George VI and Elizabeth

“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)