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Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage
“Great fun to read; written with bouncy charm, but shot through with penetrating insights.”― Sunday Telegraph This is the first major biography of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh―both royal, both great-great-great grandchildren of Queen Victoria, but in temperament and upbringing very different people. Her childhood was loving and secure, his turbulent: the Duke's grandfather was assassinated, his father arrested, his family exiled, his parents separated by the time he was ten. For almost sixty years theirs have been among the most famous faces in the world―yet the personalities behind the image remain elusive, and the nature of their marriage is an enigma.
Gyles Brandreth has met all the principal players in the story. He quotes no anonymous sources; he has known the Duke of Edinburgh for twenty-five years and has interviewed him. This is a unique and revealing portrait of a remarkable partnership.
Gyles Brandreth has met all the principal players in the story. He quotes no anonymous sources; he has known the Duke of Edinburgh for twenty-five years and has interviewed him. This is a unique and revealing portrait of a remarkable partnership.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
14 people are currently reading
1062 people want to read
About the author
Gyles Brandreth
464 books401 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 43 reviews
May 4, 2016
Possibly the best book I've read on the marriage between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. While the author tends to name-drop shamelessly, you certainly can't call him boring. Best for those interested in the UK's royals. I liked it. I'm keeping it.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.mylot.com/post/2924713/rev...
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.mylot.com/post/2924713/rev...
December 17, 2023
This book discusses the courtship and marriage of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburg and Queen Elizabeth II. The issue of people thinking that he was not an acceptable match for her is raised in this book, though both of them were royals in their own right...and related through Queen Victoria. The author of this book personally knew Prince Philip, and was able to get direct quotes and information from him. I would like to say that I sympathize the hardship of being married to someone who is a reining monarch, but I found him to be exceptionally dislikeable as a person. The book was an alright book to read, however.
June 5, 2011
While I was looking forward to reading about this royal marriage, this book was a disappointment. It was written by a friend of Philip's for the sole purpose of proving to the world how misunderstood Philip is. He went too far and tried to make Philip look like a saint.
April 27, 2018
Brandreth is quite a names-dropper. And he knows it. He is also an unashamed blazing royalist. Which I don't mind.
Bearing in mind that this is one person's view, seemingly well researched, it is well written, respectful, informative and amusing. One learns a lot especially about Prince Philip. My one little problem: the overwhelming number of European royals and aristocrats mentioned in the first chapters. I read it in small portions, which helped. I liked the photo sections, too.
BTW: "... long to reign over us": God has certainly answered that prayer.
Bearing in mind that this is one person's view, seemingly well researched, it is well written, respectful, informative and amusing. One learns a lot especially about Prince Philip. My one little problem: the overwhelming number of European royals and aristocrats mentioned in the first chapters. I read it in small portions, which helped. I liked the photo sections, too.
BTW: "... long to reign over us": God has certainly answered that prayer.
June 24, 2012
This is another book I read because of the Jubilee, etc. It is not a light breezy story. It is more of a history of each person and why they work as a couple. the book definitely gives you an understanding of the royal families of England and how their backgrounds can be traced to one or two individuals. You also understand why Prince Philip is on the surface a bit cranky and odd. I would not want to one of their offspring, nor would I want to be in their shoes. The book does go into a great deal of depth, so read only if you are fascinated by European history and royalty.
October 29, 2019
This year, guess who will celebrate an unprecedented 72nd anniversary? Yes, it’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who were married November 20, 1947.
Fifty years is considered a really long marriage. What goes on in a union of more than two decades beyond even that? That’s what Gyles Brandeth explores in “Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage” (to be fair, the book was published in 2004. Still, I doubt a lot has changed for the Mountbatten-Windsors in the past 15 years).
This 400+-page book explores Philip and Elizabeth’s ancestors, and in fact when you hit the halfway point they’re just getting married. But although it can be complicated wading through the various people who formed their pasts, it’s worthwhile in understanding Philip and Elizabeth.
Brandreth points out that Elizabeth was born the same year as “Christopher Robin” was published. He suggests that while the Victorian and Edwardian ages are well-known and evoked by those rulers, Elizabeth II doesn’t really capture the spirit of Britain in the late 20th and early 21st century. She is the ultimate duty-driven person, while hiding most of her true nature and feelings. “At first it was very jolty but we soon got used to it,” she wrote of her father’s coronation — a sentence that could sum up her approach to life.
Elizabeth and her family moved to Buckingham Palace in 1937, and it has been home to her ever since — for over 80 years now. Buckingham Palace was obviously not the home Prince Philip grew up in, and he had a difficult time in the early years of the marriage (Elizabeth became Queen just five years into their marriage when her father died) due to the move, as well as his lack of meaningful work (the Queen’s “job” cut short his naval career), and also other issues like his children being given the royal name “Windsor” rather than his “Mountbatten.” Interesting — and sad — observation: the coronation ceremony is full of Christian symbolism. When Elizabeth was crowned in 1953, over 40% of Londoners attended church regularly. Today, that figure is 3%.
I was struck several times as I read by how perfectly Queen Elizabeth is suited to her job by personality. According to her cousin, “She has always been guarded about her feelings. Even as a girl, she was careful with how she appeared in front of others. For example, if she fell and hurt herself she knew she mustn’t be seen to cry.”
Elizabeth and Philip met when she was 13 and he was 18, and for her it was love at first sight (although a lifelong friend says “the real love of her life … was dogs followed by horses.”). According to the author, gauging how Philip feels about his relationship with Elizabeth is much more difficult. I gather that he would not be an easy person to live with, as he is often critical of Elizabeth and criticizes her dogs, what she is wearing, etc. Over the years though, the Queen has become more outspoken with Philip, answering back on occasion “Oh do shut up!” “According to family and friends, she has become bolder with him, and he gentler with her, over the years.”
The author looks at Prince Charles and the difficult relationship he had with his parents. He has seemed for years to have suffered from what he perceived as a lack of affection from them, particularly from his dad. And indeed, it’s hard to read about them being away from their kids for months at a time on official trips, missing his birthdays when he was quite young, etc. On the other hand, Princess Anne has only praise for her upbringing, and she is less than 2 years younger than Charles. Really Charles and his parents seem to be a mismatch personality-wise. The author mentions discussing with Philip that Philip and Charles have many similarities, in interests and mannerisms. Philip then said, “Yes, but with one great difference. He’s a romantic, and I’m a pragmatist. That means we do see things differently. And because I don’t see things as a romantic would, I’m unfeeling.”
The author is well-acquainted with both Philip and Elizabeth (especially Philip) and often makes mention of conversations he has had with Philip. One chapter, around 50 pages long, is devoted to exploring whether or not Philip has had affairs. Brandreth says no, but gives evidence on both sides of the issue. He acknowledges that Philip likes the company of pretty, younger women who are “flattering, intelligent, and fun.” One woman he was rumored to have been involved with says of the Queen, “she gives him a lot of leeway.”
I feel like I have a better understanding of Philip, Elizabeth, and their family dynamics after reading this book and I recommend it.
Fifty years is considered a really long marriage. What goes on in a union of more than two decades beyond even that? That’s what Gyles Brandeth explores in “Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage” (to be fair, the book was published in 2004. Still, I doubt a lot has changed for the Mountbatten-Windsors in the past 15 years).
This 400+-page book explores Philip and Elizabeth’s ancestors, and in fact when you hit the halfway point they’re just getting married. But although it can be complicated wading through the various people who formed their pasts, it’s worthwhile in understanding Philip and Elizabeth.
Brandreth points out that Elizabeth was born the same year as “Christopher Robin” was published. He suggests that while the Victorian and Edwardian ages are well-known and evoked by those rulers, Elizabeth II doesn’t really capture the spirit of Britain in the late 20th and early 21st century. She is the ultimate duty-driven person, while hiding most of her true nature and feelings. “At first it was very jolty but we soon got used to it,” she wrote of her father’s coronation — a sentence that could sum up her approach to life.
Elizabeth and her family moved to Buckingham Palace in 1937, and it has been home to her ever since — for over 80 years now. Buckingham Palace was obviously not the home Prince Philip grew up in, and he had a difficult time in the early years of the marriage (Elizabeth became Queen just five years into their marriage when her father died) due to the move, as well as his lack of meaningful work (the Queen’s “job” cut short his naval career), and also other issues like his children being given the royal name “Windsor” rather than his “Mountbatten.” Interesting — and sad — observation: the coronation ceremony is full of Christian symbolism. When Elizabeth was crowned in 1953, over 40% of Londoners attended church regularly. Today, that figure is 3%.
I was struck several times as I read by how perfectly Queen Elizabeth is suited to her job by personality. According to her cousin, “She has always been guarded about her feelings. Even as a girl, she was careful with how she appeared in front of others. For example, if she fell and hurt herself she knew she mustn’t be seen to cry.”
Elizabeth and Philip met when she was 13 and he was 18, and for her it was love at first sight (although a lifelong friend says “the real love of her life … was dogs followed by horses.”). According to the author, gauging how Philip feels about his relationship with Elizabeth is much more difficult. I gather that he would not be an easy person to live with, as he is often critical of Elizabeth and criticizes her dogs, what she is wearing, etc. Over the years though, the Queen has become more outspoken with Philip, answering back on occasion “Oh do shut up!” “According to family and friends, she has become bolder with him, and he gentler with her, over the years.”
The author looks at Prince Charles and the difficult relationship he had with his parents. He has seemed for years to have suffered from what he perceived as a lack of affection from them, particularly from his dad. And indeed, it’s hard to read about them being away from their kids for months at a time on official trips, missing his birthdays when he was quite young, etc. On the other hand, Princess Anne has only praise for her upbringing, and she is less than 2 years younger than Charles. Really Charles and his parents seem to be a mismatch personality-wise. The author mentions discussing with Philip that Philip and Charles have many similarities, in interests and mannerisms. Philip then said, “Yes, but with one great difference. He’s a romantic, and I’m a pragmatist. That means we do see things differently. And because I don’t see things as a romantic would, I’m unfeeling.”
The author is well-acquainted with both Philip and Elizabeth (especially Philip) and often makes mention of conversations he has had with Philip. One chapter, around 50 pages long, is devoted to exploring whether or not Philip has had affairs. Brandreth says no, but gives evidence on both sides of the issue. He acknowledges that Philip likes the company of pretty, younger women who are “flattering, intelligent, and fun.” One woman he was rumored to have been involved with says of the Queen, “she gives him a lot of leeway.”
I feel like I have a better understanding of Philip, Elizabeth, and their family dynamics after reading this book and I recommend it.
July 3, 2010
Gyles Brandreth is someone who has lingered on the fringes of royal/elite life for decades - while he is the first to admit that he is not close friends with any of the players, he is close enough to observe, and this allows him to form some insights wo which the average researcher may not have access.
Having said that, he is an avowed admirer of the Duke of Edinburgh and of the Queen, and obviously anxious to remain in their favour, so he bends over backward here to be kind to both of them. So, if you're looking for warts-and-all reporting, you will be disappointed. The Duke, while occasionally impatient, is a generally caring person who works very hard and has unstintingly supported his wife every moment of their many years together. The Queen is shy and reserved, and understandably so, because there are so very few people to whom she can speak freely. According to all except their eldest son, they were and are loving parents, even if Philip's love was of the "tough" kind.
The asides and quips are often hilarious. The Queen and the Duke whisper to each other at the Royal Variety regarding Elton John's performance (they're not fans), and share secret smiles across crowded rooms. These are people who adore one another, the Queen openly (any candid photo of her looking at Philip confirms this), the Duke more quietly but no less deeply.
Brandreth is enamoured of his own sense of humor, and he's not always as amusing as he thinks he is. The endnotes are hugely overdone and could have been reduced by half, but all of them had to be read because there was a good deal of wheat amongst the chaff. The book is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it is compulsively readable, and I found myself turning pages into the wee hours because of this. I would think an author, whatever his faults, would be pleased to know that.
Having said that, he is an avowed admirer of the Duke of Edinburgh and of the Queen, and obviously anxious to remain in their favour, so he bends over backward here to be kind to both of them. So, if you're looking for warts-and-all reporting, you will be disappointed. The Duke, while occasionally impatient, is a generally caring person who works very hard and has unstintingly supported his wife every moment of their many years together. The Queen is shy and reserved, and understandably so, because there are so very few people to whom she can speak freely. According to all except their eldest son, they were and are loving parents, even if Philip's love was of the "tough" kind.
The asides and quips are often hilarious. The Queen and the Duke whisper to each other at the Royal Variety regarding Elton John's performance (they're not fans), and share secret smiles across crowded rooms. These are people who adore one another, the Queen openly (any candid photo of her looking at Philip confirms this), the Duke more quietly but no less deeply.
Brandreth is enamoured of his own sense of humor, and he's not always as amusing as he thinks he is. The endnotes are hugely overdone and could have been reduced by half, but all of them had to be read because there was a good deal of wheat amongst the chaff. The book is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it is compulsively readable, and I found myself turning pages into the wee hours because of this. I would think an author, whatever his faults, would be pleased to know that.
April 1, 2014
From the outset of his book (in his Introduction, in fact), Mr. Brandreth readily admits: "I am a royalist..." - he is that in spades: the author comes across positively besotted with his subject(s). Mr. Brandreth also admits to knowing "the Duke of Edinburgh for a number of years. I am accustomed to his sense of humour. I like it. I like him. I admire him." That he does. The aim of this book is, essentially, to shed new light on the Duke, whom Mr. Brandreth considers to be long misunderstood.
This is more of a double biography (of sorts) rather than a portrait of a (famous) marriage (though the marital dynamics between the Duke & the Queen are discussed & analyzed, including some of the more tawdry rumours that have followed the Duke for the past few decades - indeed, since the earliest years of their marriage). Still, it is more about Edinburgh rather than the Queen (with a ratio of about 60:40). That said, I found some interesting factual tid-bits here & there. (It must also be noted that I found several pieces or aspects of information to be tiresomely repetitive when they need not have been.) Does it accomplish what it set out to do (to shed favourable light on the misapprehended Duke)? That's for the reader to discover & discern. An enjoyable read nonetheless.
This is more of a double biography (of sorts) rather than a portrait of a (famous) marriage (though the marital dynamics between the Duke & the Queen are discussed & analyzed, including some of the more tawdry rumours that have followed the Duke for the past few decades - indeed, since the earliest years of their marriage). Still, it is more about Edinburgh rather than the Queen (with a ratio of about 60:40). That said, I found some interesting factual tid-bits here & there. (It must also be noted that I found several pieces or aspects of information to be tiresomely repetitive when they need not have been.) Does it accomplish what it set out to do (to shed favourable light on the misapprehended Duke)? That's for the reader to discover & discern. An enjoyable read nonetheless.
June 4, 2018
I bought this book spontaneously and enjoyed it quite a bit. There is much more of a focus on Phillip rather than the Queen — it is supposed to be a portrait of a marriage, but I’m not quite sure it really achieved that. I enjoyed the more in depth-look at their childhood experiences, but then felt the rest of their life was rather rushed through.
The author makes some statements I think were a little bizarre, and I would say he doesn’t excel at being non-biased. His footnotes were atrocious. Most of the time filled with facts that didn’t matter in the slightest or that bashed some person for living a different lifestyle. The book would honestly be a better read if you ignore the footnotes altogether.
The author makes some statements I think were a little bizarre, and I would say he doesn’t excel at being non-biased. His footnotes were atrocious. Most of the time filled with facts that didn’t matter in the slightest or that bashed some person for living a different lifestyle. The book would honestly be a better read if you ignore the footnotes altogether.
not-finished
September 27, 2016An incredibly interesting topic was killed by a very dull writing style. The author uses footnotes in most unnecessary places. He mentions too many people without any consistency or explanation. I could not get into this book and had to give up. I hope there are better books about the Queen and Prince Phillip I'll actually be able to enjoy.
October 9, 2016
Repetitive at times, too many footnotes and felt like I was reading a biography about the people Philip and Elizabeth encountered and not a biography about them. The book was more about other people than them.
April 4, 2007
The author admits his bias but it's hard to get a full picture. Nonetheless, it's a loving portrait of some people who would be down to earth if they weren't the Queen and Consort.
February 4, 2015
What inspirational lives, what a very human marriage, and clearly overall what a very, very, happy relationship between two very different characters who understand their differences & have thus learnt how to comfortably both accommodate and support the other. Lives very different, yet lives very similar. I found this book deeply heart-warming, inspirational, and daunting; the latter because this remarkable success has been achieved in the unrelenting eye of the public (both supporters and detractors) always, always, in the service of Her Majesty’s subjects.
At first I pondered as to why the author devoted so many (fascinating) pages to the families and upbringings of Her Majesty and Prince Philip. On reaching the end of this book I realised why. It’s not merely a healthy sense of humility and respect which act to nurture and grow a love which underpins a long and happy marriage, but, vitally, also shared values and shared experience.
In awful clarity one can see how the divorce of the Wales’s; though very necessary, was yet so terribly painful precisely because of the mismatch between body language and family backgrounds of the protagonists, seen so terribly clearly at the time of the announcement of the engagement, and again much later at the time of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Meanwhile I’ll definitely now keep an eye open for Hugo Vickers’ biography of Prince Philip’s remarkable mother, HRH Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
At first I pondered as to why the author devoted so many (fascinating) pages to the families and upbringings of Her Majesty and Prince Philip. On reaching the end of this book I realised why. It’s not merely a healthy sense of humility and respect which act to nurture and grow a love which underpins a long and happy marriage, but, vitally, also shared values and shared experience.
In awful clarity one can see how the divorce of the Wales’s; though very necessary, was yet so terribly painful precisely because of the mismatch between body language and family backgrounds of the protagonists, seen so terribly clearly at the time of the announcement of the engagement, and again much later at the time of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Meanwhile I’ll definitely now keep an eye open for Hugo Vickers’ biography of Prince Philip’s remarkable mother, HRH Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
March 23, 2016
I Really enjoyed reading "Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Royal Marriage." It is thoroughly faithful to their Royal Highnesses, and does not dally in negative rumor, but gives lovely tidbits of their history and personalities. It is primarily a biography of Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. While positive toward The Duke of Edinburgh in particular, the author does not pull punches when the Duke's behavior is less than commendable. His Royal Highness read, commented on, and (presumably) gave approval for this book's printing, so it is written for those who are already positively bent toward the monarchy. If you're looking for salacious gossip, this book will not satisfy.
The author can go on tangents that are informative and fun, but desire a better bit of editing and structure.
The author can go on tangents that are informative and fun, but desire a better bit of editing and structure.
July 19, 2011
This was a fascinating look at the lives of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II from their infancy through recent times. At moments, I have to admit, Philips family gets a little confusing, but as a royal obsessive I really LOVED this non-tabloid view of their lives together. Recommended for royal watchers and those who love English History.
April 26, 2008
Awesome. Very insightful, I loved the way this one is written. I should check out some of his other work.
November 17, 2014
The Queen and consort's lives from childhood to now. Lots of history.
February 8, 2013
The author traces the family background of both Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip, discusses their family, examines Prince Philip's reputation as a playboy (very likely undeserved). Very readable.
March 30, 2019
a disappointment. It was very little about the royal couple’s marriage and its’ challenges.
August 8, 2019
Really interesting read but did find the author very British aristocrat and a little arrogant at times in his writing style.
April 17, 2021
Did you ever have a friend who repeated juicy gossip about someone, and then in the next breath said, "but of course that's not true! S/he is a wonderful person!" They get to throw shade, and then at the same time sound like a loyal friend.
Crawfie, the Queen's childhood nurse tried this in her book "The Little Princesses." She talked about rumors that the Queen liked to drink, and then in a breathless rebuttal said that she'd seen fill her wine glass up with water (which seems unlikely for many reasons).
So this book has been sitting half-finished on my bookshelf since 2005 when my late father gave it to me. I bogged down halfway through because of both the above, and the fact that it's dense. But this past week, and in advance of his funeral, I kind of gave myself over to...rewatching episodes of The Crown that featured Philip. This book will fill you in on incidents "shown" in the series, with a lot of "tell:" dates, places, family trees, etc. So if that's what you're looking for, from a somewhat (?) reputable source, it's worth taking a look. But if you're looking for sheer juiciness, you'd be better off with Andrew Morton. Or if looking for scholarship, maybe Robert Lacey?
For royal watchers looking for details...
Crawfie, the Queen's childhood nurse tried this in her book "The Little Princesses." She talked about rumors that the Queen liked to drink, and then in a breathless rebuttal said that she'd seen fill her wine glass up with water (which seems unlikely for many reasons).
So this book has been sitting half-finished on my bookshelf since 2005 when my late father gave it to me. I bogged down halfway through because of both the above, and the fact that it's dense. But this past week, and in advance of his funeral, I kind of gave myself over to...rewatching episodes of The Crown that featured Philip. This book will fill you in on incidents "shown" in the series, with a lot of "tell:" dates, places, family trees, etc. So if that's what you're looking for, from a somewhat (?) reputable source, it's worth taking a look. But if you're looking for sheer juiciness, you'd be better off with Andrew Morton. Or if looking for scholarship, maybe Robert Lacey?
For royal watchers looking for details...
November 21, 2025
Definitely the guiltiest read for me in a long time. I picked this up on a whim from the library, and initially thought I'd probably only dip into it a little before returning. It ended up being my nightstand book for a while - every night I'd read a chapter, scandalized by various parts (N-word jump-scares are definitely an unfortunate aspect, but there are relatively harmless anecdotes, too, and a whole lot of name-dropping from the author). I ended up finishing the damn thing, not proud, but as a fan of British royal history, I guess it makes sense to be up on all the somewhat-current history, too. Philip sounds like a pain, TBH. No surprise there.
July 11, 2020
So much more than a biography. It addresses the complexity of monarchy, marriage, historical context, interpersonal relationships. His research is impeccable. (I personally love books with pages & pages citations @ the end and liberal footnote use.) His personal experience is relevant. His observations about both the couple and society are profound and made me think about myself, my relationships and the world in new ways.
October 15, 2021
Loved it! Brandreth freely admits he is a name-dropper but he addresses most of the scandal and gossip that has accompanied Philip during his long lifetime and finds the Duke of Edinburgh a decent chap with high standards of behaviour. My favourite comment was, ‘….an air of deference’ when referring to a meet and greet session. This book proved that the Royals are human but not quite like the rest of us!
January 27, 2019
This book is an excellent historical reference. However it does read a bit like a text book. Some parts grab your interest and some will put you to sleep. The author does a wonderful job of separating his opinions from the facts. It has piqued my interest a bit more in Prince Phillip's history so I will more than likely read some of his reference material.
September 16, 2020
i loved it so much because at least one of the two people this book is about was interviewed so it gives an accurate representation of their relationship that you won’t get with other biographies because some authors just copy paste articles with rumors that either were debunked years ago or have absolutely no base. hearing from close friends and family was also very interesting.
May 27, 2018
If you want to find out what is true or not true in Netflix The Crown, this is the book you need.
It focuses much more on Philip than Elizabeth, but that’s cool. Well written like the author is sitting down and sharing what he knows and what he thinks in answer to what they are really like.
It focuses much more on Philip than Elizabeth, but that’s cool. Well written like the author is sitting down and sharing what he knows and what he thinks in answer to what they are really like.
June 15, 2018
At first this book grabbed my attention and couldnt put it down. However about half way through seemed to drag, be long in explainations and very difficult to follow. Made difficult to get through. But did.
May 12, 2020
Obviously written by someone who is predisposed to look kindly on Philip (since the author implies it...), the book provides interesting family background, especially of Philip, and historical context.
June 10, 2020
Very thorough and enjoyable account of what brought these two remarkable individuals together and how they continue to serve their country as the royal couple, with grace and dignity. Their true characters are revealed, and I do respect them even more after reading this book.
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