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The Last Queen: Elizabeth II's Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor Hardcover – January 5, 2021

by Clive Irving (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 524 ratings
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A timely and revelatory new biography of Queen Elizabeth (and her family) exploring how the Windsors have evolved and thrived, as the modern world has changed around them.

Clive Irving’s stunning new narrative biography The Last Queen probes the question of the British monarchy’s longevity. In 2021, the Queen Elizabeth II finally appears to be at ease in the modern world, helped by the new generation of Windsors. But through Irving’s unique insight there emerges a more fragile institution, whose extraordinarily dutiful matriarch has managed to persevere with dignity, yet in doing so made a Faustian pact with the media.

The Last Queen is not a conventional biography—and the book is therefore not limited by the traditions of that genre. Instead, it follows Elizabeth and her family’s struggle to survive in the face of unprecedented changes in our attitudes towards the royal family, with the critical eye of an investigative reporter who is present and involved on a highly personal level.
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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pegasus Books
  4. Publication date
    January 5, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1643136143
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1643136141
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Over the course of her lifetime, monarchy became increasingly rare and outdated, and the British Empire dissolved. To Irving, telling the story of the queen’s life means trying to figure out how she was able to ensure the monarchy’s survival despite decades of societal upheaval." ― Vanity Fair

"Before William and Kate or Harry and Meghan—and even before anyone had heard of a 19-year-old named Diana Spencer—there was Clive Irving. Irving’s long career as a journalist covering the royal family includes serving as managing editor of The Sunday Times in London, consulting editor of Newsday in New York City, and as the founding editor of Conde Nast Traveler. His new book [The Last Queen] is a jaw-dropping biography of the Queen." ― Glamour

“[An] irresistible history of the Windsor family. From the scandals they tried to hide (Nazi leanings) to the Queen’s perceived chilliness, particularly in mourning Diana, to the Harry and Meghan problem, Irving illuminates an antiquated system in the flux of change.”

― People

"In each incredibly readable chapter, Irving reexamines all the famous crises of Elizabeth’s reign, from the various scandals of Princess Margaret to the popularly sanctified figure of Diana Spencer." ― The Christian Science Monitor

"Irving puts his mark on a familiar story with his confident assessments and insider perspective on the British press. Royal watchers will delight in this richly detailed appraisal of the world’s oldest reigning monarch." ― Publishers Weekly

"Irving does an excellent job of providing a respectful and unbiased approach to many aspects of the lives of the queen and her family while also illuminating the knotty relationships among the Windsors, the press, and the public, leaving readers enlightened and in awe over Britain's resilient and gracious monarch." ― Booklist

"A gossipy, yet critical look at the monarchy by a skillful writer who knows his subject well. Fans of The Crown will especially enjoy." ― Library Journal

Clive Irving’s immensely readable book brings real authority, context, and personal insight to our understanding of Queen Elizabeth. As a newspaperman in the center of the coverage for decades, he has a wonderful eye for the illuminating detail and a sense of history that pulls together the threads of social and political change, never losing sight of the remarkable woman at the center of his enquiring gaze. The Last Queen is as entertaining as it is essential, and I read it with gusto. -- Tina Brown

About the Author

Clive Irving has had a long and career in journalism on both sides of the Atlantic. He has been managing editor of the Sunday Times in London, he was director of current affairs programming for London Weekend Television; and a consulting editor for Newsday in New York. He was a founding editor of Conde Nast Traveler, where he is still Editor Emeritus, and is a regular columnist for the Daily Beast. Most recently, he was a key contributor to the acclaimed two-part BBC documentary, Margaret: The Rebel Princess, which was broadcast on PBS in America. Irving lives in Sag Harbor, New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pegasus Books; 2nd edition (January 5, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643136143
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643136141
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.3 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 524 ratings

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Clive Irving

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
524 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides a surprising look at history, with one review noting it covers various events including scandals. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its intelligence, with one customer describing it as a well-researched biography. However, several customers consider it a waste of time and money.

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7 customers mention "History"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book provides a surprising look at history, with one customer noting it covers various events including scandals, while another highlights its comprehensive coverage of political relationships.

"...And as a journalist rather than a biographer, he delivers some incisive observations and conjectures about the motivating factors and inner workings..." Read more

"...Brings the royal into focus and shows the complex relationships and who wins the power struggles." Read more

"...Includes very fresh, current analysis of the past, present and possible future." Read more

"The Queen has had a fascinating life as the leader of the UK. Sad to see her aging." Read more

3 customers mention "Intelligence"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's intelligence, with one describing it as a well-researched biography that provides valuable insights into the royal family.

"...He's also knowledgeable and provides backdrops that shine lights on members of the Royal family especially during World War II." Read more

"...Overall, a very insightful book about the royal family and how it survived change and indiscretions of some of the royal family...." Read more

"Investigating reporting highlights this well researched biography..." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"0 positive6 negative

Customers find the book to be a waste of time and money, describing it as uninteresting.

"...from the world of journalism and government who at times are tedious, boring and difficult to follow...." Read more

"...I was very disappointed in the book, but did finish it hoping it would improve. Don't waste your money!" Read more

"...What a disappointment and a waste of money. If you're looking for something about the Queen, you won't get it here...." Read more

"...A waste of time and money!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Miss M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent book that gives a surprising look at history
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The author is smart and will have you using your dictionary. He's also knowledgeable and provides backdrops that shine lights on members of the Royal family especially during World War II.
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  • Pamela Parker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book about the Media's Coverage of the Royal Family
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I'm shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. My expectations were pretty low after reading some of the reviews, but I actually learned a lot of things I didn't previously know about the Windsors by reading this book.

    Prior to buying the book, I read reviews from people who didn't like it. They felt mislead by the title. They assumed the book would give insight into Queen Elizabeth's mindset and thought process when it came to how she handled the various conflicts and issues that have arisen during her reign.

    The book is actually about Clive Irving (the author) covering the Queen and her family throughout his journalism career. Irving provides details about how he broke certain stories involving politicans and royal family members. He also writes about how the media coverage of the royal family has changed over the years.

    I was fascinated by Irving's perspective on the royal family and the role the media has historically played in propping up and harming the image created by the royals.

    If you want to read a book that gives you more insight into who the Queen is as a person or speculation about how the future of the monarchy will pan out, I wouldn't recommend this book.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mariann Grace
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book: wrong title!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    First: this is a fun read. I've read and followed the Windsors and their adventures, so much of the book's content was familiar to me. What was different and fascinating was this author's unique take on the events, as Irving is a journalist whose career has coincided with Queen Elizabeth II's reign. He tells these stories from the perspective of a Fleet Street reporter on the ground, describing how the the pieces of each event were discovered by the press and put together. And as a journalist rather than a biographer, he delivers some incisive observations and conjectures about the motivating factors and inner workings of the Royal Family.

    However: what's with the title? I had expected to read an in-depth analysis of QE II's evolving relationship with the press and the public over the course of her 70 year reign: as well as a thoughtful analysis why Irving concludes that Her Majesty is the "Last Queen". In actuality, very little in the book relates directly to Queen Elizabeth. With only one exception, Irving describes her role in the major newsworthy events of her reign as mostly unemotional, distant, and out of synch with the times. And he never addresses the reason behind his calling her "The Last Queen", other than his personal conjecture on the book's second page that QE II could have reviewed her long reign and come to that conclusion, inexplicably, while attending Harry and Meghan's wedding. This conjecture of Irving's came out of nowhere, and he doesn't directly address the issue again (I kept waiting for it).

    This book is not about the Queen, but about the media, the press, and its author's coverage of the events of her reign. A better title would be something like "The Windsors and The Press: a Fleet Street insider's view of QE II's reign". This is because most of the ink covers the events involving the other major players in the Royal drama: Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, Margaret and Tony, Diana, William and Harry, etc.: while the Queen herself is only briefly depicted through her reactions to all of her family's shenanigans.

    That being said: "The Last Queen" is compulsively readable, and I do recommend it to any royal family aficionado. Not what I expected from the title, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
    69 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Investigating reporting highlights this well researched biography
    Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Clive Irving tells "all" thoroughly from reliable sources. Covers with authority the arc of the political and social change the Queen's reign encompassed. Brings the royal into focus and shows the complex relationships and who wins the power struggles.
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  • Linda W.
    3.0 out of 5 stars A theory on the hidden meaning of the title
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is first and foremost about Clive Irving's career as a journalist. Secondly, the book is populated by a huge cast of characters from the world of journalism and government who at times are tedious, boring and difficult to follow.
    The third cadre is the members of the royal family with Tony and Margaret taking the lead role along with Edward and Wallis. Perhaps the risk is minimal to write about deceased members.
    The most interesting part of the book for me was the exploration of the Windsors' ties to Nazi Germany.
    The Queen finishes in last place thus earning the title The Last Queen. She seems an afterthought.
    The biggest blast of negativity comes to Charles. Perhaps the author thinks Charles will end the dynasty and make Elizabeth the last queen.
    Bring a dictionary. Mr. Irving enjoys impressing with words, ie uxorious, jingoistic, impecunious, vituperative, meretricious. A few of the words I had to open a dictionary to identify. Good luck.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Charles W. Crist
    5.0 out of 5 stars The inside story.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
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    This book provides the inside story on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Includes very fresh, current analysis of the past, present and possible future.
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  • A Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Queen Elizabeth - a genuine monarch
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Queen has had a fascinating life as the
    leader of the UK. Sad to see her aging.
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  • andi clatworthy
    4.0 out of 5 stars So far it's very entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2021
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    Just started this book but am enjoying it. The writer seems to have the inside scoop on the royals -
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Leire
    3.0 out of 5 stars Muy pocos capítulos interesantes
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 2, 2023
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    La verdad, no lo recomiendo. Tiene muy poca información interesante y se extiende mucho en relatos súper detallados de sucesos tales como el caso Profumo o la conducta de Lord Snowdon, que en lo personal me parecieron demasiado largos y aburridos.
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  • GRIGORIOS Karathanasis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice book
    Reviewed in Germany on November 17, 2022
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    The book is very interesting and it arrived very quickly. It is a very nice tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II!
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  • lou lou belle
    1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
    Reviewed in Australia on September 8, 2021
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    For a start, the title is very misleading. If you are expecting some yet unrevealed insights into the life and times of QE, you will be sadly disappointed. Most of the information in the book is about other people, and there are no revelations, just well worn stories from the press and other authors. For some strange reason the author includes endless pages and anecdotes about 'Tony', the husband of QE's sister Margaret. Seems he knew 'Tony' personally and now wants to fill the pages of a book, supposedly about QE, with how clever and 'hip' he was, and rehash the dirt on his unhappy marriage to Margaret. Very irrelevant and boring.
    There was also a lot of detailed information about such things as the ' Profumo ' scandal which seemed out of place. While some of the historical political details were interesting, there was far too much, and the text badly needed editing. Where the author really lost me though was his saccharine sweet praise of QE's errant grandson Harry. This is a fairly recent publication, and most of the information quoted about him is outdated and acknowledged to be false ( eg that he qualified as a combat helicopter pilot and was in the front line in Afghanistan). Anyone who reads the news now knows that lies such as these were a clever and deliberate PR exercise by the palace to improve the image of the wayward prince. Why an author would include these sugary, nonsense statements as facts, without as much as a small query is beyond me. Was he fearful of being sued???? That was the point I gave up on this book, and failed to finish it. My recommendation- Don't waste your money........
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  • Heidi
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good
    Reviewed in Canada on September 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Was a interesting perspective. I enjoyed it.
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  • MICHAEL SPACEY
    4.0 out of 5 stars Royalty
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2025
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    Wife says it’s good
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