Queen Elizabeth II for Dummies

The longest-reigning monarch in European history!
 
If the news about Harry, William, Kate, Meghan, and the rest of the British royals has you wondering about how this latest generation of princes, princesses, dukes, and duchesses got their start, you're not alone. Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies takes you on a fascinating journey through the life of Great Britain's longest-serving monarch.
 
You'll find revealing stories about Queen Elizabeth II's family background, her childhood, early ascension to the throne, and her role during times of national crisis and triumph. The book combines must-know facts about the monarchy with details of the remarkable woman who has held the crown for over 68 years (and counting). You'll also read about:
* Where shows like The Crown stay true-to-life and where they take artistic liberties with historical fact
* Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with Prince Charles, the late Prince Phillip, Princess Diana, and the thousands of famous figures she has encountered during her reign
* The subtle and at times controversial role of a hereditary Head of State in a democracy
 
Perfect for anyone with an interest in the monarchy, British governance, power and society, leadership, or the resurgence of the British monarchy in popular culture, Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies is a cracking read full of trivia, secrets, and history that puts one of the most central figures of the 20th and 21st centuries in the palm of your hand.

List of contents

Introduction 1
 
About This Book 1
 
Foolish Assumptions 3
 
Icons Used in This Book 3
 
Beyond the Book 4
 
Where to Go from Here 4
 
Part 1: the Road to the Throne 5
 
Chapter 1: Queen Elizabeth II: A Global Icon 7
 
Carrying the Weight of History 9
 
Heading up a monarchy 1,500 years in the making 9
 
Ruling the jig-saw kingdom 11
 
Being one of the precious few queens 13
 
Following in the Footsteps of Grandpa and Daddy 16
 
George V 17
 
George VI 17
 
Wearing Many Different Hats 18
 
Ruling in theory 18
 
Running the family firm 19
 
And Being a Mum, Too 20
 
The Secrets of Elizabeth's Success 21
 
She's been queen for a long time 21
 
Her style has evolved and adapted 21
 
She uses more carrot than stick 22
 
She's nothing if not discreet 23
 
Chapter 2: Triumph of Compromise: Constitutional Monarchy 25
 
From Tribal Leader to King of England 27
 
Settling down with the Anglo-Saxons 27
 
Uniting through adversity 29
 
Ruling by Divine Right? 32
 
Losing my religion: Henry VIII's church reforms 33
 
Entering the first Elizabethan Age 35
 
Finding Mary (Queen of Scots) 35
 
Becoming a republic 36
 
Establishing a Constitutional Monarchy 37
 
Choosing absolutism or republicanism? 38
 
Bringing about revolution 38
 
Appointing a newcomer 40
 
Learning with George: what monarchs shouldn't do 41
 
American Republic, French Republic - Britain next? 42
 
Chapter 3: Victoria: The Queen Who Defined an Era 43
 
The Monarchs Who Came Before Victoria 44
 
The Young Queen 45
 
Along Comes Albert 46
 
How Albert helped the British monarchy 47
 
The royal network 48
 
From Monarch to Empress 49
 
Victoria Gives Way to Parliament 50
 
Britain's New Empire 51
 
Death, despair, and republicanism 52
 
Celebrating Victoria's Jubilees 53
 
Golden Jubilee, 1887 53
 
Diamond Jubilee, 1897 54
 
After Victoria 54
 
Edward VII: A playboy king 55
 
George V: A dull king for a difficult time 55
 
Chapter 4: The Birth of a Princess 57
 
Bertie: The Stammering Second Son 58
 
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon: A Suitable Match 58
 
Princess Lilibet is Born 60
 
Baby Betty steals the limelight 62
 
Grandma knows best 62
 
A sister is born 63
 
Educating a princess 64
 
Chapter 5: Edward VIII: The King Who Abdicated 65
 
Edward Prince of Wales 66
 
A Populist Prince 67
 
Edward's other education 67
 
A trial run 68
 
Enter Wallis Simpson 68
 
Accession and Abdication 69
 
Act I: October 1936 71
 
Act II: November 1936 72
 
Act III: December 1936 73
 
Chapter 6: Preparing for the Throne 75
 
Bertie Steps up to the Plate 75
 
Peeking out from behind the glass curtain 77
 
Building up to war 78
 
Choosing a premier 80
 
The Royals at War 82
 
Royalty on rations 83
 
Working towards victory 84
 
Sharing hardship 84
 
The princesses at war 85
 
Countdown to the Crown 87
 
Reaching out to the Commonwealth 88
 
Courting Philip of Greece 89
 
Living the family life 90
 
Part 2: the Young Queen 93
 
Chapter 7: Coronation: 'I Present Unto You Queen Elizabeth' 95
 
An Occasion of Pomp and Ceremony 96
 
Gl

About the author

Stewart Ross is the author of over 250 published titles, including prize winning books for children, young adults and adults. He has written on history and sport - including titles on monarchs and the Royal Family.

Summary

The longest-reigning monarch in European history!

If the news about Harry, William, Kate, Meghan, and the rest of the British royals has you wondering about how this latest generation of princes, princesses, dukes, and duchesses got their start, you're not alone. Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies takes you on a fascinating journey through the life of Great Britain's longest-serving monarch.

You'll find revealing stories about Queen Elizabeth II's family background, her childhood, early ascension to the throne, and her role during times of national crisis and triumph. The book combines must-know facts about the monarchy with details of the remarkable woman who has held the crown for over 68 years (and counting). You'll also read about:
* Where shows like The Crown stay true-to-life and where they take artistic liberties with historical fact
* Queen Elizabeth II's relationship with Prince Charles, the late Prince Phillip, Princess Diana, and the thousands of famous figures she has encountered during her reign
* The subtle and at times controversial role of a hereditary Head of State in a democracy

Perfect for anyone with an interest in the monarchy, British governance, power and society, leadership, or the resurgence of the British monarchy in popular culture, Queen Elizabeth II For Dummies is a cracking read full of trivia, secrets, and history that puts one of the most central figures of the 20th and 21st centuries in the palm of your hand.

Product details

• Authors: Ross, S Ross, Stewart Ross, Ross Stewart
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.04.2022
• EAN: 9781119850342
• ISBN: 978-1-119-85034-2
• No. of pages: 400
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > History > General, reference works; Geschichte, Adel, Grossbritannien, Jubiläum, Krönung, Monarchie, History, Queen Elizabeth II, Allg. Geschichte, Elisabeth II.