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‘The Queen had seen plenty of narcissists’: Inside Meghan's rift with Elizabeth II | The Daily T / Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story. 9 April 2026 by Robert Hardman
Elizabeth
II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story. 9 April 2026
by Robert
Hardman (Author)
‘Sensational’
Daily Mail
Published
for her centenary, Elizabeth II is a brilliant new portrait of the late Queen,
full of fresh revelations. From the Sunday Times number one bestselling author
of Charles III, it is the essential story of her life and record-breaking
reign.
Biographer
and royal commentator Robert Hardman has had unique access to the world of the
late Queen – including family, staff, advisers and even the last state visitor
of her record-breaking reign, President Donald Trump himself.
As
daughter, wife, mother and sovereign, Elizabeth lived fascinating parallel
lives, both in private and in public. But she remained something of a mystery –
beloved, even revered, modest yet daunting, naturally shy but globally
recognizable, inscrutable and also authentic. She was grand but so familiar
that we felt we knew her. Yet we would always be left asking the same question:
‘What’s she really like?’
The only
biographer to have interviewed all the senior members of the Royal Family, some
of them several times, no one has written more authoritatively on Queen
Elizabeth II than Robert Hardman. Here he has crafted a gripping story of
drama, devotion, triumph, tragedy, humour and conflict; of an outwardly
stoical, inwardly complex woman whose love of family, love of country and duty
to the Crown might have pulled her in different directions but never derailed
her; a global stateswoman who wielded her great authority with charm and
understatement.
Elizabeth
II will explain why the Queen was not merely the most famous woman in the
world. She was one of history’s all-time greats.
‘If you
read one biography on Elizabeth II, this is the one . . . magnificent’ – Simon
Sebag Montefiore, author of The World: A Family History
Saturday, 18 April 2026
ARUNDELLS: From Decay to Prime Ministerial Sanctuary Salisbury
Arundells,
located in Salisbury's Cathedral Close, is a 13th-century medieval canonry
transformed from a dilapidated state into the cherished home of former Prime
Minister Sir Edward Heath. Purchased by Heath in 1985, this Grade II*-listed
building serves as a curated sanctuary, displaying his extensive art
collection, political memorabilia, and musical interests.
A History
of Transformation
Medieval
Origins: Originally constructed around 1213 as a canonry, the house retains its
medieval foundation.
18th
Century Facade: The building received a comprehensive rebuilding in 1718,
resulting in its current Queen Anne classical appearance.
Neglect
and Restoration: After periods of decline in the mid-20th century, the house
was extensively restored after being purchased by Robert and Kate Hawkins,
before Ted Heath bought the leasehold in 1985.
The Prime
Ministerial Sanctuary
Sir
Edward Heath (Prime Minister from 1970–1974) lived at Arundells from 1985 until
his death in 2005.
Eclectic
Collection: The house acts as a time capsule, showcasing paintings by Winston
Churchill and John Singer Sargent, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints, and
cartoons.
Personal
Interests: It features his Steinway piano and significant sailing memorabilia
from his times as an accomplished yachtsman.
Walled
Garden: The property includes two acres of gardens that stretch to the
confluence of the rivers Avon and Nadder.
Visiting
Arundells
Charitable
Trust: Heath bequeathed the house to the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation
to allow public access.
Opening
Times: It is generally open to the public, offering guided tours of the house
and access to the gardens.
Location:
Situated at 59 The Close, Salisbury, offering stunning views of the Cathedral.
