Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This book about the reign of QEII, goes behind the scenes and makes you feel a part of history, all without the tabloid style information that appear in some papers. Mr. Lacey's research is meticulous and his sources are close enough to the monarch that we knew these people witnessed the events first hand.
The book does a very good job of describing the situation that developed at the time of the death of Diana. It was interesting to find out that the queen herself approved of all of the plans for the funeral, many in fact were her idea. While not diminishing the role of Prince Charles in the arrangements, the queen and her staff were largely responsible for that memorable day.
It was also interesting to find out that Diana's sons had distanced themselves from her that summer because of her romance with Dodi. And also that her brother in law Sir Robert Fellowes was not the villian he has often portrayed to be in other books, where his feelings for Diana were concerned.
The history leading up to the accession of QEII is always fascinating and is well handled here in the book. The scenarios surrounding the plans for the coronation and her wedding give a real inside look at the royal family.
After reading this book, I was a little disappointed in some members of the family and staff, liked other even more and found a great respect for the woman herself. While she can be stubborn and dig in when the chips fall against her, she can also quickly see the light and move with the tide. Most particularly in the flag flap at the time of Diana's death.
I give high marks to this book. There is so much interesting history in the book that is can be read again and again and still hold the reader's interest.
On a more picky note, I found several mistakes in the book. On page xi of the Royal Who's Who, Edward the VII is listed as being made Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle in 1911. That would be Edward the VIII, since Edward the VII was already dead in 1911. On page 36, we have a coach careering around an area instead of careening. Lastly on page 151, they have Prince Phillip at 26 in 1946 and on the next page, age 24 in the same year.
Nevertheless, this book should entertain and inform all people who follow the lives of the royal family. There is a nice mix of political fact and the freshness of looking at last behind the palace walls. This book stays in my collection as a wonderful testament to the woman we are all more than a little curious about. Whether she is wrong or right about certain things, she cetainly has staying power.
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