George VI and Elizabeth

The Marriage That Saved the Monarchy

By: Sally Bedell Smith

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 22 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Sally Bedell Smith (P)2023 Random House Audio

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

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.

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.

Fascinating history

Interesting view into the history of King George VI and Elizabeth. The world is lucky that his brother abdicated or WW2 might have gone quite differently. A short but impactful reign.

Beautiful

Beautiful story. I want to listen to it again and again! Such a wonderful book!

Enjoyed very much

I enjoyed listening to this book. It was beautifully written and recorded. I loved learning about how they began their relationship and seeing their love for one another got them through tests and trials plus a war. Their love is what fairy tales are made from.

The reality and humanity of the telling of this life story was brought out in a very pleasant and entertaining manner.

I enjoyed the way their story was told. Not sad, or boring, as many biographies are. I felt part of the story; a witness to history.

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!

Covered the relationship from the start to the king’s death

The author’s descriptions paint vivid pictures so that it’s possible to imagine you can almost see the scene. Nevertheless, the details sometimes were too much to hold my attention. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Have been fascinated by the Royal family.

American, but, very interested in the British Royal Family, and with George Vi's grandson becoming the UK's next king Saturday, figured I'd start learning more about him and his wife, and others. Both author and narrator are a team I'm familiar with, and both are once again in fine form here. A must-have for history geeks, or fans of the UK's current royal family.