How has the role of the British monarchy evolved within the constitutional and social framework of the twentieth century through the lens of Queen Elizabeth II's reign? Ben Pimlott, a distinguished political biographer, utilizes extensive archival research, personal interviews, and private correspondence to examine the intersection of the Queen's personal life and her public duties. The work provides a rigorous analysis of the psychological and political pressures inherent in the position of Head of State, situating the monarch within the broader context of Britain's shifting national identity.

This biography is widely regarded as a definitive and scholarly account of the Queen's life, praised for its objective tone and meticulous research. The text serves as a standard reference for those seeking to understand the institutional mechanics of the British monarchy during the modern era.