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The Quest for Queen Mary

Commissioned to write a biography of George V’s widow after her death in 1953, James Pope-Hennessy interviewed royalty, aristocrats and courtiers. Their unguarded answers to his shrewd questions created such a startling picture of royal eccentricity that the book was embargoed for 50 years. While their ostensible subject remains enigmatic and aloof, the interviews – published here for the first time – offer a sometimes humorous view of Palace life and its eccentricities.

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Product information:
  • Publisher: Hodder
  • Year: 2018
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336pp
  • Illustrated: Yes
  • Dimensions: 232x152mm
  • ISBN: 9781529330649
  • Condition: New
  • Weight: 0.5kg
Product code:
545714
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Full publisher description
'A scary portrait of put-upon servants and potty aristos ... this is arguably the most riotously funny volume published this year'
Max Hastings, Sunday Times

'One of the funniest, most eccentric books of the year'
Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday

When James Pope-Hennessy began his work on Queen Mary's official biography, it opened the door to meetings with royalty, court members and retainers around Europe. The series of candid observations, secrets and indiscretions contained in his notes were to be kept private for 50 years. Now published in full for the first time and edited by the highly admired royal biographer Hugo Vickers, this is a riveting, often hilarious portrait of the eccentric aristocracy of a bygone age.

Giving much greater insight into Queen Mary than the official version, and including sharply observed encounters with, among others, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, the Duke of Gloucester, and a young Queen Elizabeth, The Quest for Queen Mary is set to be a classic of royal publishing.
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