This collector’s edition from the makers of BBC History Magazine charts the life and times of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Inside you will: ◆ Trace the story of Elizabeth’s life, from princess to queen ◆ Meet key people in her life, from family to ministers ◆ Follow in the Queen’s footsteps on royal tours across countries and continents ◆ Share an insider’s view of the primary royal residence, Buckingham Palace ◆ Explore key events that have shaped the Queen’s world ◆ Explore social change during her lifetime

WELCOME

The Queen • VICTORIA ARBITER chronicles the key moments in Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life

THE MAKING OF A QUEEN • THE JOURNEY TO THE THRONE OF A PRINCESS WHO NEVER EXPECTED TO BE QUEEN

PRINCESS ELIZABETH before she was Queen • From her birth to loving parents, her unconventional education and her involvement in the war effort, to the crisis that brought her to the throne, KATE WILLIAMS charts the early years and upbringing of a princess who never expected to be queen

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PHILIP THE LOYAL royal consort • As history has shown, being a monarch’s husband or wife is beset with pitfalls and sacrifices. Yet the Queen’s partner, Prince Philip, has navigated the challenges to be her stalwart companion for more than seven decades. SARAH GRISTWOOD traces their life together

The royal wedding • Elizabeth married for love and wanted to be “as happy as my father and mother have been”

THE CORONATION Becoming Queen • It poured with rain, but it was still a moment of colour, glamour and optimism watched by millions in a dreary postwar Britain. HUGH COSTELLO talks to the makers of a BBC documentary that went behind the scenes of the 1953 coronation

Inside BUCKINGHAM PALACE • Former royal press secretary DICKIE ARBITER takes us through the history of the Queen’s London home, from its 18th-century origins to his own behind-the-scenes insights into the modern royal household

LIFE AS QUEEN • A WAY OF LIFE: HIGHLIGHTS AND CHALLENGES OF ELIZABETH’S 65 YEARS ON THE THRONE

Family THE LOVE BEHIND the THRONE • Her devotion to her country is unquestionable, but it has often meant compromises for the Queen as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. VICTORIA ARBITER looks at the struggles the sovereign has faced to balance a family life with the ceaseless demands of duty

Glorious palaces • Whether holding court at royal residences or on a private retreat on her own estate, Queen Elizabeth has several impressive homes at her disposal. Those featured on the following pages are all open to the public

THE MONARCH & her ministers • She laughed with Churchill, was ‘correct but cool’ with Heath and declined the offer to call Blair ‘Tony’. The Queen has seen 13 prime ministers reside in Downing Street during her long reign, including current incumbent Theresa May. FRANCIS BECKETT recounts the relationships of 12 former premiers with a queen who has seen it all

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Dressing to impress • From haute couture and evening glitz to chic working wardrobes fit for touring the globe, we trace how royal fashion has evolved during Elizabeth’s six decades on the throne

The Queen and the Commonwealth • As Britain was losing its grip on a shrinking empire, Elizabeth II pledged her “heart and soul” as the head of the Commonwealth. ASHLEY JACKSON looks at her special status among nations and her role as an agent of international change

Elizabeth II On tour • Victoria may have ruled over 70 territories, but she never left Europe....