Debrett's: The Queen - The Diamond Jubilee

Book excerpt: With a foreword by the Rt Hon Sir John Major, The Queen: The Diamond Jubilee is a beautifully illustrated commemoration of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, from her early years to her role as a modern monarch in the 21st century. This book explores the Queen's genealogy, tracing her descent from William the Conqueror, her coat of arms and orders of chivalry. It looks at her personal life, her childhood, teenage years, hobbies and pursuits, as well as her closest family ties: her mother, sister, husband, children, in-laws and grandchildren. Her public life is also reviewed and celebrated, from formal occasions to garden parties, walkabouts, ship-launchings and ribbon-cuttings, to her work with charities and presenting awards and honours. The state occasions that have punctuated the Queen's life - her own wedding; her coronation; other royal weddings; state funerals; state openings of parliament; investitures and trooping the colour - are explored with insightful and gorgeous photographs. The Queen: The Diamond Jubilee is a touching, unique and beautiful book and a perfect way to remember and celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.