I read this as a memorial to Queen Elizabeth II after her death on September 8, however, it was actually hard to read because like so many authorized biographies of members of the Royal Family, its fawning prose was almost laughable. Does writing an authorized biography mean that you cannot say anything in the least negative about one’s subject? It makes an overly long book a real slog to wade through. ( )

I saw the Queen on tv today (Sunday, April 5, 2020) addressing the People of Great Britain and the Commonwealth on Covid19 and its impact. I was so impressed by her 4 1/2 minute address and all that she covered. She emphasized the need for resolve and calm and ended with “We will meet again.” This is only the third time she has addressed the nation in such a way. She will be 94 in a couple of weeks and as one broadcaster commented when she finished “She still has it!” CBC interviewed a number of people before and after she spoke and Robert Hardman was one of them. I haven’t read a book on the Queen for sometime and his approach in “Queen of the World” appealed to me. It was published in 2018.

Robert Hardman, author of “Queen of the World” has been a newspaper and television reporter and columnist for over 25 years. He has also produced tv specials for the BBC and ITV, a number of them on the Queen and members of the Royal Family. He is a respected writer in his field.

I have read numerous books on Queen Elizabeth II over the years but this is the first that gave me a clear view of what she actually did and what she has accomplished in her reign and her life. She has been one very busy person and much of it behind the scenes because of the limitations of her position. The major one being she holds a constitutional position and as such can’t speak on politics. She represents Great Britain to the world but she can not speak or act on behalf of the government. That is the role of the Prime Minister and Parliament. She could do nothing but the few things that go with her position, like opening parliament and doing good works for charities, but that is not her way. Instead she created a job for herself and it has been passed on to members. She has an amazing work ethic and very importantly she cares about individuals as well as countries and how their actions have an impact on their citizens.

Just for a moment look back at the two previous kings. Edward VIII didn’t want the job except on his terms and he gave it up “for the woman I love.” It is interesting to note that 80 years later his great great grandson married a divorced woman and it was not an issue at all. George VI’s reign was defined by World War II and its aftermath. Elizabeth was the first monarch able to define her own position. This she did in a broadcast from Cape Town, South Africa in 1947 on her 21 birthday when she pledged her life “be it long or short” to serving her country and its people. Now, 73 years later, 68 of them as Queen, she is still living up to that pledge.

“Queen of the World” starts with explaining all of the behind the scenes work that goes into a royal tour and how their role has developed. When the cost of these tours became a focus the planners developed a trade and commerce aspect which focused on investment in Britain. It became very successful, a fact of which many of the detractors of the tours were not even aware. She has made over 260 visits to over 125 nations, some that no longer exist, (Northern Rhodesia) and others that are new (Czech Republic).

A major theme that runs through the book is the Commonwealth and how it works. It developed out of the British Empire as countries gained their independence. Today there are 53 countries in the Commonwealth but only 14 were part of the British Empire. The other 39 joined because of the Queen, not just to have a Queen but to have a relationship with Queen Elizabeth.

Her relationship with countries outside the Commonwealth is also cover, the America’s, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Africa which has a special place in her heart. It was there that she became Queen. At age 72 I have lived through much of the history related and was fascinated to learn of her role.

The books ends with chapters on The Family and their individual interests, the support they provide the Queen and how the responsibles are moving out to younger members of the Windsor Team. One fact that will surprise many is to learn that one of the hardest working royals is The Princess Royal, Princess Anne. The book was published in 2018 so Prince Harry is playing a major role, particularly in Commonwealth activities. It would be interesting to hear what Hardman has to say in 2020. Without ever saying I could see that the future without the Queen was being planned. After reading “Queen of the World” I realize she will leave a much larger vacancy than I expected.

In Canada the law was changed in 1947 so I was born a Canadian citizen, not a British subject, and I am proud of this. Regardless, she has always been my Queen. As a child I read books written by her governess about her and her sister Margaret and I have continued to follow her. I have a memory of sitting on my father’s shoulders and seeing Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1951, when I was 4 years old.

If you are all curious about what the Queen does; what she has accomplished in her long reign, the positive impact she has made with her quiet diplomacy read this book. I think you too will be amazed. She truly is Queen of the World!

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