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Elizabeth
This intimate, personal biography of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II tells the story of her remarkable life, reign and times, from a perspective unlike any other. Gyles Brandreth will write the Queen's tale candidly with grace and sensitivity from the view of someone so close to her, her husband Philip and the wider Royal family. Told with a refreshing dose of humour and moving honesty from a totally unique viewpoint, An Intimate Portrait is the must-have biography of the longest-serving monarch in English history, of a woman who has represented not only her people but stood as an emblem of fortitude and resilience worldwide, throughout her long life.
576 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2023
216 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Gyles Brandreth
464 books400 followersFull name: Gyles Daubeney Brandreth.
A former Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester, Gyles Brandreth’s career has ranged from being a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government to starring in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End. A prolific broadcaster (in programmes ranging from Just a Minute to Have I Got News for You), an acclaimed interviewer (principally for the Sunday Telegraph), a novelist, children’s author and biographer, his best-selling diary, Breaking the Code, was described as ‘By far the best political diary of recent years, far more perceptive and revealing than Alan Clark’s’ (The Times) and ‘Searingly honest, wildly indiscreet, and incredibly funny’ (Daily Mail). He is the author of two acclaimed royal biographies: Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage and Charles Camilla: Portrait of a Love Affair. In 2007/2008, John Murray in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US began publishing The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, his series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective.
As a performer, Gyles Brandreth has been seen most recently in ZIPP! ONE HUNDRED MUSICALS FOR LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE at the Duchess Theatre and on tour throughout the UK, and as Malvolio and the Sea Captain in TWELFTH NIGHT THE MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Gyles Brandreth is one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts. He has won awards himself, and been nominated for awards, as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster (Sony), political diarist (Channel Four), journalist (British Press Awards), theatre producer (Olivier), and businessman (British Tourist Authority Come to Britain Trophy).
He is married to writer and publisher Michèle Brown, with whom he co-curated the exhibition of twentieth century children’s authors at the National Portrait Gallery and founded the award-winning Teddy Bear Museum now based at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. He is a trustee of the British Forces Foundation, and a former chairman and now vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association.
Gyles Brandreth’s forebears include George R. Sims (the highest-paid journalist of his day, who wrote the ballad Christmas Day in the Workhouse) and Jeremiah Brandreth (the last man in England to be beheaded for treason). His great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Brandreth, promoted ‘Brandreth’s Pills’ (a medicine that cured everything!) and was a pioneer of modern advertising and a New York state senator. Today, Gyles Brandreth has family living in New York, Maryland, South Carolina and California. He has been London correspondent for “Up to the Minute” on CBS News and his books published in the United States include the New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Lex and, most recently, Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage.
A former Oxford Scholar, President of the Oxford Union and MP for the City of Chester, Gyles Brandreth’s career has ranged from being a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury in John Major’s government to starring in his own award-winning musical revue in London’s West End. A prolific broadcaster (in programmes ranging from Just a Minute to Have I Got News for You), an acclaimed interviewer (principally for the Sunday Telegraph), a novelist, children’s author and biographer, his best-selling diary, Breaking the Code, was described as ‘By far the best political diary of recent years, far more perceptive and revealing than Alan Clark’s’ (The Times) and ‘Searingly honest, wildly indiscreet, and incredibly funny’ (Daily Mail). He is the author of two acclaimed royal biographies: Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage and Charles Camilla: Portrait of a Love Affair. In 2007/2008, John Murray in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US began publishing The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries, his series of Victorian murder mysteries featuring Oscar Wilde as the detective.
As a performer, Gyles Brandreth has been seen most recently in ZIPP! ONE HUNDRED MUSICALS FOR LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE at the Duchess Theatre and on tour throughout the UK, and as Malvolio and the Sea Captain in TWELFTH NIGHT THE MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Gyles Brandreth is one of Britain’s busiest after-dinner speakers and award ceremony hosts. He has won awards himself, and been nominated for awards, as a public speaker, novelist, children’s writer, broadcaster (Sony), political diarist (Channel Four), journalist (British Press Awards), theatre producer (Olivier), and businessman (British Tourist Authority Come to Britain Trophy).
He is married to writer and publisher Michèle Brown, with whom he co-curated the exhibition of twentieth century children’s authors at the National Portrait Gallery and founded the award-winning Teddy Bear Museum now based at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon. He is a trustee of the British Forces Foundation, and a former chairman and now vice-president of the National Playing Fields Association.
Gyles Brandreth’s forebears include George R. Sims (the highest-paid journalist of his day, who wrote the ballad Christmas Day in the Workhouse) and Jeremiah Brandreth (the last man in England to be beheaded for treason). His great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Brandreth, promoted ‘Brandreth’s Pills’ (a medicine that cured everything!) and was a pioneer of modern advertising and a New York state senator. Today, Gyles Brandreth has family living in New York, Maryland, South Carolina and California. He has been London correspondent for “Up to the Minute” on CBS News and his books published in the United States include the New York Times best-seller, The Joy of Lex and, most recently, Philip Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 2, 2024
Personally, I own over 30 royalty 👑 books just on Her Majesty, the late Queen 👸 Elizabeth II, but now none of those other authors hadn't personally talked to her or the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip and other extremely close family members and very close members of her friends and some staff. This book includes her entire life from birth till her death, so it's the first in-depth story of the true queen 👸 of the world. And that's just my humble American opinion. I may also be a bit biased as I share the same birthdate of April 21st, so I grew up trying to learn as much as possible about a female leader of many countries. This is the only biography of the Queen where the author does not think the reader is so dumb they need details that doesn't ever need added so it felt like I was reading a story instead of the best biography of her Magesty. I'd love to write this author for him to send me something as a signed copy of this incredible and well written book. If you want to read the best so far, this is that book.
December 26, 2022
This is a bit of a painful review for me as I am a huge fan of Brandreth and interested in the Royal Family. I hugely enjoyed Philip, his previously published book about the Royals, and found this to be a rehashed version of Philip with some hastily thrown in trivia tidbits about The Queen.
It seems to me that this book was a bit rushed. Phrases are repeated so often throughout it that I would audibly sigh when encountering them again — “she was a woman of her class and generation, intelligent but not intellectual, not politically correct…” etc. Over and over. And yes, that might be an astute observation of her majesty but to read it as many times as I did made me feel weary.
Nobody, other than the Queen’s family, knew her intimately. Therefore, there are bound to be limitations when it comes to any books written about her. What Brandreth does in this book is discuss how other people’s descriptions of the Queen and their experiences spent in her company tally with his own. That is interesting, I only wish there was more of it. But, as I say, she was immensely private - who could blame her - and so there isn’t a whole heap to go on.
To Gyles’ merit, the comparisons of former members of the Royal family (David and Wallis, Meghan and Harry) provided new and interesting food for thought. I particularly enjoyed reading about HM’s interest in the Commonwealth.
If you haven’t read Philip, then this book gives you a nice overview of the pair of them and how their relationship started, was cemented, and how it made both of them into the people they became. If you have read Philip, expect quotes from him you’ve already read, the same anecdotes to be retold and to feel a bit disappointed. This isn’t as good a read as Philip, at least in my own view.
It seems to me that this book was a bit rushed. Phrases are repeated so often throughout it that I would audibly sigh when encountering them again — “she was a woman of her class and generation, intelligent but not intellectual, not politically correct…” etc. Over and over. And yes, that might be an astute observation of her majesty but to read it as many times as I did made me feel weary.
Nobody, other than the Queen’s family, knew her intimately. Therefore, there are bound to be limitations when it comes to any books written about her. What Brandreth does in this book is discuss how other people’s descriptions of the Queen and their experiences spent in her company tally with his own. That is interesting, I only wish there was more of it. But, as I say, she was immensely private - who could blame her - and so there isn’t a whole heap to go on.
To Gyles’ merit, the comparisons of former members of the Royal family (David and Wallis, Meghan and Harry) provided new and interesting food for thought. I particularly enjoyed reading about HM’s interest in the Commonwealth.
If you haven’t read Philip, then this book gives you a nice overview of the pair of them and how their relationship started, was cemented, and how it made both of them into the people they became. If you have read Philip, expect quotes from him you’ve already read, the same anecdotes to be retold and to feel a bit disappointed. This isn’t as good a read as Philip, at least in my own view.
December 14, 2022
I have long followed the royal family and enjoy good books about them. This one is very well done and written by someone who actually knows the late queen and spent time with her and her husband. It is very well written and so readable. Not like a boring biography at all. Totally held my attention. If you enjoy reading about the royals, I can highly recommend this one.
June 19, 2023
This was such an interesting book. It was sad at times as someone who’s been there all my life is no longer with us. Some of the facts I already knew but, I found out a lot that I didn’t know. Giles was a close friend of the Queen and the Royal family and it shows in his writing. I enjoyed this one but, it’s not a book I could read again as once read it stays with you.
January 29, 2024
I always enjoy Gyles Brandreth's royal biographies and his first royal book, Elizabeth and Philip: Portrait of a Marriage is one of my favourite books about Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. In this recent book about Queen Elizabeth II, Brandreth discusses the wide range of influences on the Queen's worldview and approach to her role in the early chapters. The later chapters include the author's own diary entries about Queen Elizabeth II's public engagements in the early 21st century as well as the Queen's funeral in 2022, providing a fascinating portrait of the Queen at work in both high profile and quieter settings as well as the popular response to her public engagements and legacy. The book is a bit more unfocused in the middle, with long digressions about other members of the royal family and some anecdotes and analysis that will already be familiar to readers of Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage. Even in these chapters, however, there is new material including an account of the coronation preparations by Oscar Wilde's son Vivian, who was married to the young queen's make up artist. The audiobook is well read by the author, who reads with a great deal of enthusiasm about royal history.
February 2, 2023
Gentle and sweet
This is a good book for Royalists and, dipped into here and there, for anyone who wonders what the Queen might have been like behind the scenes and what she actually did for the 70 years of her reign.
Brandreth knew her well and admired her. Old school himself, his book is peppered with quotations from people who knew her as well as occasionally her own words. It’s very dense and detailed so I would only recommend it—for those who like to read a book cover to cover—to dedicated Royalists like myself.
I liked it better than the Katie Nicholl book I read last year; it’s more gentle, less tabloid-y. Brandreth makes little mention of the modern Meghan & Harry controversy; he’s actually quite kind about them because he says that’s what the Queen was, kind. She found the whole tabloid culture wearisome, as did Prince Philip.
So, in the end, this is indeed a memorial book written by an old friend with all kinds of British historical information.
This is a good book for Royalists and, dipped into here and there, for anyone who wonders what the Queen might have been like behind the scenes and what she actually did for the 70 years of her reign.
Brandreth knew her well and admired her. Old school himself, his book is peppered with quotations from people who knew her as well as occasionally her own words. It’s very dense and detailed so I would only recommend it—for those who like to read a book cover to cover—to dedicated Royalists like myself.
I liked it better than the Katie Nicholl book I read last year; it’s more gentle, less tabloid-y. Brandreth makes little mention of the modern Meghan & Harry controversy; he’s actually quite kind about them because he says that’s what the Queen was, kind. She found the whole tabloid culture wearisome, as did Prince Philip.
So, in the end, this is indeed a memorial book written by an old friend with all kinds of British historical information.
January 1, 2023
An absolute joy to read, moving and mesmerising biography of her late majesty the queen. Gyles has known and interviewd her late majesty and prince phillip for many many years and had used some recollections from their times together. I like to read at least one biography a year and i'm glad i chose this one.
June 13, 2024
Reading this I realized I had read another of this author's books. His book on the marriage of the Queen and Prince Philip. How do I know? Because the only thing I remember about that book is the queen would sing When I'm Cleaning Winders a fact that is mentioned several times in this book. The book itself opens in the days before the queen passed away. It begins with her meeting her last prime minister and then eventually leads us to the final day when we all knew it was coming. The palace doesn't just announce the queen is resting do they? And the memories of those days, the double rainbow, the long queue and all the quibbles and drama that played out leading up to the funeral from the squabble over uniforms, to the new king losing his temper over a pen. Then we sort of go back through the life of the queen which while the book itself was readable it did get bogged down by the many tangents the author went on. The queen is born, then we're on about her having her own children and it meanders through and I do like biographies to stay somewhat chronological. There was also way too much on Harry and his family. I know they bring the drama but in the long run especially given a reign of 70 years and a life that lasted nearly a century Harry and Meghan are little blips, much like Diana and even Fergie. The queen met with people much better and much worse than any of them could ever be. I just wish they weren't brought up so much here. What about Sophie the now Duchess of Edinburgh or Catherine the current Princess of Wales? I'd rather hear about her relationship with those two fabulous women then about how she liked Meghan at first until she and Harry stabbed her and her life's work in the back. Despite what another reviewer said this book was actually quite kind to both of them and anything deemed to be taking a shot was literally quoting from them. No one asked if I was okay, I put my mother's lip cream down there etc etc. The book ends with the coronation of King Charles III and a look to the future. This wasn't a bad book I just wish it had more structure and wasn't repetitive.
June 5, 2024
I have dipped into this book about our late Queen Elizabeth II for over a year since I started it. It's a book that I borrowed from my local Library.
I have found it quite an in depth and well written account of her life during different times throughout her life.
If you ever come across it, grab a copy as it is well worth a read in my opinion. At times it made me smile to myself and laugh out loud, at others it brought tears to my eyes. There is one thing that you can definitely say about her, she was a truly dedicated lady who put her whole life into her role as Queen and served us well.
The Queen appeared to be a religious person and obviously was seen as the head of the Church of England, below is something to me showed her dedication to both religion and her life as monarch..
Excerpt
On page 21, Gyles had been talking about a period in time that took place due to the kindness of Prince Philip getting him tickets to the State Opening of Parliament as special guests of the Queen.
He then went on to tell us the following:
'And a few days after I was elected as the Conservative MP for the City of Chester, he and the Queen happened to come to my constituency, on 16th April 1992, for the Royal Maundy Service at Chester Cathedral. At the service the sovereign ceremonially distributes small silver coins known as 'Maundy money', as symbolic alms to elderly recipients/ The name #Maundy' and the ceremony itself derive from Christ's instruction, or mandatum at the last supper that his followers should love one another. The Queen valued the service highly and only missed it five times during the course of her long reign.'
I have found it quite an in depth and well written account of her life during different times throughout her life.
If you ever come across it, grab a copy as it is well worth a read in my opinion. At times it made me smile to myself and laugh out loud, at others it brought tears to my eyes. There is one thing that you can definitely say about her, she was a truly dedicated lady who put her whole life into her role as Queen and served us well.
The Queen appeared to be a religious person and obviously was seen as the head of the Church of England, below is something to me showed her dedication to both religion and her life as monarch..
Excerpt
On page 21, Gyles had been talking about a period in time that took place due to the kindness of Prince Philip getting him tickets to the State Opening of Parliament as special guests of the Queen.
He then went on to tell us the following:
'And a few days after I was elected as the Conservative MP for the City of Chester, he and the Queen happened to come to my constituency, on 16th April 1992, for the Royal Maundy Service at Chester Cathedral. At the service the sovereign ceremonially distributes small silver coins known as 'Maundy money', as symbolic alms to elderly recipients/ The name #Maundy' and the ceremony itself derive from Christ's instruction, or mandatum at the last supper that his followers should love one another. The Queen valued the service highly and only missed it five times during the course of her long reign.'
August 2, 2024
GB’s chatty biography of Elizabeth II is the most up-to-date; this includes a bit on Charles III’s coronation. GB doesn’t dish, no backstairs gossip, but decades of conversations w the Queen and her family, as well as friends, associates, and a deep dive into memoirs and other previous publications provide a rich portrait. Things I liked: the dirt was acknowledged but not wallowed in. For example, yes Andrew got himself sidelined, but no salacious speculation, more about the Queen’s response in both word and deed. Also, this is the first book that notes the depth of her faith, and the changes in her personal approach to life after the death of her mother and sister. Others have noted her dutifulness, her flexibility, her fondness of tradition, etc, but this one rounds it out a bit more. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like. He’s seems to have a bit of an insider track, but as he himself points out: with the royals, do not mistake friendliness for friendship; they do not.
June 17, 2023
Some really interesting and funny anecdotes about our late queen and the royal family.
August 26, 2024
A comprehensive and enthralling biography of our Queen Elizabeth II. The book covers her early history, her partnership with Philip and what made her tick. Insights into some of the scandals are also interesting from the Queen's suggested point of view.
December 5, 2025
A remarkable book about a remarkable woman.
February 10, 2023
Throughly enjoyed this book, definitely going to have it in my collection!
February 3, 2023
This is an excellent biography of Queen Elizabeth written by someone who worked for the BBC, who is a writer but he also knew Prince Philip and Her Majesty as personal friends. He spent a great deal of time with them over their lifetimes. He presents many detailed personal and researched insights into their lives both personally and professionally that have never been heard before. It is a documentary of her life of service to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth that she loved so much. It also testifies to the love that she had for her family and explains many of the family dynamics that the public was not always aware of. Queen Elizabeth was a woman of deep faith, integrity and honor. She was also a quiet person by nature who valued her privacy and that of her family. Because of that, many times her actions, in family matters especially, were misunderstood by her country and the world. Gyles Brandreth sheds new light on actions and circumstances that makes it easier to understand what it must have been like to have been in the spotlight of the world every day of her life. However, she never lost her sense of humor, her love and compassion for others and the feeling that she was a servant leader. She died one of the most modest, yet wisest, most loved and admired leaders in the world. I would highly recommend this exceptionally well written book to anyone looking for an excellent biography on Queen Elizabeth.
April 29, 2023
Well written
I purchased this book when it became available in the U.S. after the Queen died. Brandreth has credibility. The excerpts I read in the British press regarding Harry and Meghan were tepid to somewhat favorable. That made a difference. Why? Because out of all of the books I have read about HM, she has never been a mean, spiteful person. She is a God-fearing woman. She indeed attempted to walk her faith. I have known this since I was a little girl. And for the past four years, all I have read is nastiness that has supposedly come from her mouth. Yet, she has been loving to Fergie, which I totally believe she has been. This book is believable, and his relationship with Phillip and HM for many, many years convinces me of the credibility of this book. Many of the stories and timelines are not new to me, yet many are.
This was a book that I did not want to put down. And for a person who had no interest in watching THE CROWN because I knew the story, keeping me glued to this book is saying something.
I purchased this book when it became available in the U.S. after the Queen died. Brandreth has credibility. The excerpts I read in the British press regarding Harry and Meghan were tepid to somewhat favorable. That made a difference. Why? Because out of all of the books I have read about HM, she has never been a mean, spiteful person. She is a God-fearing woman. She indeed attempted to walk her faith. I have known this since I was a little girl. And for the past four years, all I have read is nastiness that has supposedly come from her mouth. Yet, she has been loving to Fergie, which I totally believe she has been. This book is believable, and his relationship with Phillip and HM for many, many years convinces me of the credibility of this book. Many of the stories and timelines are not new to me, yet many are.
This was a book that I did not want to put down. And for a person who had no interest in watching THE CROWN because I knew the story, keeping me glued to this book is saying something.
December 24, 2022
I listened to the book on Audible as I love to hear Gyles speak and I knew it would enhance the experience and I was not disappointed.
This book was written with so much respect and affection for our Queen and told so many stories of her humour, humility and sheer love for her family and country. I thought I knew all there was to know but Gyles had so much more to tell.
I loved this book and the last line made me cry.
This book was written with so much respect and affection for our Queen and told so many stories of her humour, humility and sheer love for her family and country. I thought I knew all there was to know but Gyles had so much more to tell.
I loved this book and the last line made me cry.
February 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and loved Gyles Brandreth reading it to me. He knew the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh personally so it was nice knowing that what you were listening to was true. She had a wicked sense of humour and the Duke was just as you saw. Interesting to hear that the Duke was not actually the Queen’s first true love - who knew! She was a true hard working woman but it is a shame that they found it difficult to show emotion in public throughout their lives.
January 26, 2023
Some lovely & humorous snippets of the Queen and her family background but largely feels like a rehash of Brandreth’s previous material from his book on Prince Phillip. Brandreth also cheapens the book with consistent and unnecessary digs at Harry & Meghan. Worth reading if you’re a royal fan but it feels like a missed opportunity to properly examine the life of our late Queen.
February 9, 2023
The book seems to focus pretty heavily on conversations with Phillip, instead of Elizabeth.
I also hate the slight digs at everyone who isn’t the queen, they just take away from the book and make me feel like I’m reading another tabloid article.
I also hate the slight digs at everyone who isn’t the queen, they just take away from the book and make me feel like I’m reading another tabloid article.
November 28, 2024
Ma usun seda täiesti, et kuninganna Elizabeth II oli hea, lahke, väärikas ja imeline nii inimese kui valitsejannana. Raamatu autor avab kuningannat võimalikult sügavuti, milleks annab Brandrethile võimaluse aastakümnete vältel kuulumine kuningakoja peaaegu siseringi. On selgelt aru saada, kui kõrgelt raamatu autor kuningannat hindas ja sellest tuleneb ka raamatu suurim miinus - paraku on see nagu fännitoode. Brandreth näeb vaeva, et õigustada kuninganna otsuseid, näiteks kaua lastest eemal viibimine või otsus mitte heisata lipp Buckinghami paleel poolde vardasse Diana surma järel, ja püüab igati ümber lükata levinud kuulujutte kuningliku pere kohta. Mingil hetkel on see natuke naeruväärne ja on kahju, et autor ei ole suutnud neutraalset joont hoida.
Eriti kahju oli minu jaoks selge poolehoid Camillale ja Diana mahategemine, kuigi Dianale ette heidetud käitumismaneere usun ma küll ning Camilla on kindlasti kena inimene, kuid selge poole valimine ei ole ju kirjutajale sobiv. Silma jääb ka foto puudumine Dianast, aga osa kuningaperest ta ju oli ja kindlasti on fotosid olemas, kus ta koos Elizabeth IIga peal on. Rohke fotomaterjal on aga muidu raamatule heaks boonuseks.
Raamatu lugemist kindlasti kahetsema ei pea, kuigi kohati hakkab pea huugama kõikide sugulussidemete kirjelduste peale, eks need on olulisemat Briti lugejatele. Siiski mõtete kordused ja õigustavad sõnavõtud võiksid olemata olla.
Eriti kahju oli minu jaoks selge poolehoid Camillale ja Diana mahategemine, kuigi Dianale ette heidetud käitumismaneere usun ma küll ning Camilla on kindlasti kena inimene, kuid selge poole valimine ei ole ju kirjutajale sobiv. Silma jääb ka foto puudumine Dianast, aga osa kuningaperest ta ju oli ja kindlasti on fotosid olemas, kus ta koos Elizabeth IIga peal on. Rohke fotomaterjal on aga muidu raamatule heaks boonuseks.
Raamatu lugemist kindlasti kahetsema ei pea, kuigi kohati hakkab pea huugama kõikide sugulussidemete kirjelduste peale, eks need on olulisemat Briti lugejatele. Siiski mõtete kordused ja õigustavad sõnavõtud võiksid olemata olla.
February 22, 2023
A very flowery book about the Queen, who Brandreth obviously adored.
Maybe a little rushed, because while the chapters had some form, we raced from the deep past (all the way back to pre-Victoria) through to 2022 and back again within a couple of sentences at times.
Far too much talk of Harry and Megan (who he obviously doesn't like), far too little mention of Prince William and Catherine.
Brief moment of illumination that even the Queen / her team played into the competition of who could get what imagery into the media.
Brandreth obviously had the opportunity to speak to many people who intimately knew the Queen, and this is definitely a book that could not have been published before her death. But how much was written before she died, and how much of the muddle (and maybe lack of editing - could it have been shorter?) was due to it being rushed out?
Maybe a little rushed, because while the chapters had some form, we raced from the deep past (all the way back to pre-Victoria) through to 2022 and back again within a couple of sentences at times.
Far too much talk of Harry and Megan (who he obviously doesn't like), far too little mention of Prince William and Catherine.
Brief moment of illumination that even the Queen / her team played into the competition of who could get what imagery into the media.
Brandreth obviously had the opportunity to speak to many people who intimately knew the Queen, and this is definitely a book that could not have been published before her death. But how much was written before she died, and how much of the muddle (and maybe lack of editing - could it have been shorter?) was due to it being rushed out?
July 31, 2025
Oh, my. Having just finished Brandreth's memoir, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I never expected this! I've never read a biography with as many uses of the pronouns I and me. Brandreth is as eager to show readers how many famous people he knows as he is to paint his "intimate portrait" of Elizabeth II. And he doesn't do a very good job of that. It's full of un-footnoted gossip. At one point, the author says something like, "There were rumors but [well-placed person] dismisses them." Then he repeats the "unfounded" rumors giving them new life. The book is repetitive AF, as the kids say. Brandreth makes some annoying errors e.g. the queen mother and her brother, David, were the youngest in their family, but chapters later, she has a younger sister. Most annoying, however, was Brandreth's constant use of "divorcée" for both men and women. I know, I know. I'm like that
August 25, 2023
Hypes Brandreth has written many good books, but this book and his recent “Philip, The Final Portrait” are in a special category. They are chatty, they are intimate, they tell the story Esther than just the history. In this book we have captured the essence of the Queen and seen the funny side of her and her life. Brandreth had the opportunity to spend considerable time with the Queen over the years - and even more time with Philip - and he weaves comments (kept in his prodigious diary) alongside quotes from some of her best verbatims (usually done when asked to do voice over thoughts in documentaries). A joy to read. I book marked the pages where I will want to go back and enjoy stories - and the entire book is dog-eared.
February 18, 2025
I listened to the audio version of this, narrated by Gyles Brandreth himself. I don't think I would have finished it if I hadn't been listening to it. But this was like you and Gyles going out for dinner and drinks, and he holding court the entire time, and you mesmerized by his stories of royalty. Mostly hagiography, you do come away convinced by Brandreth that QE2 was as nice as he portrays her to be, and that Prince Philip nicer than you think he would be (although still curmudgeonly). Brandreth sanded away at both of them (for example, Prince Philip's late in life car crash is no where to be found). But Brandreth isn't giving us a trashy tell-all, it's "an intimate portrait" and if you want more, there are other books about the royal family to read.
April 14, 2023
I've finished reading Elizabeth An Intimate Portrait by @gylesbrandreth and I rate it 5 Stars ..
This book does exactly what it says on the cover it truly is an intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I enjoyed reading about the Queens life from childhood until her last days, I liked reading about her relationships with her sister, her friends and those close to her.
This book goes into so much detail and is beautifully written and researched by Gyles Brandreth who personally knew The Queen, I honestly couldn't put this book down I would highly recommend this book.
This book does exactly what it says on the cover it truly is an intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, I enjoyed reading about the Queens life from childhood until her last days, I liked reading about her relationships with her sister, her friends and those close to her.
This book goes into so much detail and is beautifully written and researched by Gyles Brandreth who personally knew The Queen, I honestly couldn't put this book down I would highly recommend this book.
March 8, 2025
This was an absolutely lovely tribute to one of the most enigmatic people of our times. The late Queen Elizabeth II was universally known and admired. Gyles Brandreth had unprecedented access to her and her family and was able to graft this portrait of her from over decades of study.
Here, we get in the ins and outs of Elizabeth's life and the workings of her court. There are very amusing anecdotes and some sobering moments, as well. The book is lively, face-paced and just what I was looking for in the way of summing up a monumental reign and a life well-lived.
There are a couple of factual mistakes, but they don't really discount from the excellent quality of the book. Recommended.
Here, we get in the ins and outs of Elizabeth's life and the workings of her court. There are very amusing anecdotes and some sobering moments, as well. The book is lively, face-paced and just what I was looking for in the way of summing up a monumental reign and a life well-lived.
There are a couple of factual mistakes, but they don't really discount from the excellent quality of the book. Recommended.
September 17, 2023
A lovely, easily read biography of a beautiful woman and royal. Not being very well read on royals I felt that in reading the book, the warmth Gyles Brandreth feel for the Queen shines through throughout. It very much comes across as a personal portrait of someone well known to the author. It was refreshing to explore the life and personality of the Queen on a level you don’t very often see or hear of. Not at any time did I think the book was ‘heavy’ or ‘slow’ which perhaps I had expected to feel of a royal portrait.
March 31, 2023
I have this as both an ebook and an audiobook, but chose to listen to the audiobook exclusively as Giles has such a relaxing voice.
I really enjoyed learning more about the late Queen, from someone who knew her so well. However, I was put off slightly by how often the Queen’s experiences were compared to Meghan’s. I would read the dreadful Daily Mail if I wanted that insight. It dampened my view of the book slightly as it should have been solely focused on the Queen.
I really enjoyed learning more about the late Queen, from someone who knew her so well. However, I was put off slightly by how often the Queen’s experiences were compared to Meghan’s. I would read the dreadful Daily Mail if I wanted that insight. It dampened my view of the book slightly as it should have been solely focused on the Queen.
May 1, 2023
Excellent biography! The basic structure is chronological, but the author moves both forward and backward in history to draw parallels with other royals and historical events. It was interesting to have the perspective of someone who was acquainted with Queen Elizabeth and her family. Overall, a solid look into the life of Queen Elizabeth I and am overview of the British monarchy on the eve of Charles’ coronation.
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