Lilibet: An Intimate Portrait of Elizabeth II

Carolly Erickson's biography traces Elizabeth II's life from her sheltered childhood through her ascension to the throne at twenty-five and her reign as Queen of England. The book presents a portrait of Elizabeth as a small, shy woman with a dry and sometimes raucous sense of humor—someone who appears formal in public but privately enjoys watching wrestling on television and is most comfortable around her horses and dogs. Erickson examines Elizabeth's personal struggles and her role presiding over the decline of Great Britain and the Windsor dynasty's prestige. Rather than a gossipy account, the biography tells the queen's story from her perspective, allowing readers to experience her long life with its ceremonial duties, significant responsibilities, and family conflicts. The book portrays a sovereign who has ruled for more than half a century, characterized by immense wealth, international standing, and high character grounded in common sense.