A Brief Life of the Queen

‘The most profound satisfaction that royalty provides is that it gives us a paradise to inhabit.’

Elizabeth was not easily deflected from her purpose. At first glance the shy Princess and the dashing Viking played out a conventional stereotype–assertive male and submissive female. But as events unrolled, it was Elizabeth’s quiet willpower and solid patience that won them both what they wanted.

Remember how your father, by shouting at you, and making you feel uncomfortable, lost all your real affection. None of his sons are his friends, because he is not understanding and helpful to them.

Always try and talk very quietly to children. Never shout or frighten them, as otherwise you lose their delightful trust in you.

Be very careful not to ridicule your children or laugh at them…

From the first moment of talking,’ he said, ‘she showed so much character, that it was impossible not to wonder whether history would not repeat itself.’

‘As far as I can see, some people have to be fed royalty like sea-lions fish.’

‘You can’t have been here long–you haven’t got a pot belly’ (Hungary, 1993)

Grief is the price we pay for love

‘Oh, Borya,’ exclaimed the delighted Naina Yeltsin. ‘We can have our own Queen’s garden out at the dacha!’