Publisher: 18th September 2020 by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter
Pages: 262 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: historical fiction, romance
My Rating: 4 cups
Synopsis:
Before the crown there was a love story…
Windsor Castle, 1943
As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.
One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.
But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.
He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…
Step through the palace gates and discover a captivating historical novel of royal secrets and forbidden love exploring the tempestuous courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the wake of WWII.
My Thoughts
‘You don’t ever resent having a life of behaving well mapped out for you?’
I am such a fan of the TV series, The Crown, it therefore was only natural to delve into this story, Before the Crown. If you are too, then stop reading and go grab yourself a copy of this tale as I can guarantee you will love it. Apart from the stunning cover, you will lose yourself in what will be a timeless tale.
‘Everybody else behaves to her in exactly the same way: they are often charming, always polite and deferential. At social occasions, the onus is on her to put people at their ease, but there is never anyone to put her at her ease. They treat her like a princess. Philip treats her as Elizabeth.’
This is, of course, a fictional retelling of Elizabeth and Philips early courtship and it is delightful. I feel that the author has really captured the voice of them both and it is fascinating to consider that this is what they may have been thinking and feeling in the early days of their relationship. There were definite obstacles to their marriage and it was fascinating to consider how they may have worked together to become the strong and solid duo we see today. Elizabeth was determined, Philip was not approved of, and all of this set against the backdrop of royal life mid century.
‘In that case, let’s forget about what your father thinks and what the government thinks and what the public thinks,’ he goes on. ‘Let’s decide what we want.’ His hand tightens around hers. ‘Will you marry me, Elizabeth, and be my wife so that we can face whatever the future brings side by side?’
Whilst it is fiction there are events that most definitely did occur and the trip to South Africa was a definite highlight that I enjoyed reading about. This is wonderful historical fiction with good character portrayed and well researched societal expectations of the day - inclusive of royal protocols. I thoroughly enjoyed what I could easily foresee as an insight into the mindset of both Philip and Elizabeth. He gave up everything to be her consort.
‘It is less daunting than it once seemed. South Africa has given Elizabeth a new confidence. Her genuine interest in the country has helped her relax and it is easier now to talk to people. She will always be shy, but sitting on the horse under that acacia tree, Elizabeth feels a sense of purpose click into place, as if for the first time she fully understands the destiny that awaits her.’
For some light reading (with mandatory tea and scones of course!), I suggest you lose yourself for a few hours to this fascinating tale and step back into the early days of when it all began for this now iconic couple.
‘Elizabeth’s quietness is obscurely restful. It is as if some quality in her absorbs some of his restlessness and smooths down his rough edges.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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