Queen Elizabeth II: The World's New Young Queen

In 1950s Britain, the royal family was honored as a core part of the nation. During the war, every shop and restaurant would have a picture of the king on the wall, a sign of national loyalty. The two princesses, both natural and good looking, were brought up to be wholesome and thoughtful. Elizabeth’s 1947 wedding to Prince Philip of Greece cemented her as the nation’s favorite royal—little did anyone know how soon the young wife and mother would have to become queen.

“Everyone adored Elizabeth,” my mother told me. “She was sensible yet human. You could see the love she had for Philip, and she was so clearly dedicated to the crown and country. I was 12 at the coronation, and I didn’t emulate her—she was in a far different social rank to me—but we all felt that she was connected to us, part of us.”

Around the world, excitement gained pace for the coronation. After the war, there was a feeling of camaraderie between nations. There is a special interest in the US, who share a cultural connection with Britain. The fairytale element of princesses marrying their princes and living happily ever after in grand palaces and castles provides rich escapism, especially for the pretty young Queen Elizabeth.

However, underneath the calm exterior, Elizabeth had to cope with challenges from her advisors, her uncle, and even her mother, her sister, and her husband. As seen in The Queen's Coronation, it wasn't all happy ever after.

The Queen's Coronation, published by Penguin Random House, is out

now. FInd out more at: www.JenniferRyanBooks.com. Or if you are in the Washington DC area, come to the live launch event: https://oldtownbooks.com/events/5215120260602