What do you think?
Rate this book
When Marilyn Met the Queen: Marilyn Monroe's Life in England
In July 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived in London—on honeymoon with her husband Arthur Miller—to make The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier. It was meant to be a happy time . . ."I am dying to walk bare-headed in the rain. I think England sounds adorable.”—Marilyn Monroe Marilyn would work during the day at Pinewood Studios, in Iver Heath, while Arthur would write. Then, in the evening, the couple would be able to relax together in their private English country cottage. But the cottage was a mansion, in Englefield Green, and Marilyn, used to living in tiny hotel rooms and apartments, felt herself being watched. She was, by several of owner Lord Drogheda's servants, who were selling stories to the papers. And when filming began, all did not go as hoped. Over time, Marilyn grew to hate Olivier; the feeling was mutual. Marilyn found herself a curiosity for the frequently hostile British press. She took solace in bike rides in Windsor Great Park, in small acts of kindness from members of the public, and in a growing fascination with Queen Elizabeth, whom she longed to meet—and eventually did.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2022
11 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Morgan
117 books80 followersMichelle Morgan is the author of The Ice Cream Blonde, The Mammoth Book of Hollywood Scandals, Marilyn's Addresses, and Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed. She has been interviewed on dozens of radio stations and featured on many television programs, including the BBC National News.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 16, 2022
Knowing relatively little about Marilyn Monroe ( aside from the Chanel No 5 quote, ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ and various ‘gossip’ and stories that have been maintained throughout time ) it was really with an open mind I approached this book, I wasn’t even sure I knew she had been to England never mind met the Queen
I found the book fascinating, if however you are a fan of Marilyn that would change to essential, the facts, figures, information and detail in the book about her time in England are phenomenal and you would be hard pressed to find a more factual yet endearing account
From her arrival, her time on ‘set’ at Pinewood filming ‘ The Prince and the Showgirl’, her interactions with her husband, fellow stars, press, fans, staff and strangers it was ( for me ) a real eye opener into how the star really was and how she reacted to situations and people and of course her excitement at meeting the Queen
No stone is left unturned in this book and I have come away feeling I know Marilyn or at least a lot about her and this is down to the authors hard work of presenting this book in a very readable and interesting way
A read I maybe would have overlooked but am so glad didn’t as thoroughly enjoyed it
Has to be
10/10
5 Stars
I found the book fascinating, if however you are a fan of Marilyn that would change to essential, the facts, figures, information and detail in the book about her time in England are phenomenal and you would be hard pressed to find a more factual yet endearing account
From her arrival, her time on ‘set’ at Pinewood filming ‘ The Prince and the Showgirl’, her interactions with her husband, fellow stars, press, fans, staff and strangers it was ( for me ) a real eye opener into how the star really was and how she reacted to situations and people and of course her excitement at meeting the Queen
No stone is left unturned in this book and I have come away feeling I know Marilyn or at least a lot about her and this is down to the authors hard work of presenting this book in a very readable and interesting way
A read I maybe would have overlooked but am so glad didn’t as thoroughly enjoyed it
Has to be
10/10
5 Stars
February 11, 2023
There were 2 pages in 235 when Marilyn met the Queen. And those 2 pages were rather anticlimactic indeed. This absolutely makes me giggle. My lovely friend, Hannah, gave me this book at Christmas for precisely the title because I love all Royal things AND my living room is decorated in Marilyn pictures and a quote. She thought it the absolute marriage of two things I love.
I did really enjoy this book though because it is about the 4 months Marilyn spent in England with her new husband Arthur Miller and filming The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier - married to Vivien Leigh at the time - and that has now created a new bunny trail for me to study Vivien.
P.S. Marilyn and Vivien did not get on with one another!
I did really enjoy this book though because it is about the 4 months Marilyn spent in England with her new husband Arthur Miller and filming The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier - married to Vivien Leigh at the time - and that has now created a new bunny trail for me to study Vivien.
P.S. Marilyn and Vivien did not get on with one another!
April 17, 2022
When Marilyn Met The Queen by Michelle Morgan
A new book by Michelle Morgan is always a delight! I have read quite a few of hers including her wonderful biographies of Carole Lombard and Thelma Todd, but it’s always particularly exciting when she writes a book on Marilyn Monroe.
I have been a huge fan of Marilyn’s since watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1987 and out of the fifty-plus books I have read about her, my all-time favourite is Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed which came out in hardback in 2007, is written by Michelle Morgan and for me, is the best book ever written about her. (The paperback edition, revised and extended, came out in 2012.)
So I was really looking forward to reading her new book When Marilyn Met The Queen, especially as this time hasn’t been covered much before. Marilyn came over to England in July 1956, with her husband Arthur Miller, to film The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier.
As with all of Michelle’s books, this one is thoroughly researched with pages of sources used at the back of the book. There have been some cheap, nasty, scandalous books written about Marilyn over the years which should never have been published, but Michelle’s work is the opposite, it’s always respectful, truthful and treats Marilyn how she should have always been treated. We see Marilyn’s true personality and intelligence coming through in Michelle’s words; Marilyn was never the “dumb blonde” she was painted as, but that image was convenient for the film industry who wanted to sell movies purely on MM’s sex appeal and not concentrate on her incredible acting talents. (You only have to watch The Misfits or Don’t Bother To Knock to see her ability as a serious actor.)
In all her books, Michelle Morgan’s research interviews people who have been rarely heard before, which makes the books even more fascinating and gives a brand new glimpse into her subjects.
Here, we read about Marilyn and Arthur’s flight to England, the press conferences, where they lived for the duration of their stay and all the behind-the-scenes information from the filming. We see Marilyn as a woman who is very insecure, scared of dinner parties and getting her lines wrong, always trying her hardest but often defeated by her anxieties.
It is a beautiful book, it nearly made me cry and I would definitely recommend it.
9.5 out of 10
A new book by Michelle Morgan is always a delight! I have read quite a few of hers including her wonderful biographies of Carole Lombard and Thelma Todd, but it’s always particularly exciting when she writes a book on Marilyn Monroe.
I have been a huge fan of Marilyn’s since watching Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1987 and out of the fifty-plus books I have read about her, my all-time favourite is Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed which came out in hardback in 2007, is written by Michelle Morgan and for me, is the best book ever written about her. (The paperback edition, revised and extended, came out in 2012.)
So I was really looking forward to reading her new book When Marilyn Met The Queen, especially as this time hasn’t been covered much before. Marilyn came over to England in July 1956, with her husband Arthur Miller, to film The Prince and the Showgirl with Laurence Olivier.
As with all of Michelle’s books, this one is thoroughly researched with pages of sources used at the back of the book. There have been some cheap, nasty, scandalous books written about Marilyn over the years which should never have been published, but Michelle’s work is the opposite, it’s always respectful, truthful and treats Marilyn how she should have always been treated. We see Marilyn’s true personality and intelligence coming through in Michelle’s words; Marilyn was never the “dumb blonde” she was painted as, but that image was convenient for the film industry who wanted to sell movies purely on MM’s sex appeal and not concentrate on her incredible acting talents. (You only have to watch The Misfits or Don’t Bother To Knock to see her ability as a serious actor.)
In all her books, Michelle Morgan’s research interviews people who have been rarely heard before, which makes the books even more fascinating and gives a brand new glimpse into her subjects.
Here, we read about Marilyn and Arthur’s flight to England, the press conferences, where they lived for the duration of their stay and all the behind-the-scenes information from the filming. We see Marilyn as a woman who is very insecure, scared of dinner parties and getting her lines wrong, always trying her hardest but often defeated by her anxieties.
It is a beautiful book, it nearly made me cry and I would definitely recommend it.
9.5 out of 10
July 1, 2022
Fascinating
I always find the books about Marilyn's life to be so fascinating. She was such a n enigma and many people were too hard on her. I think she needed professional help that never came. However, she was an incredible actress and a beautiful person inside and out.
I always find the books about Marilyn's life to be so fascinating. She was such a n enigma and many people were too hard on her. I think she needed professional help that never came. However, she was an incredible actress and a beautiful person inside and out.
February 27, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Marilyn Monroe & have read many books on her life. I honestly didn’t think there was anything new to learn … but this book proved me wrong! Incredibly researched & beautifully written. I feel like I know her a little better - flaws & all.
The details about the making of The Prince & The Showgirl are amazing too. All well researched proven facts & not the fantasy of Colin Clark that was made into a film!
Fully recommend to any fan of Marilyn’s or anyone interested in old Hollywood
The details about the making of The Prince & The Showgirl are amazing too. All well researched proven facts & not the fantasy of Colin Clark that was made into a film!
Fully recommend to any fan of Marilyn’s or anyone interested in old Hollywood
February 28, 2022
This book has been so anticipated in the Marilyn fandom. As usual, Michelle does not disappoint. Reading this, I really felt the era. Michelle definitely brought the Summer through to Autumn 1956 alive, so much so I had to remember I was actually in 2022, when I raised my head from the book. Michelle always writes about Marilyn as a all rounded figure, warts and all, which us fans respect her for. This book was no different. Definitely refreshing to have this part of Marilyn's life finally brought to life. I loved the woven in references as to how Marilyn's arrival in Britain affected many people around the country, such as beauty pageants etc. A beautiful book which has to be my absolute favourite Marilyn book, and I have many. Definitely worth a read even if you aren't particularly a Marilyn fan, just for the flavour of the era and time. Thank you Michelle for persevering to get this book published. Thirty years and finally it's here.
March 20, 2022
These four months of Marilyn's life were (until this book) largely ignored, being a Londoner myself I often wondered about her time in England as all the books seem to rush ahead after recording the bare facts and a few famous anecdotes.
Staggering, superb and scholarly. This 5-star book took the author thirty years of thorough research, so it has lots of fascinating new info on Marilyn's England trip, based primarily on media reports and personal interviews with people who knew or saw her at the time.
Staggering, superb and scholarly. This 5-star book took the author thirty years of thorough research, so it has lots of fascinating new info on Marilyn's England trip, based primarily on media reports and personal interviews with people who knew or saw her at the time.
November 23, 2022
Beautifully written and well researched.
February 21, 2022
I'm a lifelong fan of Marilyn, and after reading hundreds of books about her, I rarely find any that give new information, only new opinions. When Marilyn Met The Queen is an absolute exception. It's full of wonderful details about Marilyn's stay in England to make The Prince and the Showgirl, and includes events I never knew about, interesting quotes from those who lived in the village where she stayed, and details about shows she saw and things she wore. It's also sensitively written - honest about Marilyn's flaws but affectionate too - and utterly compelling. I loved it.
June 13, 2023
I'm a lifelong fan of Miss Norma Jeane but there is always a new chapter of her life to uncover. This was a brilliant read, carefully researched and spot on conveyance of the story behind the making of The Prince and the Showgirl.
Marilyn was the absolute epitome of someone being worth the problems they may bring along with them. This was proven time and again by filmmakers who thought a take would be a disaster only to find magic in the rushes when viewed.
Was she difficult at times? Yes, but she was oh so brilliant as well. I often wish that the drugs that many women took during the 50's and 60's (including my own mother) had not been so easily accessible. Perhaps then she could have found a way out of her heartache by facing rather than muting it.
The England trip was a joy for many who got see a glimpse of the childlike aura that so many in power took advantage of but could never crush.
The queen herself was so affected after meeting her in person that she watched all of her movies and followed her career. And what a sad ending to a beautiful soul.
Thank you Ms. Morgan for this book and your years of research. It was a an entertaining if bittersweet read, because we all know the unhappy ending.
Marilyn was the absolute epitome of someone being worth the problems they may bring along with them. This was proven time and again by filmmakers who thought a take would be a disaster only to find magic in the rushes when viewed.
Was she difficult at times? Yes, but she was oh so brilliant as well. I often wish that the drugs that many women took during the 50's and 60's (including my own mother) had not been so easily accessible. Perhaps then she could have found a way out of her heartache by facing rather than muting it.
The England trip was a joy for many who got see a glimpse of the childlike aura that so many in power took advantage of but could never crush.
The queen herself was so affected after meeting her in person that she watched all of her movies and followed her career. And what a sad ending to a beautiful soul.
Thank you Ms. Morgan for this book and your years of research. It was a an entertaining if bittersweet read, because we all know the unhappy ending.
April 2, 2022
This review was originally published on Library Journal.
Thanks to LJ for the advanced copy!
“Fans of Marilyn Monroe and the Golden Age of Hollywood will enjoy this slice of the actress’s life that she spent in England in 1956. Morgan (The Little Book of Marilyn) gives us Monroe’s fellow stars’ experiences with her and the experiences of the everyday citizens in the UK who hoped to get a glimpse of the star out on the streets. While covering a relatively short period between July and November, the book is chock full of history, personal anecdotes, and beautiful details. Readers will be able to visualize every moment of the star’s life as she filmed The Prince and the Showgirl alongside powerhouse Sir Laurence Olivier and the clashes between them on set. While highly detailed, this book is an effortless read that will take readers back in time and make them want to watch their favorite Marilyn Monroe film.
VERDICT An enjoyable peek into the past that provides insight into Monroe’s life and the zeitgeist of 1950s England. Film buffs and fans of the era will enjoy Morgan’s biography, as will any reader interested in Monroe and her enduring legacy.”
Thanks to LJ for the advanced copy!
“Fans of Marilyn Monroe and the Golden Age of Hollywood will enjoy this slice of the actress’s life that she spent in England in 1956. Morgan (The Little Book of Marilyn) gives us Monroe’s fellow stars’ experiences with her and the experiences of the everyday citizens in the UK who hoped to get a glimpse of the star out on the streets. While covering a relatively short period between July and November, the book is chock full of history, personal anecdotes, and beautiful details. Readers will be able to visualize every moment of the star’s life as she filmed The Prince and the Showgirl alongside powerhouse Sir Laurence Olivier and the clashes between them on set. While highly detailed, this book is an effortless read that will take readers back in time and make them want to watch their favorite Marilyn Monroe film.
VERDICT An enjoyable peek into the past that provides insight into Monroe’s life and the zeitgeist of 1950s England. Film buffs and fans of the era will enjoy Morgan’s biography, as will any reader interested in Monroe and her enduring legacy.”
June 9, 2023
I liked this book. However, if this was a book about fictitious people instead of real people who lived, there are more than two characters I would have hated! Lawrence Olivier has never been one of my favorite actors or people. He always seemed to be arrogant with no concern other than himself and seems to have a superiority complex when it comes to how great he is.
I loved reading about the making of the film(s). I loved the parts about Marilyn. But Olivier comes off as having no regard or care for Marilyn's insecurities. Yes, she was always late (so am I so I understood where she was coming from). Yes, she forgot her lines. Yes, she was nervous and anxious. But to Olivier, those issues didn't matter. HE was inconvenienced and that's all that mattered.
I also wish the author had spent more time on Marilyn meeting the Queen as that is the title of the book and it was barely mentioned until near the end of the book. Not only that but the occasion barely took 2 pages!
Still, it was an enjoyable book. The author writes well and is very expressive which is why I gave the book 4 stars. I would have given it 3 1/2 if I was able to do so.
I loved reading about the making of the film(s). I loved the parts about Marilyn. But Olivier comes off as having no regard or care for Marilyn's insecurities. Yes, she was always late (so am I so I understood where she was coming from). Yes, she forgot her lines. Yes, she was nervous and anxious. But to Olivier, those issues didn't matter. HE was inconvenienced and that's all that mattered.
I also wish the author had spent more time on Marilyn meeting the Queen as that is the title of the book and it was barely mentioned until near the end of the book. Not only that but the occasion barely took 2 pages!
Still, it was an enjoyable book. The author writes well and is very expressive which is why I gave the book 4 stars. I would have given it 3 1/2 if I was able to do so.
August 11, 2023
Whenever anyone brings up the topic of books about Marilyn Monroe, my comment is always the same: "Read Michelle Morgan's books." When Marilyn Met the Queen did not disappoint! It's filled with information that was new to me, something I love because I've been a Marilyn Monroe fan for literally half my life at this point. There's always a love of Marilyn that comes through in Morgan's writing, and that love is indeed present here.
I wasn't sure how I'd take to the stories of filming The Prince and the Showgirl as it is not exactly my favorite Monroe movie, but Morgan always keeps it interesting and I didn't find the longer chapters to be slow by any means. If you're a Marilyn fan, especially a seasoned one who is familiar with her life story and wants to hear a more detailed account of this specific period, I highly recommend giving this book a read.
I wasn't sure how I'd take to the stories of filming The Prince and the Showgirl as it is not exactly my favorite Monroe movie, but Morgan always keeps it interesting and I didn't find the longer chapters to be slow by any means. If you're a Marilyn fan, especially a seasoned one who is familiar with her life story and wants to hear a more detailed account of this specific period, I highly recommend giving this book a read.
April 22, 2022
Having read many Monroe books and also delves into the actress and her experiences whilst filming with Olivier, there was little new to learn. However, I liked the sympathetic, balanced approach to the story of the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl, quite often Olivier is described as a villain and Monroe the gentle soul, often bullied. This gives an honest look at Monroe’s own failings and actually the book sheds a breath of fresh air that cleanses both actors of being ‘the bad guy’ - they reacted to the other and each had their tribulations.
Clearly a well researched book by an author who’s been a huge fan for years, I applaud the detail.
Clearly a well researched book by an author who’s been a huge fan for years, I applaud the detail.
January 4, 2023
A nice book, it dragged somewhat and the majority of the book was about the filming of "The Prince and the Showgirl" more than about Marilyn meeting the Queen. That event took up maybe 3 pages out of the entire book. And the filming sounds like it was fraught with tension and anger between Marilyn and Olivier, Marilyn and Arthur Miller and maybe even Marilyn and Vivien Leigh. All I could think was "Poor Marilyn." It sounded like the extras and regular people in the neighborhood understood her better than those closest to her.
April 11, 2023
Doar 2 pagini din cele 239 vorbesc despre întâlnirea dintre Marilyn Monroe și Elisabeta II a Angliei.
Restul cărții se învârte în jurul filmărilor pentru "Prințul și dansatoarea", punând accent pe relațiile dintre Marilyn și ceilalți colegi de platou, mai ales pe relația tensionată dintre ea și Sir Laurence Olivier, regizorul și partenerul din film al actriței. De asemenea, este descrisă părerea tuturor celor care au intrat în contact cu ea, de la fata în casa, la costumieri, vecini și oameni din sat.
Restul cărții se învârte în jurul filmărilor pentru "Prințul și dansatoarea", punând accent pe relațiile dintre Marilyn și ceilalți colegi de platou, mai ales pe relația tensionată dintre ea și Sir Laurence Olivier, regizorul și partenerul din film al actriței. De asemenea, este descrisă părerea tuturor celor care au intrat în contact cu ea, de la fata în casa, la costumieri, vecini și oameni din sat.
June 19, 2022
A very enjoyable and informative read about Marilyn's time in England while making "The Prince and the Showgirl". A highly recommended read for Marilyn fans, and those who want to know more about her. A balanced narrative portraying Marilyn in a positive light. There have been so many books about her filled with conspiracy theories and nasty rumors from people claiming to be best friends or married to her. Thank you, Michelle Morgan.
January 20, 2025
AKA known as the making of the prince and the showgirl.very detailed,but with one anomaly,when the author was providing evidence Jane russel was cited as being in England as she was starring in beau brummel.even looked up beau james with bob hope,didn't fit.otherwuse was a clash if egos,with hangers on to both stars.some bring leaches feeding off the fame off Marilyn monroe.and olivier not liking being upstaged.
September 20, 2023
There have been a great many books written about Marilyn Monroe as can be gathered from the books bibliography.
Although the making of the film has been well covered in both book and film this is still.An entertaining read.
Although the making of the film has been well covered in both book and film this is still.An entertaining read.
May 4, 2022
One of the best books about a time period in Marilyn Monroe’s life. Beautifully written and moving. If you’re a fan you should own this book. And anything Michelle Morgan writes.
June 1, 2022
Really enjoyed this book with a different perspective of Marilyn's visit to England.
January 1, 2023
Enjoyable read however the actual part of the queen and the process of preparing for that was only a few chapters long. But easy read for any Marilyn fan
May 10, 2023
Definitely one for Marilyn Monroe fans. It was nice to read about a different event/time in her life as I have read a lot about her.
June 23, 2023
Marilyn meets the queen for a couple of pages, tops. Title is a bit clickbate-ish. Other than that, nice book, takes you back to those times
August 7, 2023
I adore Marylin Monroe and what was said in this book was fascinating. It didn't take away anything from her more like ads to it.
December 21, 2024
21 12 2024
May 5, 2025
A little short but to the point and I enjoyed it. The prince and the showgirl is not my favorite Marilyn movie but it is worth seeing.
October 30, 2022
Good. This is a informative book but it could have done with a few chapters on Queen Elizabeth to show the difference in lives, even though it does explain how the Queen felt about meeting Marilyn in one of the chapters. Explores the filming of The Prince and The Showgirl and how the British people responded to Marilyn.
June 13, 2023
Michelle’s love of Marilyn really shines through in this book, twenty years of research jumps out of the pages with some incredible anecdotes from locals and film employees alike. Absolutely adored the pictures as well, what a lovely read
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews