A revelatory 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.

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.

In this deeply personal account, Sally Bedell Smith gives us an inside view of the lives, struggles, hopes, and triumphs of King George VI and Elizabeth during a dramatic time in history.