In this unusual and vibrant examination of the life and times of
Britain's most iconic living figure, A. N. Wilson considers the history
of the monarchy, drawing a line that stretches from Queen Victoria to
the bloody history of Europe in the 20th century, examining how and why
the Royal Family has survived. He paints a vivid portrait of "Lilibet"
the woman, and of her reign, throughout which she has remained stalwart,
unmoving, a trait some regard as dullness, but which Wilson argues is
the key to her survival. He outlines the case for a Republic, arguing
that this will almost certainly happen at some point after her reign is
at an end, at least in Australia. In part historical overview, but with
a keen eye to the future, A. N. Wilson writes with his signature warmth,
intelligence and humor, celebrating the life of the Queen and her role
as figurehead of Britain and the Commonwealth, while asking candidly
whether they can remain a constitutional monarchy.