Shy but with a steely self-confidence; inscrutable despite ten decades in the public eye; outwardly reserved, inwardly passionate; unsentimental but young at heart. All of these describe Queen Elizabeth II. With peerless access to members of the Royal Family, staff, friends and royal records, this book brings fresh insights into the modern royal story. There will be no more thorough, more readable, more original book on the record-breaking Elizabeth II as she reaches a landmark which is unlikely to be equalled.