Nicholas Davies

Interesting, detailed biography of the Queen and her dysfunctional family.

Particularly interesting was the chapter on Phillip the Consort. I never had much respect for him, and this book did little to improve my opinion. Basically, an immature man who was never able to accept the fact that he wasn't number one in authority, since he married the Queen. He should have given this problem some thought before his marriage; so should she. But given the fact that he was literally a penniless relative nobody, and that she loved him, how could he not marry her? He had nowhere to go but up. On the other hand, according to the author, the Queen cut him off in the bedroom soon after Anne was born (until she decided to have another child, many years later) so he can't be completely blamed for his wandering eye and philandering ways.

Some of the book is a little dated now, particularly the bits about Camilla and Charles; it was obviously written before their marriage. Particularly humorous is the contention that one of the good things about Camilla was that she never had a desire to be Queen. We'll see.

All in all, Elizabeth, for all her money and position, has had a fairly crappy life. No choice in career, over-dedication to duty to the expense of her children and marriage, no freedom of movement, seriously dull life of opening and closing bridges and supermarkets, etc. And apparently not much joy. On the other hand, no job or money worries.

It would be interesting to know if, in retrospect, she would make different choices, esp. regarding her family. But being the classy, close mouthed lady that she is, we'll never know.

All in all, I'd not trade her even.… (meer)