought the personal touch of the queen to the book. Although I wouldn't describe the book as a page-turner and at times had to push myself to open it up, I still found it to be interesting and educational.
As far as a history book goes (something I probably haven't read since high school), it was well done. Ingrid Seward, who had closely followed the queen's life through journalism over many years, wove together historical events with the queen's duties, travels, family life (both ups and downs), and, best of all, snippets of her countless speeches. The quotes were well-chosen and brought the personal touch of the queen to the book. Although I wouldn't describe the book as a page-turner and at times had to push myself to open it up, I still found it to be interesting and educational.
May 7, 2016
Queen Elizabeth II is almost 90 years old and has been on the throne for 63 years. In that time, she has made a yearly speech to her subjects and those of the Commonwealth at Christmas. She writes that speech with the help of Prince Philip and her aides. She also carries on conversations with her family, friends, and the people she meets during her walk-abouts. She has also been heard making clever asides. And it is from all these sources that Ingrid Seward, editor of "Majesty" magazine and author of many other books on the royals, has cobbled together a book on Elizabeth, "The Queen's Speech: An Intimate Portrait of the Queen in her Own Words".
I'd guess that anyone reading this review and thinking about buying this book, is a fan of the British Royal Family. Seward's book is really a straight biography of the queen, concentrated at points in her life where Seward can tie events and people to Elizabeth's utterances. I guess if Elizabeth hasn't alluded to it, it's not covered in Seward's book. But Elizabeth has never given a press conference and her private diary has never been seen (and won't be til after her death). Her only on-the-record remarks are her Christmas speech and her various government speeches that are written by others. That's not much to base a book on, but Ingrid Seward gives it her best.
This is not a bad book, and makes enjoyable reading, but, frankly, I already knew most of what Seward wrote. (And I'm an American!) If you're new to the royals, you'd probably enjoy the book. If you're an old hand at the British and know all the gossip, then Seward's book probably won't tell you anything you don't already know.
I'd guess that anyone reading this review and thinking about buying this book, is a fan of the British Royal Family. Seward's book is really a straight biography of the queen, concentrated at points in her life where Seward can tie events and people to Elizabeth's utterances. I guess if Elizabeth hasn't alluded to it, it's not covered in Seward's book. But Elizabeth has never given a press conference and her private diary has never been seen (and won't be til after her death). Her only on-the-record remarks are her Christmas speech and her various government speeches that are written by others. That's not much to base a book on, but Ingrid Seward gives it her best.
This is not a bad book, and makes enjoyable reading, but, frankly, I already knew most of what Seward wrote. (And I'm an American!) If you're new to the royals, you'd probably enjoy the book. If you're an old hand at the British and know all the gossip, then Seward's book probably won't tell you anything you don't already know.
June 22, 2016
Almost a biography but not quite, a look at The Queen's historic reign, largely through her own words, whether that's her Christmas, or Commonwealth Broadcasts, or speeches from the many, many events she has had to attend/open.
There are a few interesting nuggets that even to me, as an avid Royalist, were new.
Obviously this isn't an exhaustive biography but a cash in on the recent historic occurrences in her life, her 90th birthday and her becoming the longest reigning British Monarch last year.
There are a few interesting nuggets that even to me, as an avid Royalist, were new.
Obviously this isn't an exhaustive biography but a cash in on the recent historic occurrences in her life, her 90th birthday and her becoming the longest reigning British Monarch last year.
November 1, 2016
This book gives a unique and quite personal insight into the character and times of the Queen. It's well written and researched and quite different to the other many biographies of the monarch.
December 30, 2023
I bought this book at the Westminster Abbey and was excited to read it!
I found it a bit difficult to read, as the writing style wasn't really for me. It felt almost chaotic the way the booked jumped from topic to topic without a clear or natural link. It was almost like reading a mind map if that makes sense. Perhaps if the book was divided into shorter chapters per year, it would have been easier and more enjoyable to follow.
I also found that you really had to know the Royals to easily follow this book. Anyone unfamiliar with the Royal family were likely confused when Prince Philip was also referred to as the Duke of Edinburgh, and similar examples. I think if the author had included a direct family tree or stuck to one name per person, it would've been much easier to follow. I found it (despite feeling pretty familiar with their titles) very confusing at times and wished they were better explained.
Overall I learned a lot, but the writing style wasn't for me.
I found it a bit difficult to read, as the writing style wasn't really for me. It felt almost chaotic the way the booked jumped from topic to topic without a clear or natural link. It was almost like reading a mind map if that makes sense. Perhaps if the book was divided into shorter chapters per year, it would have been easier and more enjoyable to follow.
I also found that you really had to know the Royals to easily follow this book. Anyone unfamiliar with the Royal family were likely confused when Prince Philip was also referred to as the Duke of Edinburgh, and similar examples. I think if the author had included a direct family tree or stuck to one name per person, it would've been much easier to follow. I found it (despite feeling pretty familiar with their titles) very confusing at times and wished they were better explained.
Overall I learned a lot, but the writing style wasn't for me.
November 3, 2022
Ingrid Seward, who has wrote several books on the royals, uses the Queen's speeches from the past to illustrate Her Majesty's 62 year reign at the time of writing. Seward quotes from her first speech as a teenager with her sister Margaret in 1940, her 21st birthday speech a few months before her marriage to Prince Philip, her Christmas speeches, plus her speeches after events such as Princess Diana's death and 9/11. Seward also quotes in detail how Prince Philip informed her that she had succeeded her father, King George VI. An excellent book that could have an update from the last 5 years of her life. Her speeches at the heart of the Covid pandemic and after Prince Philip died were absolutely heartfelt speeches.
January 26, 2022
A fascinating book, it was a good initiative to create a portrait of the Queen using her public speeches as the primary source to understand her personality. A successful work in my opinion, since it attain it goal of describing her Majesty as a down to earth head if state, close to her people, an ideal of British identity and nonetheless the embodiment of the sovereign who serves her people and the Great British Empire.
I would have prefered a better chronological organization of the speeches and points touched upon.
I would have prefered a better chronological organization of the speeches and points touched upon.
February 28, 2023
As a fan of the Queen, I enjoyed this book very much. It gives a great insight into her life growing up, becoming Queen and reigning as our wonderful Queen until her sad death in September 2022. The snippets of her Christmas speeches as well as Commonwealth speeches were interesting to read, and the humorous comments she occasionally came up with were fun to read as well. A well written book and a joy to read.
July 18, 2017
Interesting insights into the life of Queen Elizabeth. An in-depth look at her Christmas speeches over the past 60+ years, the one time she has the chance to express her views (although tempered) on a myriad of topics. If you're interested in learning more about Queen Elizabeth's life this book is a great start.
March 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this biographical sketch of an inspiring woman. It threads together the story of Her Majesty's reign by using her speeches as backdrops to what was happening in the World at the time, in Britain and in her inner family circle. It also provides a clear picture of the essence of this humble, wise woman. Really worth it.
June 14, 2025
I've read so many books about Queen Elizabeth II that whenever I find something new, I am suspicious of its veracity. But I did learn at least three little snippets of interesting info in this book. Otherwise, this book was a bit same-same, for me. But it was interesting in how it used The Queen's speeches over most of her lifetime (until 2015) to frame the timeline.
May 10, 2020
Finally got round to this little gem.
Part biography with bits of her speeches.
Nicely put together and nice pictures.
Good to come back to Queen Elizabeth II with this one.
Part biography with bits of her speeches.
Nicely put together and nice pictures.
Good to come back to Queen Elizabeth II with this one.
Read
December 27, 2023Longest reigning monarch.
Consistency.
Technology.
Sympathetic to the Royals.
Public speaking.
Consistency.
Technology.
Sympathetic to the Royals.
Public speaking.
January 31, 2025
Brings back memories from The Crown on Netflix.
June 19, 2016
This book is a good instance of where the title doesn't live up to the actual contents of the book. Yes, Seward provides numerous, fairly lengthy passages from the Queen's speeches over the years. Yes, she provides some minor commentary on them. But those feel like a slapped-on addition to a book that is essentially a succinct summary biography of Queen Elizabeth II. I was expecting more in-depth, thoughtful analysis of how the Queen presents herself to the world in her speeches, and what her decisions about what to discuss and what to avoid reveal about her. Given that she so carefully avoids controversy, remains neutral, and reveals little of herself in her public addresses, the idea of her speeches as an "intimate portrait" of her (or even being "in her own words") seems false. If you've read any other biography of Elizabeth II, you probably already know most of the information in this book. If you haven't, well, this is an OK place to start but not really any better or worse than the others. Seward herself has written others that are equally good. It smells strongly of having been pushed out by publishers hoping to squeeze a little more out of Seward's exceptional knowledge of Elizabeth II's life and the popularity of the King's Speech.
May 29, 2016
Her Majesty the Queen accumulated quite a few jubilees or "records" these last yest. So of course there sprung a lot of books issued or reissued to celebrate this or that jubilee. This particular book use as outline for its narrative various speeches of Queen, mostly her Christmas speeches, because Her Majesty usually writes them themselves. All in all it is just other, quite readable, biography of Elizabeth II, although focus on "her own words" is somewhat interesting.
Read
December 29, 2015Decided not to finish.
August 16, 2016
Really more like a 3.5 or 3.75.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews