I was pleased to win this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway. While I have read other books about the royal family, most have been salacious and tabloidesque. Bedell Smith attempts to present the queen through many lenses. Yes, this book does contain all the background regarding her accession and family life straight through the Diana years and right up to the wedding of William and Catherine. However, it also portrays her as a diligent leader and examines many of her relationships with Britain's Prime Ministers. At times the book was maybe too ambitious and the relationships were difficult to keep track of, but there were many funny moments.