Brian Hoey

Secrets of Life Behind the Royal Curtains

Not in Front of the Corgis

Diana, Princess of Wales' short life was both full and notable. This guide looks at her early and married life, her devotion to her sons, her charity work, her style. For all royal devotees. The People's Princess: "Her beauty, both internal and external, will never be extinguished from our minds." Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Diana Princess of Wales

Queen Elizabeth II is the most famous woman in the world - but she is also the most private. Now, to mark her sixtieth year on the throne, royal expert Brian Hoey takes a searching look at Her Majesty's long reign, at her likes and dislikes, her triumphs and disappointments, and at what drives this most extraordinary of individuals. Using unrivalled access to those closest to the royal family, Hoey uncovers the principles and convictions, quirks and foibles that define The Queen and her family. Affectionate anecdote is combined with impartial analysis to provide an enthralling glimpse into the life of a woman who has earned both global respect and the admiration of her subjects. The last ten years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign have been no less eventful than any other decade: two wars, recession and royal marriage have all made their mark as The Queen prepares to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. Yet, as this lively, authoritative and revealing account makes clear, Her Majesty continues to display a resolute determination to steer her country on the right course - to protect her people, the Commonwealth and, perhaps above all, the institution of monarchy.

60 Regal Years: Diamond Jubilee Edition

Her Majesty

Long did she reign and peacefully may she rest: this beautiful and thoughtful tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the life of a remarkable woman whose 70 years on the throne made her the longest-reigning monarch in British History. Royal biographer Brian Hoey describes the childhood, accession and coronation of young Elizabeth, and chronicles her extraordinary and dignified transfiguration into beloved wife, mother and grandmother during her seven decades of unflagging service and dedication as Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth. He also explains the constitutional roles and public duties of this accomplished stateswoman, conducted with such outstanding grace and professionalism throughout her life. As the royal family, her country, and countless people around the world prepare to say goodbye, he describes all the honour and ceremony one would expect to be lavished on this cherished sovereign and considers the everlasting effect that her work, life, and legacy will continue to have for many years to come.

A celebration of her life and reign

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: 1926–2022

A Biography

HRH the Princess Anne

A celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, detailing the highlights and challenges of her seventy-year reign. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has carried out her role as sovereign with flawless professionalism. Her demeanor has been perfect, and in the seventy years she has reigned, she has epitomized all the hallmarks of an iconic sovereign beloved by her people. When she succeeded her father, King George VI, on February 6, 1952, Elizabeth was only twenty-five years old. Married for just five years with two young children, her life changed irrevocably. The responsibilities of the monarchy have taken precedence over all else, and the public duties invariably have first call on the Queen’s time and energy. This book celebrates the highlights and challenges of the Queen’s reign over the past seven decades by recalling Princess Elizabeth’s childhood and the war years; including accounts of the accession and coronation when she was still a young woman; detailing each decade of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, focusing on both her working life and her family; describing in detail a typical working day for the sovereign; providing a special focus on the enduring contribution Her Majesty has made to life in the UK and the Commonwealth, as well as her enviable reputation worldwide; and offering a true celebration in honor of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

70 Years: 1952-2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Platinum Jubilee Celebration

The only daughter of Princess Anne and famously dubbed a 'rebel Royal', Zara Phillips has long been the subject of media interest. However, her considerable sporting success received little attention until she won gold at the 2006 equestrian World Championships. In this insightful biography, Brian Hoey looks beyond the public image to reveal the real Zara, from her parents' divorce and her mother's subsequent remarriage, to her relationships with other royals including Prince William and Prince Harry, her sense of style and love life, and her rise to the top of equestrian eventing. Zara's story is a fascinating tale of determination, the search for independence and the will to succeed on her own merit.

A Revealing Portrait of a Royal World Champion

Zara Phillips

The royal family say they can do without many things, but not their animals. Countless monarchs and their consorts have relied on dogs, cats, horses and even the occasional parrot to act as their constant, faithful companions, unquestioning allies and surrogate children. With intimate anecdotes and fascinating detail, royal author Brian Hoey describes the mini palaces provided for the Queen’s pampered corgis, Princess Anne’s badly behaved bull terriers and the wild animals – including crocodiles, hippos and an elephant – presented to princes and princesses. Exploring a seemingly eternal regal passion for all things canine and equine, Hoey also turns his attentions to the modern royal family’s love of animals, celebrating the latest arrivals to both William’s and Harry’s new households. From the corgi dynasty to the Jack Russells rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Pets By Royal Appointment presents a very British family besotted with all creatures great and small.

The Royal Family and their Animals

Pets by Royal Appointment

Does the Queen hold a drivers license and did she pass a test? What happens to the hundreds of boxes of chocolate people send Her Majesty on her birthday? These questions and more are answered in a practical miscellany of the royal family. Interest in the royal family is inexhaustible—people are curious about what they wear, drink, and do. This perfect companion to the royals' never-ending soap opera reveals all, from where the best places are to go to see the royal family to such details of tradition as the correct days and hours when it is permitted to fly a flag above Buckingham Palace. Including fascinating facts on abdication, birthdays, Christmas, dining, equerries, fashion, garden parties, hairdressers, insignia, the Jewel House, Kensington Palace, liveries, maids of honor, nannies, orbs, protection squads, the Queen’s piper, racing, Snowdon, tartans, the Union Jack, Queen Victoria, weddings, the x-ray machine at Buckingham Palace, yachts, and Zara Phillips, this is an unstoppable, unbeatable little guide to the British monarchy.

A Royal Miscellany

We Are Amused

A guide to Her Majesty The Queen's official London residence, one of the potent symbols of the British monarchy, covering a history of the architecture, the magnificent rooms and gardens and how the palace is a working building for the modern monarchy. It includes floor plans of the State Rooms open to visitors. Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel.

Buckingham Palace

They’re not like us, the royals. Or are they? This is the definitive compendium of new and little-known facts about the British royal family.

A Majestic Miscellany

Royalty Revealed

This is the real story of what goes on inside the royal palaces, as witnessed by members of the royal staff and household past and present. Buckingham Palace is effectively an independent kingdom with its own rules and customs, now explained by Brian Hoey. Hundreds of anecdotes reveal the conditions in which the staff live and work and also their relationship with the Royals they serve. It looks at a varity of issues including: How does one get a job as personal footman to the Queen? Why does Prince Charles still have to send a note to her Page of the Backstairs requesting a meeting with his mother? How much do members of the household earn? Why does the Queen hate men in three-piece suits? Why are the Queen's bedsheets six inches longer than Prince Philip's? Why do her maids have to vacuum walking backwards? Why doesn't the Queen allow square ice-cubes to be put in her drinks?

At Home with the Queen

A young royal ready for her close-up in the US. As the only daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth, Zara Phillips has long been the subject of much public attention. Few know, however, that she is also an accomplished athlete who won the Gold Medal at the equestrian World Championships. With original anecdotes from those who really know Zara, interviews with contemporaries in the equestrian world and commentary from fashion experts, this book is a revealing look at life as a young Royal and champion sportswoman. Zara Phillips: World Champion looks beyond the public image to chart her childhood, her relationships with other members of the royal family and her controversial love life.

Annie Bullen

Three indispensable books covering three historic milestones of the British Crown. Includes: The Coronation: A Royal History The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year: A Royal Souvenir William & Catherine: A Royal Wedding Souvenir

Brian Hoey

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