George VI and Elizabeth

The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy

By: Sally Bedell Smith

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

A revelatory account of how the loving marriage of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth 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

“An intimate and gripping portrait of a royal marriage that survived betrayal, tragedy, and war.”—Amanda Foreman, bestselling author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire

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.

When King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in 1936, shattering the Crown’s reputation, his younger brother, known as Bertie, assumed his father’s name and became King George VI. Shy, sensitive, and afflicted with a stutter, George VI had never imagined that he would become King. His wife, Elizabeth, a pretty, confident, and outgoing woman who became known later in life as “the Queen Mum,” strengthened and advised her husband. With his wife’s support, guidance, and love, George VI was able to overcome his insecurities and become an exceptional leader, navigating the country through World War II, establishing a relationship with Winston Churchill, visiting Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in Washington and in Hyde Park, and inspiring the British people with his courage and compassion during the Blitz. Simultaneously, George VI and Elizabeth trained their daughter Princess Elizabeth from an early age to be a highly successful monarch, and she would reign for an unprecedented seventy years.

Sally Bedell Smith gives us an inside view of the lives, struggles, hopes, and triumphs of King George VI and Elizabeth during a pivotal time in history.

Critic reviews

“Smith’s lively account reminds readers that at its finest hour—whatever the historic sins or abiding iniquities of the British Empire itself—the crown managed to stand for selfless leadership, resilience and compassion for its people.”—The New York Times

“George VI and Elizabeth is a vivid history that captures the courage of a couple whose actions saved a monarchy. It is also a largely unknown love story. 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 The Wall Street Journal

“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

“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

“Veteran royal biographer [Sally Bedell] Smith focuses on the marriage of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, calling their union absolutely central to the survival of the British monarchy. . . . [She] writes in great detail, notably sharing revealing intimacies of the couple’s letters to one another.”—Booklist (starred review)

“The touching love story of the parents of Elizabeth II . . . Smith, the bestselling author of Elizabeth the Queen and Prince Charles, leaves no jewel unturned as she recounts the lives of an improbable couple who would do so much to steer their country through the turbulent period of the abdication crisis and World War II. . . . [She] gracefully brings us into her subjects’ inner world.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Wonderful biography!

Relates all the fascinating events surrounding George VI and Elizabeth, from their courtship, to the abdication, to the war years. Very enjoyable book.

Excellent

Really enjoyed this book - factual, excellent writing and audio. One of Thebes I have read about members of the Royal Family.

Great telling of their lives

Really a very good book! I've read a good amount about the Windsor royal family and this book gives a summary of their legacy to their nation and to the world, especially their stand against their WW2 foes!
Well written, excellent narration, highly recommended!

Wonderful

This book is well written and the descriptions of the characters are well done. The beginning was a bit tedious when telling about the Queen Mother’s upbringing but suppose that was how life was. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy history.

Excellence

research always tells, and the lack of it is a betrayal of the laziness of author and editor. in this case the extreme opposite is revealed. the meticulous work of presenting us with this love story and all the pageantry of the royal community is wonderfully well done.