Elizabeth and Marilyn: A Novel

by Julie Owen Moylan

What really happened when Queen Elizabeth II met Marilyn Monroe? This stunning historical novel imagines the summer that bonded the world's two most famous women, both thirty years old and chafing against the façade of global celebrity.

On a cool early-autumn evening in 1956, a glittering array of stars turns out in London for a Royal Film Premier, where they will be presented to Queen Elizabeth II—an elegant young mother and wife, gracious and self-sacrificing, who has embraced her patriotic duty despite never expecting to take the throne so soon. Cameras flash, and a crowd surges forward as a limousine pulls up. Out steps a vision in dazzling the greatest star of the era, Marilyn Monroe. She's a global sensation and money-making machine for Hollywood, with curves that drive men wild and a smile that lets women know she’s in on the joke.

Finally, the two most famous women in the world will come face-to-face in public for the first time. And the world is watching—unaware that Elizabeth and Marilyn have already had an accidental encounter that has changed their lives.

Inspired by the months in the summer of 1956 when Elizabeth and Marilyn lived as neighbors in nearby Windsor, British author Julie Owen Moylan imagines a meeting the two might have had in their shared  garden. Born within weeks of each other, Lilibet and Norma-Jean would seem to have only their age in common. Yet beneath the glamorous costumes and jewels, both women are fighting  to hold on to the men they love while trying to do their work in a man's world, battling demons their adoring public could only guess at. Until now...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 7, 2026

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Marilyn by Julie Owen Moylan is a great historical fiction that focuses on the brief, infamous introduction between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe.

This is such a great book. I knew that Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe had briefly met once, but that was literally all. The author does an amazing job at placing us into each character as we read through alternate chapters that mainly take place the few months leading up to the introduction on October 29, 1956. There are a few chapters where we go back to 1936 and 1946 as well. All of these concepts allow us as an audience to be able to find many similarities between the two unique women. Both, when stripped of their professions, titles, and personaes are just real women like the rest of us. Both women have flaws, fears, hopes, anger, frustration, and determination. Both women just want to find a place where they belong, a purpose and want to be accepted and loved. Both are also so much stronger than they realize.

The author really brought all of this home while weaving fact and fiction. I think she did an excellent job crafting the backstory and events behind the scenes that did, and may have even, taken place during that summer and fall in London and at Windsor Castle.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Elizabeth and Marilyn - Julie Owen Moylan. The momentary coming together of the world’s two most famous women, who have much more in common than they could ever imagine.

1956. Marilyn Monroe makes her one and only trip to the UK to star in a film alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Accompanied by her new husband, Arthur Miller, the two stay in a house located in Great Park in the shadow of Windsor Castle.

1956. Elizabeth is finding her feet as Queen. Struggling to balance family life and to carve out roles for her husband and sister. Men talk down to her and every day offers a new crisis or turn of duty.

Julie Owen Moylan takes a meeting between Elizabeth and Marilyn in a film premiere line-up and fills in a back story of two completely disparate lives with so many overlaps. Toggling between backstories in 1936 and 1956, this merger of fact and fiction is a smart narrative with lots of heart. The author delivers a story that is adept at both character and plot, drawing a warmth from each woman (I had been worried that I’d not be able to see past getting out a very small violin for each - I was wrong).

A thoroughly recommended read. I received an ARC from Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book from start to finish. Although it is historical fiction, the author does an amazing job of creating a tale where you feel you actually know both Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe. You will also get to know them as Lilibet and Norma Jean. I have read many non-fiction books on both of these women and truly feel that the author did a great job of capturing the reality of both of them in this book. The parallel of their lives was very interesting and I loved how, at certain times, the story would reflect on earlier times in their lives. One of the best books I've read this year. Be sure to read this when it is released it's not to be missed! Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jane Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has followed me for a while knows that Queen Elizabeth II was a real hero for me, I try and read anything written about her that I can get my hands on so this book really fell into my lap. I can’t begin to describe to you how beautifully written it is, on the face of it two very, very different women who, at their core, are in similar positions. Their sense of duty to their careers, being torn between duty and family, their love lives. It just all falls beautifully together. Any reader will find themselves falling in love with both women and wanting the best for them both, despite knowing both their stories I still found myself hoping for a better way. That’s the sign of a brilliant author. Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing this book, it was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Marilyn offers a fascinating story told through a historical fiction lens. Set in 1956, it follows the months from July to October when Marilyn Monroe was in London filming The Prince and the Showgirl, leading up to that October evening when she and Queen Elizabeth II met in person for the only time.
I found myself feeling deep sympathy for both women as they struggle with the tension between their authentic selves and the identities the world expects them to embody. Each faces challenges in her relationships and in the weight of her responsibilities. In different ways, both rely on their carefully crafted public personas as a form of protection—a shield to preserve some measure of sanity amid relentless scrutiny.

There are many tender moments throughout the book, and I especially appreciated the narrative structure. Moving between Norma Jeane and Lilibet—rather than Marilyn and Her Royal Majesty—adds an intimate quality that humanizes them both. The story also plays thoughtfully with time, shifting in ten-year increments, moving backward and forward to deepen our understanding of their lives.

I initially chose this book because I’ve always loved Marilyn and have felt protective of her legacy. I expected something light—perhaps a bit of fluff—but I was pleasantly surprised. The novel offers more depth than I anticipated, and I enjoyed it far more than I expected. In fact, I read it in just three days; it was difficult to put down.

With this year marking what would have been the 100th birthdays of both women, we’re seeing many new publications about their lives. This one stands out as an engaging and heartfelt addition. I’m glad I picked it up—and I’d encourage others to do the same.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I looooooooove Julie's books. I have read the mall and I have followed her career since the start so I was so thrilled to read this.

I do wonder if we would get something different out of this book if Queen Elizabeth II was still with us? I am a big fan of the royal family, especially the late Queen, and there is a photo of her meeting Marilyn when they ere both in their 30s and it was fascinating to see the differences between these two women just because of who they were born to. And also knowing they did both live in Windsor at the same time, it's lovely to think they might have got together, and just been two young women spending time together, rather than Queen Elizabeth and and Marilyn Monroe.

One thing I loved about Julie's previous books is her ability to write about women, particularly sisters, and in this book she has got two of history's most powerful women.

Even if you didn't know this book was about two people, you'd know just by writing style. She's given both Elizabeth and Marilyn such distinct voices that you can turn a switch on and off in your head as you're reading it. Both voices are so crisp and familiar, even if I didn't know these two women personally, they feel like friends.

As well as the difference between the two women, she has given us the different sides of both Elizabeth and Marilyn. We have the persona, the "Queen" and "Marilyn", as well as their private sides, the "Lillibet" and the "Norma", and I found that so fascinating. I also loved that she's shown the downsides of fame as well. Is the glitz and glamour really worth the loss of your freedom?

I think I preferred the scenes that focussed on the Queen. They're both equally as fabulous, but I think, having grown up with the Queen, feeling like we knew her, whereas Marilyn was always this enigma, I suppose I felt closer to Elizabeth.

I initially thought it would be a book about Elizabeth and Marilyn together, but whilst they do meet, they are very separate entities, with each alternating chapter given to each woman.

Every now and again it does flit back in time to show Elizabeth's childhood and young adulthood, and also Marilyn when she was just Norma. They were interesting to read but I found them a bit haphazard, because it wasn't like a regular flashback, it was just as and when and that threw me slightly.

I read it in a day. I normally read thrillers and the such like in a day because they're so fast and tense. This is a historical story, not a thriller in the slightest, and yet I still zoomed through it.

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How clever this author is! I believe most of us (all ages, but especially older readers) would glance at the cover & think What? A book about them both? Together?

Setting the presentation event of October of 1956 aside, I initially thought how opposite they were despite being a reader of books about the UK & the Royals. Here lies the magic of each chapter by Julie Owen Moylan. With each chapter, I compare it to peeling back the layers of an onion, garlic or an artichoke – Take your pick.

Elizabeth & Marilyn were born 100 years ago within about 6 weeks of each other. With each page, you discover how their lives & personal growth bear distinct similarities.

Both were undereducated compared to women of today (or at least some of society in their time). Elizabeth had private tutors, but like Marilyn – The world was her educator.

Both women would be schooled “on the job”. Elizabeth’s position by birth would provide the opportunity while the book details how Hollywood would teach Marilyn on their sadistic terms. This book tenderly examines the sad decline of Marilyn. The dangerous medications, unscrupulous physicians & alcohol abuse that Hollywood used to control their human property would end a life after 36 years.

This author does an outstanding side-by-side measure of how similar their struggles were from the inside vs the public image the masses knew.

Both felt like they were failing when in reality, they would revere for generations to come. Both struggled with pleasing family & figures of authority, but this author shares what the public’s perception also shaped.

Elizabeth & Marilyn lost sight of what they wanted more often than not. They could even be defined as “People Pleasers” in today’s slang.

Marilyn’s demise was the reality, but the book keeps the hope that this time Monroe doesn’t succumb to the darkness.
If there is a defining difference, it is that Elizabeth’s demons did not win.

This is an enjoyable work of historical fiction. My only criticism is that in the beginning, it felt rushed regarding the Peter Townsend dilemma plus the Queen Mother’s lack of purpose. I feel I only noticed these because (as previously mentioned) I am a fan of books about the Royals.

This is a book that belongs on the shelves of Marilyn Monroe admirers, Old Hollywood film buffs & Royal enthusiasts.

I thank NetGalley, the author & Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“Elizabeth and Marilyn” is a historical fiction book by Julie Owen Moylan. As someone who has in interest in both of these women, I wasn’t sure how much new information I would pick up from this book (one of my hopes for any historical fiction book). I didn’t learn much, but I did like the overall story. Both women, in 1956, were the most famous at the time. Queen Elizabeth was getting her feet under her in her role as monarch - and Marilyn was testing her wings at being in control of her own films. The chapters being under “Norma Jeane” and “Lilibet” I found a good idea, as quite often Marilyn commented (or had commented about her) that she could pretend to be Marilyn and glow, but she could also be Norma Jeane and no one would see her. The idea of them meeting beforehand, accidentally, I thought was interesting, but I cannot say, as the publisher’s summary states, that it was an encounter “that has changed their lives.” I do feel compelled to note, Arthur Miller did write something cruel in his notebook about his wife, but it wasn’t that and it came later in their marriage. A few color photos of the gold dress that Marilyn wore when presented to Her Majesty exist online - I encourage readers to see the dress - it’s a stunner! Overall, I found this book engaging and enjoyable, and I think for those who have seen the TV program “The Crown,” it’ll bring some of the first season’s scenes to your mind. A solid book - and there are some Book Club questions at the back of the book, so I can see some people discussing the book in their gatherings.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect in this reimagining of two of the world’s most famous women Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. It was a fascinating read and felt almost autobiographical in its content, some of which I was unaware of - thanks Dr. Google. Clearly a lot of research must have gone into this and honestly if that was me it would have been more like fun than work. The author moves between multiple timelines, but largely 1936 and 1956 and tells all from the two women’s perspectives.

Briefly, it was at a Royal Command Film Performance in London, October 1956 that Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II famously came face-to-face. But what if they had met before? Marilyn was in London July to November 1956 to film a romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Elizabeth who came to the throne much sooner than anticipated is struggling with the demand of the job and balancing it with family life.

I like how we get to see the public persona and the private person behind both women, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe versus Lillibet and Norma Jeane. No spoilers but I hope the authors version of their meeting was true. I can dream. I felt sad for both women. They didn’t have easy lives, in either their public or private lives, and I didn’t feel either was really happy for much of the time. It must be difficult when people see you as public property and not as a person in your own right. A fascinating and entertaining read.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction especially when I learn about events that I wasn’t aware of or only knew briefly about. This book fits into that category. I knew enough about both principal characters in this book but nothing about their formal meeting in 1956.

Born in the same year, Elizabeth and Marilyn represent two different sides of the same coin: aristocrat versus commoner. Both in their 30s when they meet, again they represent two different sides of the same coin: poised and self-assured versus unassured and questioning. It’s old glamor versus Hollywood glamor. But in these contrasts are women of their time who represent women many admired and desired to be.

The event was the premiere of The Battle of the River Plate on October 29, 1956, at the Empire Theater in Leicester Square, London. Marilyn was in London filming the Prince and The Showgirl and Elizabeth was a young Queen and mother shoring the reins of leadership 4 years after her coronation. The book builds up to this event with contrasting chapters dealing with Marilyn and Elizabeth or Lilibet. We gain insight into these women as they navigate their daily lives, bolstering the contrasts between them.

From what I’ve read about both women, I think the author has done a great job of capturing their essences.

This was a fine historical fiction book. Accurate to events and the famous characters. Perfect for readers who like famous women striving to be the best they can be.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows engulf their lives.

How each woman grapples with these shadows is in this remarkable read. One woman conquers them, while the other is consumed by them.

Queen Elizabeth's destiny was shaped by circumstances beyond her control. Beloved Uncle David chooses love over the throne. This decision snowballs into an avalanche for her immediate family. Later, her choice in Prince Phillip as her husband is still filtered by her father, in his role as king. In the end, however, she is granted her request. From that moment, though, her role as Queen is forever at war with her identity as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. The book explores how she conquers this conflict.

Marilyn's shadows are borne from her childhood abandonment and the weighty, judgmental emotions of third parties, from strangers to her own husband. Listening to her share both her convictions and self doubts enhance the reader's understanding of her character.

This reader believes that their imagined story will linger long after the last page is turned.

This ARC was provided by publisher, Ballantine | Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#ElizabethandMarilyn #NetGalley

[Beth Gerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because GoodReads adds this crazy long "standout novel about the friendship that might have blossomed between the world's two most famous women" tag IN the title of the book, I felt a little misled about what was actually going to happen here. I thought this was well-written, and following the two characters' lives while Marilyn was in England filming and showing how they each got to where they are in flashbacks was interesting. While I've read a lot about that point of Elizabeth's life, I don't really know anything about Marilyn Monroe per se, so this viewpoint was new to me. From the title given, I thought we would see more overlap aside from the one meeting in the park and a well-captured photo. If there might have been a friendship, then the reader is really on their own to imagine it. I think without the leading blurb from the GoodReads title I might not have been left wanting more.

Either way, the book was well-paced and interesting to read, and while some similarities in the two women's lives can be made, I'm not sure it really achieves the thesis.

I received an ARC from NetGalley

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up ⭐️

I have been a huge fan of Julie Owen Moylan ever since I read 73 Dove Street a couple of years ago, so I'm still so eternally grateful to have been sent a proof copy of the upcoming novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn, by the lovely team at Michael Joseph!

It's definitely safe to say that I, once again, have loved every page of this book. It's been marketed to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and honestly, I can see why. If you're a fan of that one, then I'd strongly recommend that you give this one a go.

I thought the concept was so unique and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe (or as we know them better in the book - Lilibet and Norma) as their dual chapters went on. What I will say is that you definitely don't need to be fans of either of these icons to enjoy this book. I am not a royalist nor have I followed Monroe's work, but I still found their stories absolutely fascinating - and seeing how they intertwined was so worth the wait

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This is an engaging work of historical fiction that reimagines the brief 1956 meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. Through alternating chapters and carefully placed flashbacks, the book invites us as readers into the inner worlds of 'Lilibet' and 'Norma Jean' in the months leading up to their infamous introduction.

Despite their vastly different public roles, Moylan draws thoughtful parallels between the two women, revealing shared fears, ambitions, and vulnerabilities beneath their carefully constructed personas. Stripped of titles and celebrity, Elizabeth and Marilyn emerge simply as women navigating power, expectation, and the desire for belonging. The book blends historical fact with imaginative insight, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and accessible.

At once reflective and entertaining, Elizabeth and Marilyn offers a fresh perspective on two iconic figures while subtly critiquing the gendered constraints faced by influential women in the 1950s. Many of which still resonate today.

[saint forest99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Marilyn's meeting during the late 1950s became one of legend. Two iconic women, the top of their occupations, come together for a brief moment of introduction and familiarity. Moylan does an excellent job mixing together the lives of Elizabeth and Marilyn by highlighting similarities and shared struggles that come with the roles they've been placed in.

It was an enjoyable and well thought out story based on an event in history that lasted only a few moments. I would like to think it was possible that Elizabeth and Marilyn had met prior to the night at the theater. Had they continued to meet afterwards, I think both would have positively impacted eachothers lives and character.

Though they couldn't be themselves with family, Norma and Lilibet could be themselves with each other.

[Charlotte Grainger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional insight into the minds of two women of the same age but with 2 very different lives.
This story follows Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth during their younger years and during Marilyn’s visit to the UK in the 50s.
It identifies both their strengths, their weaknesses and their challenges as women in powerful and influential roles.

This was wonderfully written.
I loved reading about our previous monarch but also learning a bit more about both women. I don’t really know much about Marilyn other than she was an actress who passed away quite young, something about the president and a song and that potentially she was subjected to abuse by men during her life and after it so it’s an eye opening read to see how powerful and influential women were treated in the 50s by men and how the misogynist views of powerful influential men haven’t really advanced in today’s world.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've read in such a long time and I absolutely devoured it.

Whilst you may think you know these women, this shows a hidden side to them both. I like how the chapters alternated between them, and how we saw some backstory too.

My favourite part was seeing them finally meet and it was perfection. Chefs kiss to the author for this portrayal. It was wonderful to see the Empire meeting brought to life from both perspectives too.

In true Elizabeth and Marilyn style, this is a pearl of a read and they shine like diamonds.

Elegant writing, resilient women, and I just wish it had lasted for so much longer.

Dazzling.

[Big Bertha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read with a good sense of time and place. The imagined inner thoughts and feelings of two women from different worlds, both adored, both constantly in the news and both of them portraying an exterior that hides the real them.

Elizabeth and Marilyn by Julie Owen Moylan is a compelling narrative of Hollywood glamour meets British royalty set against real life events, a good mix of fact and fiction that allows us for a brief moment to see behind the mask of two very different women. Totally recommended.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Luann Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful fictionalized story of two great women. The story dives into actual events leading up to the one meeting we know of between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. I appreciated the writing style which included dual POV of each lady and even touches on their private lives vs public persona. The author created a special moment right before the official meeting of the two women, that I could only hope would be true. It made for a perfect exchange of words between Lilbet and Norma Jeane. This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of these women or anyone who likes a story of going against the odds and becoming an icon
thank you NetGalley for the ARC ebook

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine and Julie Owen Moylan for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.

Elizabeth and Marilyn tells the story of, in my opinion, the 2 most famous women of that era. Ms. Julie's way with words and world building, paints such a picture that I was wishing I could have been there. I was hooked from the very beginning all the way til the end.

I highly recommend that y'all get this book. Y'all won't regret it.

[Dog&CatMomBooksNicorette&tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth and Marilyn by Julie Owen Moylan is an impeccable historical fiction read that will allow you to really get to know Queen Elizabeth 2 and "Norma Jean" Though it feels like two separate books compiled together to bring you to their one meeting in the late 1950's, I highly appreciated this story and I highly recommend it!!!!


Disclaimer: I received an e-copy ARC of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No positive review was required. All opinions are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley and Ballantine Books, for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderful historical fiction featuring two iconic women. Julie Owen Moylan takes one iconic moment in history and delivers a moving novel. The way she captures Queen Elizabeth II's vulnerability in the early years of her reign is nothing short of beautiful. Marilyn Monroe's complex layers are masterfully captured in the pages.

Recommended for lovers of Old Hollywood and royal family drama.

[Beachcomber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars. Lovely and enjoyable look at what might have been, the summer of 1956 when Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe were briefly neighbours in Windsor, and then finally meet at a film premiere. We see how their lives might be considered from their perspectives rather than the press’ spin, and how in many ways they were alike, thrust into the public eye so prominently. You really felt for both of them, and the Queen in particular.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting take on a meeting of two of the world's most iconic women in history! Although I did feel that I was reading two books simultaneously, the link between the two stories melded well enough where I could still enjoy it! As someone who loves historical fiction books, this one I do recommend for others to check out and enjoy.

[Kayla Sullinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt like the author did a decent job of making this believable. I liked the similarities between the two women. I think that they painted Arthur a little nicer than I think he was. But I also think that Marilyn was portrayed for the most part decent. I think that there is so much about her that can be misconstrued that it would be hard to pinpoint exactly how she was in her own mind.

[Lucy Skeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely loved this! I loved Julie’s debut novel and I think I might’ve loved this even more. Thanks so much to Michael Joseph for my copy!