George VI and Elizabeth

About the book

A deeply personal account, of how King George VI and Queen Elizabeth's loving marriage saved the monarchy during World War II, and how they raised their daughter to become Queen Elizabeth II, based on exclusive access to the Royal Archives

From the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen and Prince Charles


'Sally Bedell Smith takes us into the inner sanctum of the Windsors, giving us an intimate and gripping portrait of a royal marriage that survived betrayal, tragedy, and war. The product of meticulous research, George VI and Elizabeth is an unputdownable book' Amanda Foreman, bestselling author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire

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Granted special access by Queen Elizabeth II to her parents' letters and diaries and to the papers of their close friends and family, Sally Bedell Smith brings the love story of this iconic royal couple to vibrant life.

This deeply researched and revealing book shows how a loving and devoted marriage helped the King and Queen meet the challenges of World War II, lead a nation, solidify the public's faith in the monarchy, and raise their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.

From the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936, to King George VI's fierce leadership as we navigated World War II, this is the definitive account of not only the man behind the throne, but the woman - and the marriage - that made his reign so successful.

Forming relationships with Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, and inspiring the British people with their courage and compassion during the blitz, George VI and Elizabeth also raised their daughter Princess Elizabeth. It was from her parents' leadership that she spent her childhood learning, watching, and preparing to become the future queen.

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'Sally Bedell Smith's reputation rests on her commitment to scholarship and access to previously undiscovered information. But it's not enough to find it-you have to bring wisdom to it. This book is a deeply moving marvel' Peggy Noonan, columnist for Wall Street Journal

'Sally Bedell Smith has written a richly textured and deeply moving paean to the power of duty, honor, and courage in Britain's darkest-and finest-hour' Evan Thomas, author of First: Sandra Day O'Connor

'With a marvelous combination of sympathy and perception, Sally Bedell Smith has created a memorable and touching portrait of two decent people who took on a job they never wanted and did it with dedication, courage, and success' Margaret MacMillan, author of War: How Conflict Shaped Us