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Queen of Our Times

The Life of Elizabeth II

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Queen of Our Times

By: Robert Hardman
Narrated by: Robert Hardman
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A Sunday Times Book of the Year

Queen Of Our Times, read by the author, is the definitive biography of Queen Elizabeth II by one of Britain’s leading royal authorities, Robert Hardman. This commemorative edition includes an epilogue reflecting upon Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, her passing and her funeral.

'Sensational' – Kirsty Young, The Platinum Pageant (BBC)

With fascinating revelations from those who knew her best and special access to unseen royal papers granted by Elizabeth II herself, author and royal expert Robert Hardman explores the full, astonishing life of our longest reigning monarch in this authoritative yet intimate biography.

The book also charts the way in which the Queen raised the future King Charles III as both son and heir.

Elizabeth was not born to be queen, being third in line to the throne. Yet from her accession as a young mother of two in 1952 to the age of Covid-19, she proved an astute and quietly determined figure, leading her family and her people through more than seventy years of unprecedented social change. She faced constitutional crises, confronted threats against her life, unified the Commonwealth, saw fifteen British prime ministers come and go, charmed world leaders, and steered her family through a lifetime in the public eye. Her Platinum Jubilee was celebrated in June 2022 and her death mourned months later, both events a reminder of the huge impact she had made.

Queen of Our Times is a must-listen study of dynastic survival and renewal, spanning abdication, war, romance, danger and tragedy. It is a compelling portrait of a leader whose legacy of steadfast service lives on.

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Critic reviews

The essential authoritative biography of the Queen that everyone needs to read - packed with new research, gripping details and telling anecdotes on every page, equally masterful on matters high and low, power and family. Hardman not only explains her; he defines her and her epoch.
Robert Hardman has written a truly exceptional biography of an equally exceptional monarch, rich in new material, wit and original thought. With intimate and unrivalled access to those who really know the story, Queen of Our Times not only gives us the real Elizabeth II, but it also reminds us, often movingly, that we are living through one of history’s greatest reigns.
A compendious new biography . . . closely observed . . . I relished the incidental details.
Hardman’s exhaustive and endlessly enthusiastic biography paints a vivid picture of a phenomenal sovereign.
Authoritative . . . scrupulously well researched, thoughtful and sensitive to the sweep of history.
Revelatory . . . Queen of Our Times shows why her extraordinary lifetime of service should be celebrated, honoured and cherished. (William Shawcross)
This is a beautifully-crafted, deeply informed and rounded portrait of the gold standard monarch and the age to which she has given her name. Queen of Our Times has depth, feel and insight in abundance (Peter Hennessy, award-winning historian)
All stars
Most relevant
Read really well, I have a high interest in the royal family and this was a great book of situations

Great Reas

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This is the best royal book ever written. It is beautifully written, with such honesty. Robert Hardman is always lovely to listen to, and he reads this book so well. I could listen to it again.

Brilliant

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I enjoyed listening to the author's narration of his story of the life of 'Elizabeth the Earnest' while pottering at home and in the garden. The 25h 22m was therefore lengthy but not weighty. Robert Hardman obviously has a great deal of respect and affection for HM so may not be totally unbiased in his views.
However this timely account, pre the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, of 7 decades of dedicated service feels authentic and balanced. I was pleased to hear that HM 'absolutely loves being Queen', has a healthy work-life balance, is warm, forgiving, funny and, when required, can exercise 'soft power' with an eyebrow - a welcome antidote to the fictional portrayal of the cold, unhappy monarch in the Netflix film, The Crown. I confess I had to ask Auntie Google clarify 'the silken glove of Geidt'.
I learned a great detail about our Queen and particularly enjoyed hearing about her encounters with various prime ministers and world leaders throughout the Commonwealth and more. I like who she likes and I like her a lot. I reckon she's a good judge of character. Thank you for the good read and the insight into the life and work of Elizabeth II. This biography may have helped with the 'Transition' of the Royal Family into future generations but this lady, despite losing her beloved Philip, has not stopped mothering her family, her nation and commonwealth yet.
I have now bought the book as it is one to keep on the bookshelf; it has arrived safely and in good condition.

Superb

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A detailed biography of our Queen. Hardman's insights are fascinating as well as quotes from those who have experienced meeting QEII
Highly recommended!

Remarkable!

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Three weeks of pure listening glory. Most excellent narration of an engaging history. Robert Hardman wove a splendid yet complex tapestry of events with ease.

Excellent

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