Elizabeth II (Penguin Monarchs)

by Douglas Hurd Book 12 in the Penguin Monarchs series.

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2.5(5)

Douglas Hurd considers Elizabeth II’s exceptionally long reign through the principle of steadfast service. The book follows her unexpected path to the throne, her apprenticeship during the Second World War and her adaptation to decolonisation, social change, television and the increasingly public scrutiny of the royal family.

Rather than exercising direct political power, Elizabeth maintained influence through continuity, private counsel and strict constitutional restraint. Hurd examines her relations with successive prime ministers, her role across the Commonwealth and the personal discipline that allowed the monarchy to survive repeated national and family crises.