Podcasts about Sally Bedell Smith

Please subscribe! ⁠ On this episode of the To Di For Daily podcast, Kinsey Schofield welcomes royal authors Hugo Vickers and Sally Bedell Smith. Hugo reveals that he once saw letters Prince Philip sent to Princess Diana—and how they relate to Prince Harry's latest outburst. Plus, Sally Bedell Smith's Substack article titled ‘It's All About Meghan' sparks a very animated conversation. Follow @kinseyschofield on Instagram. ROYAL MERCH - ⁠⁠ https://todifordaily.comVisit ⁠ToDiForDaily.com⁠ for additional information. Kinsey Schofield is a Los Angeles-based royals expert and the host of the To Di For Daily podcast and Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please subscribe! ⁠On this episode of the To Di For Daily podcast, Kinsey Schofield talks to royal authors Hugo Vickers and Sally Bedell Smith about the analytics behind Meghan Markle's latest television venture, “With Love, Meghan.” Deadline reports that a second season was always greenlit, so how will Netflix respond to the poor viewing figures and critical reception? Plus, insight into the hurt Meghan caused the late Queen Elizabeth in her final years from royal insider, Hugo Vickers. Follow @kinseyschofield on Instagram.  NEW MERCH - ⁠⁠ https://todifordaily.com Visit ⁠ToDiForDaily.com⁠ for additional information. Kinsey Schofield is a Los Angeles-based royals expert and the host of the To Di For Daily podcast and Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can't just throw up our hands and say, “I'm busy, I can't deal with this.” Because not only is that not fair to our children, it's not fair to us.

This episode brings the marriage of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother to life, from the uproar of King Edward VIIIs abdication to the challenges of the Second World War. How did they shore up public faith in the monarchy? And how did they raise their daughters through such an uncertain period?Dan is joined by Sally Bedell Smith, a leading historian of the monarchy and author of George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy. She was granted special access by Queen Elizabeth II to her parents' letters and diaries and shed some light on these questions and more.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Tomos Delargy.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code DANSNOW. Download the app or sign up here.We'd love to hear from you! You can email the podcast at ds.hh@historyhit.com.You can take part in our listener survey here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1939, on the invitation of Franklin D. Roosevelt, King George VI became the first reigning British monarch to set foot on American soil.So what triggered this monumental moment in the transatlantic relationship? How has it trickled down to today's special relationship? And how was King George assisted in his diplomacy by his wife, Elizabeth?In this coronation special, Don is joined by author Sally Bedell Smith to find out more.For more from Sally, you can find her substack here: https://sallybedellsmith.substack.com/Produced by Sophie Gee and Stuart Beckwith. Editing and sound design by Siobhan Dale. Senior Producer: Charlotte Long.For more History Hit content, subscribe to our newsletters here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts, and audiobooks at History Hit - follow today!

In this Bonus Episode, Jessica and Rachel interview royal author Sally Bedell Smith on her new book, "George VI and Elizabeth." Follow us on Instagram @podcastroyal Email us at hellopodcastroyal@gmail.com

EPISODE 1408: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to the author of GEORGE VI AND ELIZABETH, Sally Bedell Smith, about the 20th century royal marriage that , she believes, saved the British monarchy Sally Bedell Smith is the New York Times best-selling author of eight biographies. Her latest, George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy (Random House 2023) is the definitive biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II's mother and father, based for the first time on special access to their letters and diaries in the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle that was granted to the author by the Queen. Ms. Smith has also written best-selling biographies of King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, John and Jacqueline Kennedy, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Pamela Harriman, and William S. Paley. Translations of her books have been published in more than a dozen countries. An on-air contributor to CNN since 2017 offering analysis and commentary on the British royal family, Ms. Smith was a contributing editor at Vanity Fair from 1996 to 2018. She previously worked at Time and The New York Times, where she was a cultural news reporter. She received the 2012 Washington Irving Medal for Literary Excellence, an award presented by the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York, and Elizabeth the Queen won the 2012 Goodreads Choice Award for best book in history and biography. In 2012 Ms. Smith was also the consultant to playwright Peter Morgan on The Audience, his award-winning drama about Queen Elizabeth II starring Helen Mirren. In 2020 she was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) by Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts, her alma mater. She received her M.S. from Columbia University. SoSally Bedell Smith is the mother of three children and resides in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Stephen Smith. Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please subscribe! ToDiForDaily.com's Kinsey Schofield talks to American royal author Sally Bedell Smith about her fascinating new book, George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy. The two discuss similarities between Bertie & Elizabeth and William & Catherine, the coronation of King Charles III, and meeting Princess Diana on the beach in a bikini! Visit ToDiForDaily.com for additional information. Kinsey Schofield is a Los Angeles-based royals expert and the host of the To Di For Daily podcast. The To Di For Daily podcast cover art was designed by famed pop artist, Analy Diego. You can now listen to these interviews wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Search To Di For Daily or Kinsey Schofield.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith joins Jack to discuss her new book 'George VI and Elizabeth,' Prince Harry prepares to take on the Daily Mail and an American conservative think tank wants to see Prince Harry's visa application.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As part of CNN's continuing coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's final journey we welcome author Sally Bedell Smith, who has unique insight into the life of the royal family, having been granted special access by the Queen herself to her parents' letters and diaries.  Also on today's show: Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, the state secretary for the Norwegian ministry of petroleum and energy, who shares a new proposal to help deal with Europe's surging energy costs.To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

Prince William has blamed BBC failings over its interview with his mother for fuelling her paranoia and worsening his parents' relationship. An inquiry has found the BBC fell below its standards, Princess Diana was failed "not just by a rogue reporter", Martin Bashir but by BBC bosses. Today’s Mishal Hussain and Nick Robinson heard from Matt Wiessler, former BBC graphic designer, who was commissioned to make the fake bank statements; Justice Secretary Robert Buckland; Sally Bedell Smith, biographer of the Princess; and Lord Grade, former BBC chairman. (Image: Princess Diana during her interview with Martin Bashir; Credit: BBC)

Tim discusses Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith @ReadUpPodcast @TimothyPG13 www.thoughtbubbleaudio.com www.patreon.com/thoughtbubbleaudio

Suzanne’s daughter, Katy, returns to the podcast today to join her mom and Michelle in their passionate discussion about Harry and Meghan’s recent interview with Oprah. Armed with a history of interest in all things regarding the Royal Family, our three hosts have a lot to say about this explosive media event, and they are definitely not shy about offering their varied opinions here today.   They begin by sharing their own individual histories with Royal Family interest, their thoughts on Meghan, and their first impressions as the interview started. In attempting to determine the intention behind the interview, they cover such topics as Meghan’s expectations of life as a Royal, the Queen’s response to the interview, the fact that no questions were off limits, and precisely where their empathy lies in the aftermath. They also delve into the way Harry and Meghan chose to respond to questions, the potential impact of the interview, and how Meghan will be perceived throughout history. As you will hear, this is a conversation that easily could have lasted many hours given the extensive knowledge our hosts have about the Royal Family and their strongly held opinions on this momentous interview. Episode Highlights:   ·   Suzanne, Michelle and Katy’s history of interest in the Royal Family ·   Their thoughts on Meghan ·   Their first impressions as the interview started ·   The purpose of the interview ·   Meghan’s expectations regarding joining the Royal Family ·   The Queen’s response ·   Opening themselves up to ‘no questions off limits’ ·   Where our hosts’ empathy lies ·   The way they chose to answer Oprah’s questions ·   The potential impact of the interview ·   How Meghan will be perceived years from now Quotes:   “I felt like my jaw was on the floor the entire time.”   “Things just kept falling.”   “It was one of those worldwide scandalous photos that was plastered all over magazines and newspapers.”   “I’m a little bit obsessed, too.”   “I actually like her more now than I did before the interview.”   “When I listen to her in an interview, I see an actress.”   “She puts on that exterior protection.”   “It was jarring.”   “Why are they doing this interview to begin with?”   “She was defending her name.”   “To bash the Royal Family…I think is a little over the top.”   “It’s not the Hallmark version of life.”   “You’re so full of it!”   “These are private family issues.”   “This interview is so polarizing…there’s so much that we don’t know.”   “We’re living in a time of reckoning for so many people.”   “I don’t think they called people out like you feel like they did.”   “I think they’re going to get a lot more attention instead of a lot less attention, at least in the short term.”   “You’ve just drawn the rest of the world into it.” Links:   Homepage:  Orange Juice Optional   Goodnight Sweet Bear:  Goodnight Sweet Bear   Why Hello! Modern Home:  Why Hello! Modern Home                   Why Hello! Modern Home Facebook                       Why Hello! Modern Home Instagram   A Milne Shares:  A Milne Shares   To share comments & podcast ideas please email:    OJO Email   Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith

Lidewijde de Paris (Nieuwsweekend - Omroep Max) en Jeroen Vullings (Nieuwsweekend - Omroep Max) bespreken de volgende vier boeken: * Zussen, van Daisy Johnson * De tunnel, van A.B. Abraham Yehoshua * De eenzaamheid in het leven van Lydia Erneman, van Rune Christiansen * Koningin Elizabeth II, de biografie, van Sally Bedell Smith

Merry Christmas, RoRos! As our present to you, we've enlisted historian, Vanity Fair contributing editor and royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith (who has met the Queen, Princess Diana and Prince Charles...FYI) to separate fact from fiction in season four of Netflix's 'The Crown.' After you're done playing a raucous game of 'ibble dibble,' grab a strong drink and tune in.

Steffan has Sally Bedell-Smith in-studio to discuss her upcoming talk about The Royals at Bethany Lutheran Church tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Le texte de la semaine avec Aurélie Lanctôt et Guillaume Lavallée. L'éducation de Fanny Britt; ce que j'ai appris du mariage. Pop Culture avec Marc Coiteux et Nicolas Tittley qui ont lu Jeff Buckley. From Hallelujah to the Last Goodbye, de Dave Lory et Jim Irvin. Marc Laurendeau et Thomas Leblanc ont lu la biographie Elisabeth II: La vie d'un monarque moderne, de Sally Bedell Smith. On répond à vos questions avec Patrick Isabelle. Analyse d'un objet culturel avec Renaud Manuguerra-Gagné et Samuel Archibald; Jurassic Park.

Inaugural episode!  Hannah and Michael dive into Lee Child’s best selling Jack Reacher series, tackling different books: Killing Floor and Echo Burning.  They try to decide on the world’s most boring crime, encounter lawyers who make surprising fashion choices, and take a wild ride through Reacher’s universe of dude justice.  They also dig into their “White Whale” books--books they’re always chasing and can’t quite catch up to--and talk about what else they’re reading. Books mentioned: Moby Dick by Herman Melville, The Power Broker by Robert Caro, Middlemarch by George Eliot, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, The Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, Ulysses by James Joyce, Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life by Sally Bedell Smith, The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, Days Without End by Sebastian Barry, Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan.   Movies/TV mentioned: Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher, The Crown. Josh Lucases mentioned: 1.   Friend us on Goodreads!  And email us at thatbookpod@gmail.com.

Our country was founded on the very idea that a free people should not be ruled by kings and queens. That said, there is an undeniable and lasting allure associated with monarchies. And that's particularly true when it comes to Great Britain.

April 26, 2017 at the Boston Athenæum, presented in conjunction with the Royal Oak Foundation. Drawing on her exclusive access to the Royal Family’s inner circle, New York Times bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith has published the first major biography of Prince Charles in more than two decades. In this illustrated lecture, Smith lays bare the contradictions of a man who is more complicated, tragic, and compelling than we knew, until now. Smith captures the essence of a man who has been described as an eighteenth-century gentleman with a twenty-first-century mission—a life filled with contradictions and convictions. This is a lecture not just about a man who would be king, but also about the duties that come with privilege. Video: https://vimeo.com/215072213

Lian Dolan, Liz Dolan and Julie Dolan on the podcast this week. We're glad that our sister Julie Dolan went to North Korea five years ago because now she qualifies as a expert on the DPNK. Julie's observations on the latest events in North Korea, the DMZ and Washington. She reminds us that according to North Korea, the Korean War never ended and current actions by US just play right into the propaganda that the regime has been spouting for 50 years. Julie commentary will make you think.Plus:Satellite Sisters Santa Monica Weekend Q & A. Liz has been scouting the SMPL and has all her tips for a great day. Plus, information on how to watch the Facebook Live of the Ask Us Anything event. Plus, book sales and an AWAY luggage giveaway. Prince Charles & Prince Harry. A Royal Report from a surprising source - Liz Dolan. Liz caught up with author/biographer Sally Bedell Smith whose new book is all about Prince Charles. Liz has bad news for Julie. Apparently, he's not a terrible guy. Info about the author and book here. Then, the latest from Prince Harry about grief and recovery. Listen to the podcast where he discusses Heads Together and his own counseling after 20 years of grief.The guy that invented the Internet died. And his name was Bob Taylor, the lab boss of the Xerox PARC lab. Here's his obit. And here's an appreciation by LAT writer Michael Hiltzek.A new study reports that female Supreme Court Justices are interrupted in court far more than their male counterparts. Supreme Court Justices. They are just like us!Book Nook: Liz recommends Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. His bestselling novel is fantastic as an audible audiobook, with a cast that includes Nick Offerman, David Seders, Bill Hader, Don Cheadle, Susan Sarandon and many more. Well worth a listen.Listen to all of our Satellite Sisters podcasts on Apple Podcasts and thanks for leaving a rating and review.

Lian Dolan, Liz Dolan and Julie Dolan on the podcast this week. We're glad that our sister Julie Dolan went to North Korea five years ago because now she qualifies as a expert on the DPNK. Julie's observations on the latest events in North Korea, the DMZ and Washington. She reminds us that according to North Korea, the Korean War never ended and current actions by US just play right into the propaganda that the regime has been spouting for 50 years. Julie commentary will make you think.Plus:Satellite Sisters Santa Monica Weekend Q & A. Liz has been scouting the SMPL and has all her tips for a great day. Plus, information on how to watch the Facebook Live of the Ask Us Anything event. Plus, book sales and an AWAY luggage giveaway. Prince Charles & Prince Harry. A Royal Report from a surprising source - Liz Dolan. Liz caught up with author/biographer Sally Bedell Smith whose new book is all about Prince Charles. Liz has bad news for Julie. Apparently, he's not a terrible guy. Info about the author and book here. Then, the latest from Prince Harry about grief and recovery. Listen to the podcast where he discusses Heads Together and his own counseling after 20 years of grief.The guy that invented the Internet died. And his name was Bob Taylor, the lab boss of the Xerox PARC lab. Here's his obit. And here's an appreciation by LAT writer Michael Hiltzek.A new study reports that female Supreme Court Justices are interrupted in court far more than their male counterparts. Supreme Court Justices. They are just like us!Book Nook: Liz recommends Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. His bestselling novel is fantastic as an audible audiobook, with a cast that includes Nick Offerman, David Seders, Bill Hader, Don Cheadle, Susan Sarandon and many more. Well worth a listen.Listen to all of our Satellite Sisters podcasts on Apple Podcasts and thanks for leaving a rating and review.

Prominent royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith came to our studios to talk about her new book which paints Prince Charles an 18th century gentleman with a 21st century mission. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We explore what drives Hillary Clinton's quest to become America's first female leader. Anne McElvoy speaks to biographer Sally Bedell Smith who explains why Hillary struggles to project the dynamism of her husband's presidency. Pollster Celinda Lake reads the runes of the election. Our Johnson columnist Lane Greene looks to Hillary's speeches to find out what kind of president she might be. And historian Ellen Fitzpatrick assesses the long line of women who vied for the Oval Office. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We explore what drives Hillary Clinton's quest to become America's first female leader. Anne McElvoy speaks to biographer Sally Bedell Smith who explains why Hillary struggles to project the dynamism of her husband's presidency. Pollster Celinda Lake reads the runes of the election. Our Johnson columnist Lane Greene looks to Hillary's speeches to find out what kind of president she might be. And historian Ellen Fitzpatrick assesses the long line of women who vied for the Oval Office. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lian Dolan and Julie Dolan on the Satellite Sisters Tuesday show. Today we kick off our book launch on the publication date of You're the Best: A Celebration of Friendship . We give you the full scoop on the Brooklyn book signing plus an update on the event in St. Paul. To learn more about You're the Best: A Celebration of Friendship and our appearances in support of the book, please visit http://www.satellitesisters.com/satellite-sisters-books/   Plus:    An update on the Literary Feasts in support of the LA Public Library. Lian gets the inside scoop on the next biography by Sally Bedell Smith. Her subject in Prince Charles and Lian gets preview.  Julie spend the weekend with her college friends and they talk about having it all-- or not. We talk work life balance, Paul Ryan's plea to spend more time with her family and we fully support cheerleaders. Go, Team!  Book Nook: Julie gives thumbs up to The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah.  Madame Secretary Re-Cap: Lian and Julie discuss the suspicious Chinese weather station, the vigil goddess and the continuing storyline of Stevie's bad choices. Plus, our Binders Full of Blouses. And Henry's Hoddies.         

Biographer Sally Bedell Smith appears at the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival. For captions, transcript, and more information visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=5786.

Alates hetkest, mil ta 25-aastaselt troonile asus, on kuninganna Elizabeth II olnud lakkamatult avalikkuse huviorbiidis. Ent kui palju me tegelikult teame sellest pehme naeratusega monarhist? Kogenud kirjutaja Sally Bedell Smith viis läbi arvukaid intervjuusid ning sai kasutada varem avaldamata dokumente, et kergitada eesriiet, mis varjab kuninganna eraelu ja isikut. Faktitäpne ning samas haarav raamat annab meile lähivaate naisest, kes on seni olnud jälgitav vaid kaugelt. (Sally Bedell Smith. Kuninganna Elizabeth. Moodsa monarhi elu. Toimetab Küllo Arjakas.)

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn't so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen's relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That's the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen's life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn't so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen's relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That's the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen's life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn’t so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen’s relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That’s the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen’s life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn’t so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen’s relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That’s the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen’s life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn’t so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen’s relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That’s the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen’s life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The second-longest reigning British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II has always remained an elusive figure, a monumental accomplishment given the media attention focused upon her family. In her new book, Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch (Random House, 2012), Sally Bedell Smith peels back the layers of mystique to reveal the very shy woman who is the current Queen. It isn’t so much a dismantling as a reevaluation, an effort to appreciate a figure who– though part of an institution that is seen by some as vestigial– is nonetheless deeply impressive and truly beloved. Smith interviewed over 200 people, 160 of whom are on the record as the queen’s relatives and friends–a fact that suggests that the 40 individuals who opted for anonymity are even grander higher ups. Though the book is not “authorized,” it carries significant clout. Buckingham Palace also offered Smith limited access to the Queen, so the author could see her subject in action and play witness to her quiet charm. That’s the biggest stamp of approval for which a royal writer can hope. Like many royal biographies, Elizabeth the Queen is filled with small, gossipy tidbits. We learn what the Queen eats for breakfast and what she carries in her ubiquitous handbag. But Smith also offers substantive insight into the less examined areas of the queen’s life, in particular her religious faith, her life pre-ascension and her relationship with the Queen Mother. The end result is a lively portrait of a hard-working woman who, in her own way, has represented “a new Elizabethan age.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices