George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy

Book Cover: George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy

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

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 dramatic time in history. CW


Advance Praise

“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.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Biographer Smith spotlights the partnership between Queen Elizabeth II’s parents…. It adds up to a stirring portrait of grace under pressure.” Publishers Weekly 

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

George VI and Elizabeth is recommended by the NY Times in 19 Works of Nonfiction to Read This Spring, and in New Books in April. New York Times

See The Best New Books to Read NY Post

George VI and Elizabeth is selected for Editors’ Picks: Best Biographies & Memoirs Amazon

See 11 Books to Read This April Town & Country

When the Royals Showed Their Human Side During the Blitz, George VI and Elizabeth abandoned protocol in favor of solidarity—and helped Britain get through Hitler’s onslaught. By Sally Bedell Smith The Atlantic


In PEOPLE’s exclusive excerpt from royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith’s new book, George VI and Elizabeth: The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy, the last crowning of a king is revisited.

A Look Back at King George VI’s 1937 Coronation Ahead of His Grandson King Charles’s

Why the Last King to Be Crowned, George VI, Was the Perfect Spare to His Brother Edward VIII

Exclusive PDF excerpt: 10 Burning Questions About King Charles’ Coronation Answered!

How King Charles and Queen Camilla Will Be Each Other’s ‘Source of Strength’ on Coronation Day. “Charles and Camilla have been through so much together. To the degree to which he will need reassurance, she will be there,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith tells PEOPLE

PEOPLE Magazine


Sally Bedell Smith has been featured on the following Best Seller Lists:
New York Times
USA Today
London Evening Standard
Publisher’s Weekly
Washington Post
Wall Street Journal

See all Best Seller lists, read reviews for the book, meet Sally Bedell Smith on the book tour and follow her through her media appearances and Facebook.


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