How did the institution of the British monarchy adapt to survive the profound social and political shifts of the twentieth century under the reign of Elizabeth II? Ben Pimlott, a distinguished political historian, utilizes extensive archival research and interviews to examine the intersection of the Queen's personal conduct and the constitutional evolution of the British state. The work argues that the monarchy's longevity is rooted in a complex, often paradoxical relationship between traditional ceremony and the necessity of modern political relevance.

This work is widely regarded as a definitive, scholarly account of the modern British monarchy, praised for its analytical rigor and balanced perspective. The text serves as a primary reference for those seeking to understand the institutional mechanics of the Crown within a democratic framework.