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The Diamond Queen: Elizabeth II: The Last Great Monarch?
Sunday Times Top 10 Bestseller, fully revised and updated with a new chapter.
With the flair for narrative and the meticulous research that readers have come to expect, in The Diamond Queen Andrew Marr turns his attention to the monarch, chronicling the Queen’s pivotal role at the centre of the state, which is largely hidden from the public gaze, and making a strong case for the institution itself.
Arranged thematically, rather than chronologically, Marr dissects the Queen’s political relationships, crucially those with her Prime Ministers; he examines her role as Head of the Commonwealth, and her deep commitment to that Commonwealth of nations; he looks at the drastic changes in the media since her accession in 1952 and how the monarchy has had to change and adapt as a result. Under her watchful eye, it has been thoroughly modernized but what does the future hold for the House of Windsor?
This edition, fully revised and updated, features a new introduction and a new chapter that sets out to answer that crucial question. In it, Marr covers the Queen’s reign from the Diamond Jubilee to the run-up to the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, taking in the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles’s plans for the future of the monarchy and examines what Elizabeth II’s lasting legacy might be.
With the flair for narrative and the meticulous research that readers have come to expect, in The Diamond Queen Andrew Marr turns his attention to the monarch, chronicling the Queen’s pivotal role at the centre of the state, which is largely hidden from the public gaze, and making a strong case for the institution itself.
Arranged thematically, rather than chronologically, Marr dissects the Queen’s political relationships, crucially those with her Prime Ministers; he examines her role as Head of the Commonwealth, and her deep commitment to that Commonwealth of nations; he looks at the drastic changes in the media since her accession in 1952 and how the monarchy has had to change and adapt as a result. Under her watchful eye, it has been thoroughly modernized but what does the future hold for the House of Windsor?
This edition, fully revised and updated, features a new introduction and a new chapter that sets out to answer that crucial question. In it, Marr covers the Queen’s reign from the Diamond Jubilee to the run-up to the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, taking in the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles’s plans for the future of the monarchy and examines what Elizabeth II’s lasting legacy might be.
480 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
136 people are currently reading
2922 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Marr
80 books222 followersAndrew Marr is a Scottish journalist. He is a graduate of Cambridge University and has had a long career in political journalism, working for the Scotsman, The Independent, The Economist, the Express and the Observer. From 2000 to 2005 he was the BBC's Political Editor. His broadcasting includes series on contemporary thinkers for BBC 2 and Radio 4, political documentaries for Channel 4 and BBC Panorama, and Radio 4's Start The Week'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 22, 2013
I am an unashamed royalist. According to the author, "Though we live in a secular and materialistic age, the Queen believes, quite literally, that she has a vocation - that her function is a religious calling she must answer every day of her life." I have always held the Queen in high esteem due to her dedication, work ethic & stoicism. She has dedicated her whole life to serving her country. On her 21st birthday, she made the following pledge:
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." She has kept this pledge unwaveringly. She exemplifies continuity, duty, kindness, and wisdom. She has earned our respect and even our awe.
"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." She has kept this pledge unwaveringly. She exemplifies continuity, duty, kindness, and wisdom. She has earned our respect and even our awe.
January 16, 2021
I found this more focused on Monarchy and Government history with very little personality. Interesting in parts, but lacking much to keep me enthralled.
October 4, 2013
This is a superlative history of an incredible woman. Whatever your opinion of the institution of the monarchy, I don’t think you can question the intelligence, loyalty and endurance of Queen Elizabeth. I admire this writer as well; he gives such relevant background, makes perceptive connections and has a balanced approach to his analysis.
May 27, 2017
I find Queen Elizabeth highly interesting. I have been wanting to read a biography on her and picked this one. I think I may have enjoyed another one more. One thing is the book does not go in chronological order, but by topic. I found that strange for a biography. I also think it was written for someone with a better understanding of British history and government. Major events were mentioned, but not explained at all. I also felt confused as I am unfamiliar with how British government runs and I didn't finish feeling like I understood it better. Maybe this just wasn't what I was looking for. I do appreciate Queen Elizabeth's stability and find her a strong woman I would like to learn more about.
January 9, 2012
While this is a comprehensive biography of Queen Elizabeth II, it is not an in-depth look at her daily life, which is kept very closely guarded. Rather, it is more about the monarchy as an institution and how her role as Queen has evolved over the years. We are shown the figurehead of England, but not necessarily Elizabeth Windsor as a person. We are given details about events and figures around her (Princess Margaret, Charles and Di), but only speculation about her actual feelings. Yes, it portrays her as modest and astute, the practical head of a country and a family. She has engaged in politically maneuvering to maintain the monarchy despite its irrelevance. She has endured and overcome tragedy and scandal in the public eye while remaining an enigma. This is not a salacious tell-all, but a book that attempts to analyze the Queen’s role in modern times.
I did learn a few interesting tidbits, though. I was unaware that Churchill hated Prince Philip. There was a charming anecdote that basically stated that if the queen looks angry in public or during a ceremony, she is probably trying to suppress a laugh. There were some interesting details about the Charles and Diana scandal that did not know, but overall, Di is depicted as unstable, reckless and manipulative. Prime ministers have come and gone, royals have divorced, the press has grown ever more relentless, but Elizabeth II remains a steadfast and enduring symbol of her nation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.
I did learn a few interesting tidbits, though. I was unaware that Churchill hated Prince Philip. There was a charming anecdote that basically stated that if the queen looks angry in public or during a ceremony, she is probably trying to suppress a laugh. There were some interesting details about the Charles and Diana scandal that did not know, but overall, Di is depicted as unstable, reckless and manipulative. Prime ministers have come and gone, royals have divorced, the press has grown ever more relentless, but Elizabeth II remains a steadfast and enduring symbol of her nation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the Amazon Vine program.
July 6, 2022
2,00
Najgorsza biografia jaką czytałam.
Zaczynając od faktu, że się dłuży już od wstępu co skutkowało czytaniem jej PÓŁ ROKU, kończąc na sposobie pisania autora, który był bardzo stronniczy, zwłaszcza w rozdziałach o Dianie.
Czułam się jakbym czytała podsumowanie politycznych nowinek za czasów rządów Elżbiety II, a nie historię o niej samej.
Najgorsza biografia jaką czytałam.
Zaczynając od faktu, że się dłuży już od wstępu co skutkowało czytaniem jej PÓŁ ROKU, kończąc na sposobie pisania autora, który był bardzo stronniczy, zwłaszcza w rozdziałach o Dianie.
Czułam się jakbym czytała podsumowanie politycznych nowinek za czasów rządów Elżbiety II, a nie historię o niej samej.
August 20, 2025
A really insightful dive into what made our queen so special! Written to celebrate her jubilee, we are taken through the highs and lows of her reign. I love Andrew Marr’s writing style - he is very good at writing 20th century history in a really engaging way. The more I know about Queen Elizabeth II the more I respect her.
December 8, 2018
An engaging, insightful overview of the Queen, her life, and her role. Andrew Marr had a mammoth task with this book, including background to the modern monarchy, the Queen’s family life, and sixty year reign, plus consider the future of the monarchy beyond Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Despite the huge remit, Marr has created a wonderfully readable and interesting biography. Well worth reading.
July 15, 2023
Potwornie nuda. Napisana przez rojaliste.
Nic się nowego nie dowiedziałam, The crown na netflixie jest 10x bardziej edukacyjny.
Nic się nowego nie dowiedziałam, The crown na netflixie jest 10x bardziej edukacyjny.
March 13, 2020
This book had personally touched upon the start point of The Queen's reign to the future aspect of what LL it look like when prince Charles would reign. This book will be easily understood by any monarchist or anti monarchist. I felt very close to the visibility of the endurance The Queen portrays. After reading this you can easily understand how wonderfully The Queen manages a role of a ruler, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother and most of all as a Grandmother. I haven't read any other book of The Queen. But whatsoever Andrew Marr nailed it and created an interest in me to know more about the Queen and also how Commonwealth will cope with her loss in future.
PS - every comment and fact is coated with its own kind of diplomacy.
PS - every comment and fact is coated with its own kind of diplomacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
For me , Queen Elizabeth II has always been such an inspirational and strong minded woman who i have had a lot of admiration for. Andrew Marr's book has only increased that as you get an insight to her , like a behind the screens style insight of her as a person, mother , grandmother as well as Queen.
Her kindness to the Mountbatten family after the bombing showed that she is kindhearted and there for the ones who need help at the worst times.
A very shrewd lady, who has seen a lot in her time as Queen.
This book demonstrates not only what she does as Queen but also not only how we see her importance in that role , but also how she sees it . A well written book by Andrew Marr .
Her kindness to the Mountbatten family after the bombing showed that she is kindhearted and there for the ones who need help at the worst times.
A very shrewd lady, who has seen a lot in her time as Queen.
This book demonstrates not only what she does as Queen but also not only how we see her importance in that role , but also how she sees it . A well written book by Andrew Marr .
October 3, 2022
Too much politics
November 6, 2022
A fantastic read and a reminder of just how good a writer Marr is.
Really enjoyed this, read after the sad news of Her Majesty The Queen's passing earlier this year.
Recommended for anyone wanting to brush up on their British royal history.
Really enjoyed this, read after the sad news of Her Majesty The Queen's passing earlier this year.
Recommended for anyone wanting to brush up on their British royal history.
May 17, 2023
Rather dry and political, I felt that the book talked more about history and politics than the Queen.
December 16, 2016
This is not a bad book; but it’s not a book about the real Elizabeth. Nor is it an intimate portrait. I’m not sure why I expected it to be. (Maybe the title?) After all, who knows the real Elizabeth, apart from her very small circle of close friends and her family, and they’re not talking. Except for Diana, of course, and she’s not talking now. And much of what she did say is somewhat suspect.
The book is really about the role of the monarch, particularly the role that Elizabeth has chosen to play (or has had thrust upon her) as monarch. Maybe the point is that there is not much distinction between the two. The role and the person have merged or very nearly. In the final pages of his book, Marr does manage some more personal glimpses. He also includes some interesting information on Prince Phillip’s difficult childhood and explains where his Greek ancestry as well as his British and German ancestry came from.
Being Queen today is harder than it was when Victoria was Queen, Marr writes. The Windsors have come to understand that any danger to the future of the monarchy will not come from political upheavals, such as the one that created the Windsor dynasty in 1917, “but from inside the family as it struggles to live in a fast-moving world of ravenous reporters and eavesdroppers.” Unsurprisingly, they dislike the press. Perhaps Phillip most of all. Sometimes Marr stretches things too far as when he wants to compare the current Queen to Queen Victoria. “Like Victoria,” he writes, “she has produced a large family who has had their share of scrapes. Like Victoria, her heir has had to wait until his own old age for the chance to reign, while establishing an independent role.” The latter is certainly true, although Charles is definitely not the dashing personality that Edward VII was. And to compare her family of four to Victoria’s nine, as both being large families seems absurd.
I suppose in the more than three hundred pages, Marr did manage to uncover some new tidbits, but most of what he assembles, quite well, is familiar. Elizabeth has put duty above all else. If she had her druthers, she’d probably have spent her life as a horsewoman and with her Corgis than as a Queen with all of its incumbent ceremonies. She is circumspect to a fault. She has seen an awful lot of history in her time. Prime Ministers come and go. She remains constant and has a phenomenal memory. Prime Ministers, under stress, feel they can confide in her. She is the soul of discretion. She seems to have preferred Prime Ministers from the Conservative Party more than most of the Labour PMs; but has had a good relationship with them all, albeit not without some rough spots. When she was a young Queen, her Prime Ministers tried to bully her, Churchill especially; now they are in awe of her. She is frugal and has had to spend more of her private wealth than previously as republican fervor has gained ascendancy. She doesn’t complain much, but Phillip has been known to.
She has a terrific smile when she cares to be less formal which she is increasingly learning to be, but don’t presume on it. She can quickly put you in your place with an icy glance. Her family has given her considerable grief from time-to-time, most notably Charles and Diana. She takes her role as Head of the Church of England seriously and at a time when the official word of the Church was against divorce, three of her four children divorced. Her relationship with the future heir to the throne seems to have been more contentious than her relationship with her other children and her grandchildren. She appears to have had a good marriage. Oh, and here is a new tidbit that I did glean from the book: she definitely does have a mothering instinct. The loss of her sister Margaret and her mother within the same year hit her hard. They were two people she could confide in and did so almost every day.
Perhaps the main thread in the book is Elizabeth’s affection for the Commonwealth. She has worked hard to keep it together. Marr speculates about whether it will stay together after her reign is over. He’s not at all sure that it will. It’s clear that Marr admires her but his book is not hagiography. Still, he’s glad that she’s had a long and good reign. God Save the Queen.
The book is really about the role of the monarch, particularly the role that Elizabeth has chosen to play (or has had thrust upon her) as monarch. Maybe the point is that there is not much distinction between the two. The role and the person have merged or very nearly. In the final pages of his book, Marr does manage some more personal glimpses. He also includes some interesting information on Prince Phillip’s difficult childhood and explains where his Greek ancestry as well as his British and German ancestry came from.
Being Queen today is harder than it was when Victoria was Queen, Marr writes. The Windsors have come to understand that any danger to the future of the monarchy will not come from political upheavals, such as the one that created the Windsor dynasty in 1917, “but from inside the family as it struggles to live in a fast-moving world of ravenous reporters and eavesdroppers.” Unsurprisingly, they dislike the press. Perhaps Phillip most of all. Sometimes Marr stretches things too far as when he wants to compare the current Queen to Queen Victoria. “Like Victoria,” he writes, “she has produced a large family who has had their share of scrapes. Like Victoria, her heir has had to wait until his own old age for the chance to reign, while establishing an independent role.” The latter is certainly true, although Charles is definitely not the dashing personality that Edward VII was. And to compare her family of four to Victoria’s nine, as both being large families seems absurd.
I suppose in the more than three hundred pages, Marr did manage to uncover some new tidbits, but most of what he assembles, quite well, is familiar. Elizabeth has put duty above all else. If she had her druthers, she’d probably have spent her life as a horsewoman and with her Corgis than as a Queen with all of its incumbent ceremonies. She is circumspect to a fault. She has seen an awful lot of history in her time. Prime Ministers come and go. She remains constant and has a phenomenal memory. Prime Ministers, under stress, feel they can confide in her. She is the soul of discretion. She seems to have preferred Prime Ministers from the Conservative Party more than most of the Labour PMs; but has had a good relationship with them all, albeit not without some rough spots. When she was a young Queen, her Prime Ministers tried to bully her, Churchill especially; now they are in awe of her. She is frugal and has had to spend more of her private wealth than previously as republican fervor has gained ascendancy. She doesn’t complain much, but Phillip has been known to.
She has a terrific smile when she cares to be less formal which she is increasingly learning to be, but don’t presume on it. She can quickly put you in your place with an icy glance. Her family has given her considerable grief from time-to-time, most notably Charles and Diana. She takes her role as Head of the Church of England seriously and at a time when the official word of the Church was against divorce, three of her four children divorced. Her relationship with the future heir to the throne seems to have been more contentious than her relationship with her other children and her grandchildren. She appears to have had a good marriage. Oh, and here is a new tidbit that I did glean from the book: she definitely does have a mothering instinct. The loss of her sister Margaret and her mother within the same year hit her hard. They were two people she could confide in and did so almost every day.
Perhaps the main thread in the book is Elizabeth’s affection for the Commonwealth. She has worked hard to keep it together. Marr speculates about whether it will stay together after her reign is over. He’s not at all sure that it will. It’s clear that Marr admires her but his book is not hagiography. Still, he’s glad that she’s had a long and good reign. God Save the Queen.
March 21, 2012
As part of the celebrations of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year (sixty years on the throne), Andrew Marr has written a very good in depth, candid story of Elizabeth’s journey to the throne and the sometimes bumpy ride that has been the wonderful and glorious sixty year reign of our octogenarian Queen.
The book rather than being set chronologically has been cleverly written in themes and this keeps the reader interested. I’m not ashamed to admit I am a passionate monarchist so you wont find any republican sentiments in my review; although I have to say that this book proves that the Queen and the Royal Family costs each British tax payer less per year than a president or prime minister and is very good value for money in terms of the prestige, publicity, good will and trade that the Queen herself and other members of the Royal Family generate for Britain at home and around the world.
Being Andrew Marr, the book does at times concentrate heavily on the Queen’s relationships with her prime ministers from Winston Churchill through to Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and currently David Cameron. Of course as a constitutional monarch, the Queen is strictly forbidden to engage in party political business but as head of state she is in a unique position of reading all state papers and meets the prime minister each Tuesday to talk about parliament and state affairs. The book goes into depth on this subject and it is quite surprising to find out that Queen has more of an impact and takes an active interest in parliamentary business and her prime ministers than we think she does. We sometimes forget that the Queen of the United Kingdom is also the Queen of Australia, New Zealand and Canada and a few other countries, she is also head of the Commonwealth of Nations (a powerful club of ex empire countries).
Overall a very good and entertaining read and a wonderful insight into the Queen’s very busy life and of the person behind the crown, Elizabeth a powerful, graceful old lady, matriarch of the House of Windsor who continues to transform and renew the royal family so that the monarchy is as relevant to 21st century Britain as it was when she took the throne over from her father, King George VI in 1952.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
The book rather than being set chronologically has been cleverly written in themes and this keeps the reader interested. I’m not ashamed to admit I am a passionate monarchist so you wont find any republican sentiments in my review; although I have to say that this book proves that the Queen and the Royal Family costs each British tax payer less per year than a president or prime minister and is very good value for money in terms of the prestige, publicity, good will and trade that the Queen herself and other members of the Royal Family generate for Britain at home and around the world.
Being Andrew Marr, the book does at times concentrate heavily on the Queen’s relationships with her prime ministers from Winston Churchill through to Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and currently David Cameron. Of course as a constitutional monarch, the Queen is strictly forbidden to engage in party political business but as head of state she is in a unique position of reading all state papers and meets the prime minister each Tuesday to talk about parliament and state affairs. The book goes into depth on this subject and it is quite surprising to find out that Queen has more of an impact and takes an active interest in parliamentary business and her prime ministers than we think she does. We sometimes forget that the Queen of the United Kingdom is also the Queen of Australia, New Zealand and Canada and a few other countries, she is also head of the Commonwealth of Nations (a powerful club of ex empire countries).
Overall a very good and entertaining read and a wonderful insight into the Queen’s very busy life and of the person behind the crown, Elizabeth a powerful, graceful old lady, matriarch of the House of Windsor who continues to transform and renew the royal family so that the monarchy is as relevant to 21st century Britain as it was when she took the throne over from her father, King George VI in 1952.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
January 27, 2012
The cover says that it is an intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The product description says that it is "a surprising and very personal biography of a woman...". Who were they trying to kid? It was more a biography of the monarchy.
I didn't enjoy the writing. The author tended to be all over the place. He would move on to another subject and then come back and revisit a current one. For example, Marr kept coming back to his assertion that the Queen's audiences with her premiers were private and that neither party revealed what had been discussed.
I kept waiting for the very personal biography of the woman, Elizabeth. So really, what was her reaction when Pierre Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada, slid down the banister at Buckingham Palace? (Note - not a proud moment for Canada. Fuddle duddle anyway.) For that matter, what did she think about anything? Marr only gave little glimpses through the veil of his indepth examination of the monarchy.
Lastly, why were there no pictures? Show us in her wedding dress, on the balcony after the wedding ceremony, at her coronation, riding her horse...
I didn't enjoy the writing. The author tended to be all over the place. He would move on to another subject and then come back and revisit a current one. For example, Marr kept coming back to his assertion that the Queen's audiences with her premiers were private and that neither party revealed what had been discussed.
I kept waiting for the very personal biography of the woman, Elizabeth. So really, what was her reaction when Pierre Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada, slid down the banister at Buckingham Palace? (Note - not a proud moment for Canada. Fuddle duddle anyway.) For that matter, what did she think about anything? Marr only gave little glimpses through the veil of his indepth examination of the monarchy.
Lastly, why were there no pictures? Show us in her wedding dress, on the balcony after the wedding ceremony, at her coronation, riding her horse...
January 14, 2015
Andrew Marr has written a fascinating look at the institution of the British monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II. Although it does present biographical information, this isn't really a biography, but a journalistic look at the how the institution of the monarchy has evolved and adapted to historical change over the course of her long reign. As an American, I was not familiar with much of what Marr covers. The importance that Elizabeth attaches to her being head of the Commonwealth was a real surprise to me. The book finishes with an apologia for the continuing institution of the monarchy and a short discussion of how Prince Charles (Charles III? George VII?) might further change the institution when/if he ascends to the throne, changes that might be detrimental the the monarchy's continuance.
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May 19, 2017Bingo - about royalty. I had no idea what to expect but this was surprisingly engaging, not-so-surprisingly informative (I learned quite a bit about Great Britain's history and politics; I'll likely pay more attention going forward, and that pleases me!) and simply enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone who's a fan of the royals.
January 29, 2012
An endearing look at the current British monarch and the events and people who have influenced her.
June 27, 2012
Fascinating. Easy to read and bang up-to-date. I thoroughly enjoyed it
October 1, 2021
Regina este de-abia al patrulea monarh dintr-o dinastie destul de recentă. Dacă facem abstracție de unchiul ei, Eduard al VIII-lea, care a domnit mai puțin de un an, ea este cel de-al treilea monarh domnitor din dinastia Windsor. Cu toate acestea, Casa regală din Marea Britanie este una dintre cele mai vechi din lume: regina își poate urmări înapoi în timp ascendența de sânge regal până în vremea anglo-saxonilor bărboși și a războinicilor lorzi scoțieni din vremurile străvechi. În plus, beneficiază de o puternică ascendență
hanovriană. Atât ea, cât și fiul ei mai mare au trăsături fizionomice care amintesc de monarhii din secolul al XVIII-lea, de solemnitatea primilor regi care au purtat numele George. Dar, spre deosebire de alte familii, monarhiile au puterea de a se reinventa. Casa de Windsor de astăzi s-a reinventat cu mai puțin de un secol în urmă, depărtându-se în 1917 de Casa de Hanovra și de legăturile cu Casele princiare germane.
Vechea monarhie britanică – a Reginei Victoria, cea mai fecundă dintre reginele-împărătese, și a fiului ei Eduard, sordidul și inteligentul rege-împărat – s-a aflat în centrul unei rețele aurite de Case regale ce s-au întins peste toată Europa și în Rusia. Monarhia era un club de familie, închis de obicei pentru cei din afară. Partea britanică din această rețea avea legături în special cu Casele regale germane, cu o vechime care poate fi urmărită până în secolul al XVIII-lea și până la primii hanovrieni. Kaizerii veneau la un ceai sau participau la paradele militare îmbrăcați în uniforma britanică.
Luau parte la competiții cu iahturi împotriva verișorilor britanici, la Cowes. Este adevărat că exista o neîncredere reciprocă, însă aceasta își avea originea mai degrabă în rivalitatea de familie decât în diferențele ideologice.
Această apropiere a fost simbolizată de ultima vizită a Regelui George al V-lea și a Reginei Mary în Germania înainte de Primul Război Mondial. Au venit la Berlin în mai 1913 pentru nunta fiicei Kaizerului cu vărul lor, Ducele de Brunswick-Luneburg. Au fost întâmpinați de mătușa Reginei Mary, Marea Ducesă de Mecklenburg-Strelitz, o bătrână doamnă născută în Marea Britanie și care a rămas pe proprietatea ei din nordul Germaniei până în 1916. Vizita a continuat cu întâlnirea cu Kaizerul, cu Țarul Nicolae al II-lea și cu numeroși alți verișori dinastici, dar și cu ceea ce familia numea, cu un termen simplu, „mulțimea dinastică”.
hanovriană. Atât ea, cât și fiul ei mai mare au trăsături fizionomice care amintesc de monarhii din secolul al XVIII-lea, de solemnitatea primilor regi care au purtat numele George. Dar, spre deosebire de alte familii, monarhiile au puterea de a se reinventa. Casa de Windsor de astăzi s-a reinventat cu mai puțin de un secol în urmă, depărtându-se în 1917 de Casa de Hanovra și de legăturile cu Casele princiare germane.
Vechea monarhie britanică – a Reginei Victoria, cea mai fecundă dintre reginele-împărătese, și a fiului ei Eduard, sordidul și inteligentul rege-împărat – s-a aflat în centrul unei rețele aurite de Case regale ce s-au întins peste toată Europa și în Rusia. Monarhia era un club de familie, închis de obicei pentru cei din afară. Partea britanică din această rețea avea legături în special cu Casele regale germane, cu o vechime care poate fi urmărită până în secolul al XVIII-lea și până la primii hanovrieni. Kaizerii veneau la un ceai sau participau la paradele militare îmbrăcați în uniforma britanică.
Luau parte la competiții cu iahturi împotriva verișorilor britanici, la Cowes. Este adevărat că exista o neîncredere reciprocă, însă aceasta își avea originea mai degrabă în rivalitatea de familie decât în diferențele ideologice.
Această apropiere a fost simbolizată de ultima vizită a Regelui George al V-lea și a Reginei Mary în Germania înainte de Primul Război Mondial. Au venit la Berlin în mai 1913 pentru nunta fiicei Kaizerului cu vărul lor, Ducele de Brunswick-Luneburg. Au fost întâmpinați de mătușa Reginei Mary, Marea Ducesă de Mecklenburg-Strelitz, o bătrână doamnă născută în Marea Britanie și care a rămas pe proprietatea ei din nordul Germaniei până în 1916. Vizita a continuat cu întâlnirea cu Kaizerul, cu Țarul Nicolae al II-lea și cu numeroși alți verișori dinastici, dar și cu ceea ce familia numea, cu un termen simplu, „mulțimea dinastică”.
March 18, 2017
Wbrew temu, co głosi tytuł i podtytuł publikacji Andrew Marra, niewiele dowiemy się z niej o samej Królowej. Przez większą część książki, obejmującej okres rozpoczynający się od założenia dynastii Windsorów, oraz cały czas panowania Elżbiety II, aż do dnia obecnego, Królowa pozostaje postacią posągową i wręcz symboliczną. Nie spodziewajcie się więc, iż dane Wam będzie poznać nazbyt wiele ze sfery jej życia osobistego. Marr wydaje się być zagorzałym rojalistą, który największe nawet wpadki i skandale, których całkiem sporo wydarzyło się w omawianym okresie w rodzinie królewskiej, potrafi opisać z wdziękiem i finezją, w niczym nie uchybiając samej Elżbiecie II, cedując raczej negatywne prądy narastające wokół Windsorów na innych członków rodziny królewskiej. Tak więc, tym którzy spodziewają się po lekturze książki Marra pikanterii i naruszania tabu z góry sięganie po nią odradzam.
Natomiast książka ta stanowi bardzo dobrze napisane i przystępne studium panowania nie tyle samej Elżbiety II, co miejsca monarchii w nowoczesnym świecie. Marr znakomicie wyjaśnia zależności polityczne, układy i powiązania dworu królewskiego z rządem Wielkiej Brytanii, oraz wpływów i roli, jakie współczesna monarchia odgrywa w całej Brytyjskiej Wspólnocie Narodów.
To znakomita lektura dla wszystkich, którzy pragną - dość powierzchownie, ale w stopniu wystarczającym, by zacząć się lepiej orientować - poznać mechanizmy politycznego funkcjonowania Wielkiej Brytanii, jak również dowiedzieć się więcej o rodzie Windsorów, relacjach pomiędzy jej członkami i tym, jak zmieniało się oblicze monarchii brytyjskiej na przestrzeni kilku minionych dekad, oraz jaki wpływ miały nań wielkie wydarzenia historyczne, skandale, oraz zmieniająca się mentalność poddanych i rozwój mediów.
P.S. Osobom bardziej zainteresowanym samą Elżbietą II polecam serial "The Crown", którego książka Andrew Marra wydaje się być znakomitym uzupełnieniem.
Natomiast książka ta stanowi bardzo dobrze napisane i przystępne studium panowania nie tyle samej Elżbiety II, co miejsca monarchii w nowoczesnym świecie. Marr znakomicie wyjaśnia zależności polityczne, układy i powiązania dworu królewskiego z rządem Wielkiej Brytanii, oraz wpływów i roli, jakie współczesna monarchia odgrywa w całej Brytyjskiej Wspólnocie Narodów.
To znakomita lektura dla wszystkich, którzy pragną - dość powierzchownie, ale w stopniu wystarczającym, by zacząć się lepiej orientować - poznać mechanizmy politycznego funkcjonowania Wielkiej Brytanii, jak również dowiedzieć się więcej o rodzie Windsorów, relacjach pomiędzy jej członkami i tym, jak zmieniało się oblicze monarchii brytyjskiej na przestrzeni kilku minionych dekad, oraz jaki wpływ miały nań wielkie wydarzenia historyczne, skandale, oraz zmieniająca się mentalność poddanych i rozwój mediów.
P.S. Osobom bardziej zainteresowanym samą Elżbietą II polecam serial "The Crown", którego książka Andrew Marra wydaje się być znakomitym uzupełnieniem.
February 21, 2018
Po książce o królowej angielskiej z szumnymi i śmiałymi określeniami jak „prawdziwa”, „jakiej nie znamy” w tytule, można się spodziewać, że jednak czytelnik będzie miał okazję zajrzeć w codzienność królowej, przyjrzeć się jej naprawdę z bliska, może nawet przeczytać jakieś rewelacyjne, nigdy nie upubliczniane szczegóły z życia. Tymczasem przygotowana na diamentowy jubileusz królowej biografia – upamiętniająca sześćdziesiąt lat na tronie długowiecznej monarchini brytyjskiej – to publikacja niesamowicie poprawna, wyważona i grzeczna. Żadnych burzących opinię publiczną faktów, żadnych brukowych śledztw, włamań w sferę osobistą. Czytając tę książkę ma się wrażenie, że królowa jest dla autora obiektem podziwu za szklaną gablotką, osobą godną czci, którą trzeba za wszelką cenę bronić i chwalić; jest tytanem pracy, najczulszą matką i mistrzem savoir-vivre'u w każdym momencie. I bardziej niż samą królową, biograf bierze na celownik samą monarchię.
Innymi słowy, ta biografia zupełnie rozmija się z moimi oczekiwaniami, rozbudzonymi przez intymny i, choć zawsze w granicach dobrego smaku, odważnie mówiący o najbardziej drażliwych elementach z okresu panowania królowej Elżbiety II serialu The Crown.
Pełna recenzja na: http://rozkminyhadyny.blogspot.com/20...
Innymi słowy, ta biografia zupełnie rozmija się z moimi oczekiwaniami, rozbudzonymi przez intymny i, choć zawsze w granicach dobrego smaku, odważnie mówiący o najbardziej drażliwych elementach z okresu panowania królowej Elżbiety II serialu The Crown.
Pełna recenzja na: http://rozkminyhadyny.blogspot.com/20...
April 29, 2025
This was not an easy read. Not exactly a page turner, but I enjoyed getting in the know with the queen. I was familiar with quite a lot of this from documentaries, etc. There was a lot of history about her family. I actually had to write her family tree on my bookmark to keep up. I enjoyed learning about the rapport she had with each Prime Minister. She kept all of their meetings confidential and each PM could rely on that. Each PM could unburden on her and she seemed to be mostly encouraging when they needed it. She was a rock, really. One story... the queen was meeting was with a few gentlemen and they were supposed to come in a certain way and do a certain thing, but they messed up. They thought she was so angry with them. When their boss apologized to the queen after the fact, she said it was all she could do to keep from laughing. Why couldn't she just laugh??? Her stoic and firm mouth was not always because she was in a bad mood. Sometimes she had to do that to keep from laughing. She is still my favorite royal.
July 29, 2020
I had started watching The Crown on Netflix and remembered that I had bought this book many years ago in hardback but had never got around to reading it (one of the reasons was that it was just so heavy). Anyway I decided to read it at long last. I really enjoyed this book. Andrew Marr writes in an informative, accessible style. I never was much of a royalist when I was younger, in fact I always thought that they were a waste of time, however as I have gotten older I do appreciate the Queen and all she does.
This is a very interesting book exploring the Queens life and the work that she does. It is not a chronological book, but is arranged in themes which I found very interesting. I found it very insightful, full of facts but not boring, a very enjoyable read.
This is a very interesting book exploring the Queens life and the work that she does. It is not a chronological book, but is arranged in themes which I found very interesting. I found it very insightful, full of facts but not boring, a very enjoyable read.
October 22, 2023
I'm no flag-waving monarchist but I've always quite liked the idea of royalty. Yes, it's notionally an affront to the idea of a meritocracy but, as Marr points out, such a thing doesn't exist anywhere (and in my opinion is a juvenile fantasy anyway). Removing the monarchy wouldn't solve this or even address it at all, but would unnecessarily upend a lot of existing British culture. As such, I'm in favour of the status quo. This book is a nicely balanced and reasonably succinct history and analysis of Queen Elizabeth II and her place in British culture and society, and quietly makes the case that perhaps the Queen and her family, despite past and recent fusses, are worth keeping. Interesting reading.
July 20, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Marr's telling of HRH Queen Elizabeth II's life story. I've long admired this diminutive woman's strength, grit and commitment to a role that few of us will ever understand, and the way that she has shepherded her family through the changes - the ups and the downs - over the 70 years of her reign.
Whether you love or hate the monarchy, I challenge anyone to do the job that she has done in preparing her descendents, her people and the world at large to inspire a future that creates connection, celebrates community and champions contribution. All the more poignant a read since her death in 2022 and in experiencing her legacy in her son, Charles III taking up the reins. 4 stars.
Whether you love or hate the monarchy, I challenge anyone to do the job that she has done in preparing her descendents, her people and the world at large to inspire a future that creates connection, celebrates community and champions contribution. All the more poignant a read since her death in 2022 and in experiencing her legacy in her son, Charles III taking up the reins. 4 stars.
March 2, 2017
After having reading 304 pages, and not having read a single page more for countless weeks, I can safely assume that I won't be tempted to complete this book.
It's not like I didn't find it terribly interesting while I was reading it, but it hardly stands a chance of being prioritised in the Continuation Department when I'm surrounded by much more exciting books. And I doubt I'll be pushed deep enough into the murky depths of BIBALOERM (Boredom Induced By A Lack Of Exciting Reading Material), to pick up where I left off any time in the near future.
So, it's time to let the Diamond Queen go. Sorry old bean.
It's not like I didn't find it terribly interesting while I was reading it, but it hardly stands a chance of being prioritised in the Continuation Department when I'm surrounded by much more exciting books. And I doubt I'll be pushed deep enough into the murky depths of BIBALOERM (Boredom Induced By A Lack Of Exciting Reading Material), to pick up where I left off any time in the near future.
So, it's time to let the Diamond Queen go. Sorry old bean.
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