Royal Book Challenge: Gin O'Clock by The Queen (of Twitter)

9/500

Gin O'clock by The Queen (of Twitter)
Published 2011
279 Pages
ISBN: 9781444738957

Queen Elizabeth is quite possibly one of the most enigmatic public figures of our times. During the course of her reign she has never given an interview. To gain an insight into what makes the Queen tick we are reliant on royal commentators, authors, indiscreet friends, relatives and former employees to fill in the blanks.

Until now.

In a spin-off of her twitter account, the Queen has published extracts from her recent diaries to reveal a humorous side so rarely portrayed on currency. With liberal doses of gin, the Queen reveals her true thoughts about her ministers, world events, phone hacking, the Middleton's, Eurovision songs and State Karaoke. Family members are included in all of their quirky and sequined glory. As a special treat, we are privy to select emails, her Christmas shopping lists as well as a preliminary draft of her annual Christmas message.

Insightful and good fun. Heavy on current events and politicians, hopefully the Queen will consider updating future editions for those unfamiliar with the names Nick Clegg, David Cameron and President Obama.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Robert Lacey on the Queen and Diana

Noted royal biographer and commentator Robert Lacey is set to release an update to his acclaimed biographies of the Queen. His new book, A Brief Life of the Queen will be released on January 31st, 2012. The paperback version will be released in May 15, 2012.

In the videos below, he discusses the Queen's relationship with Diana, Princess of Wales.

Thank you to Tim, from the website A Brief Life of the Queen for the heads up about this book.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Eating Royally by Darren McGrady

8/500

Eating Royally: Recipes and Remembrances from a Palace Kitchen by Darren McGrady
224 Pages
Published 2007
ISBN: 9781401603212

If I could sum up this book in one word it would be: class.

Unlike other books that share tidbits and insights into royal life, Eating Royally strikes just the right balance between offering interesting information without going over the invisible line of 'too much information'.

The author offers behind the scenes anecdotes of working for the royal family and later Diana, Princess of Wales, with good humor.  It's intriguing to learn about the kitchens at Buckingham Palace, Balmoral, Windsor Castle and Sandringham. Menu cards and mementos from members of the royal family offer a nice touch. There are behind the scenes photographs of the Sandringham dining room at Christmas and a table laden with food buffet style.  However I could have done without pictures of a festively decorated boars head and artfully plated beef tongues.

The range of recipes covers the various seasons with delicious looking tea cakes, cottage pies and desserts. Though he offers a recipe for Christmas cake (fruitcake) and extols its virtues, I am still not convinced.  The dishes are beautifully photographed, and the recipe instructions are easy to understand. Even the most ordinary cooks could attempt the Royal birthday cake. It may look nothing like the photograph in this book but chances are it will taste better than the paper it is printed on.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Pippa Middleton, close your eyes and think of England

Pippa, Pippa, Pippa..

What have you gone and done now? Complaining to your lawyers because some guys with cameras took pictures of you? Seriously what are you thinking? It's been nine months since the wedding. You should be used to the attention by now.

Sure, maybe the guy who shoved a camera in your face went too far. Forgive him, he brought a point and shoot. Smile and don't make it more difficult for him. We grudgingly admit, you are entitled to some personal space. But how else was he supposed to get the story about your pores?

Give the guy a pat on the back for originality. No one has yet to do an in depth expose about the pores on your face. Good that he had the guts to aggressively go after the story. Nominate the man for the pore reporting award. It's citizen journalists like him, moonlighting for a cleaning company, who make the world a better place.

Pippa, what do you expect? You can't have it both ways, you know. If you hadn't worn that sexy maid of honor dress, none of this would have happened. Remember the heady moment Kate asked you to be maid of honor? Really, you should have said no. But you had to go and say yes. Now who's to blame? (Don't look at us!)

Pippa, you need to think of the big picture here. We like you but you need to give us a reason to continue to do so. When you leave the safety of your home and go about your daily life, you make so many people happy. People who write about your fashions, relationships and whatever else it is that you do. It's your obligation to maintain our interest. If I can make a suggestion, mix it up a little by holding a baby or a bag of groceries. The purse and sunglasses are getting old.

But don't you dare complain. It just makes you look ungrateful. Then you unleash your lawyers on the press? Might as well drive a dagger into our hearts. When people write books about you, they will need pictures. If you don't cooperate, what then?

So smile, close your eyes and think of England.

Your future biographers will thank you.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Our Queen by Robert Hardman

7/500

Our Queen by Robert Hardman
Published 2011
ISBN: 9780091936891
356 Pages

I'm a sucker for a new book about the Queen. Especially when I read excerpts featuring interviews with Prince William. My interest was piqued. Here was the chance to avoid the well-worn anecdotes and get to the truth from someone who actually knows her.

Turns out, those excerpts were the highlight of Our Queen. Not that it's a bad book. But it wasn't a promising start. The first 70 pages outlines her strong sense of duty and dedication, how good she is in her role, and how the monarchy must adapt in order to survive. Anyone who has read a biography of the Queen already knows this. But just in case you don't understand, Hardman writes about them in every possible variation within one chapter.

Now that we've duly noted the Queen's dedication, we're on to how innovative the royal household has become. Gone are the days of toiling away thanklessly amongst the splendor. Now employees can be comfortable too. Affordable lattes, access to the Buckingham Palace pool, brightly decorated canteens, email, makes you wonder why you're spending time reading about it when you could be applying for a job of your own instead.

Hardman covers a lot of territory. Amongst other things, we get to know about her relationships with her Prime Ministers and the public, her image, and most interestingly, an insight into Prince Philip. Who knew that behind his crusty exterior lies a sentimental man anonymously buying artwork for his wife?

Our Queen ends on a predictable note. In short, her shoes will be hard to fill. It's reassuring that as of 2011, that view hasn't changed since it was last written about in every other biography.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Finding Sarah by Sarah Ferguson

Book 6/500

Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself by Sarah Ferguson
Published 2011
315 Pages
ISBN: 1-4391-8954-2

After her disastrous involvement in the cash for access scandal in May 2010, Sarah Ferguon appeared on Oprah to give her side of the story. The end result of her appearance was a six-part reality series on Oprah's OWN network and this book.

Finding Sarah is annoying on many levels but it takes guts to reveal yourself. For all her public gaffes, she definitely has a gift. No matter what she does, you can't help but feel for her. Eventually. The first two chapters show Sarah in all her misunderstood glory. Just when I was about to give up on her and throw this book against the wall, she began her journey at Chapter 3. Much to my relief.

Throughout the excuses and explanations, her poetry, nuggets of wisdom, email excerpts from supportive friends, and ability to find herself better in exotic locales, she wore me down. I started futilely rooting for her as she finally (spoiler alert) found herself. All nicely wrapped up with an open ending for the inevitable sequel.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: My Decade With Diana by Maureen Rorech

5/500

My Decade with Diana: The Perpetual Power of the People's Princess by Maureen Rorech Dunkel
Published 2007
166 pages

I bought this book when I visited the collection of Diana's dresses at the Design Exchange in Toronto. Although this book is interesting, it's overpriced My rationale for purchasing it was that 100% of the proceeds from the sale would go to 'charities worldwide'.

In 1997 Maureen Rorech bought 13 of Diana's dresses from the Christie's auction for close to $700,000. She had bought the largest collection of dresses sold at the auction - by phone, without the catalogue. It's interesting to read about why she purchased the collection and what appealed to her about the individual dresses. Admitting she was unfamiliar with Diana's life, she purchased them as a business investment, little suspecting that it over the next 10 years would become much more than that. After Diana's death, Ms Rorech decided to take her collection and create a travelling exhibit, Dresses for Humanity, to raise money for causes that had been supported by Diana in her lifetime.

When it comes to travelling exhibits, people tend to look at it from the vantage point of a visitor, not necessarily thinking of the work involved in preparing it. This book presents the complicated process of putting together the exhibit and the logistics (and stresses) of doing so while maintaining the integrity of the dresses and of Diana's memory.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Moments - Reflections in words and pictures by Sarah, The Duchess of York

Moments by
Sarah, The Duchess of York

Book 4/500

Moments: Reflections in Words and Pictures by Sarah, The Duchess of York
Published 2003
ISBN: 1 86205 573 4
96 pages

Unlike her ex-husband's, the Duke of York's book Photography, which features somewhat unremarkable photographs of interesting subjects, Sarah, The Duchess of York's Moments bursts with energy, possessing a vitality missing in Prince Andrew's early work.

It is the personal details which sets this book apart. Sarah has captured moments from her global travels and the overall impression is of tranquility. In dispersed amongst thought provoking quotes, are beautiful photographs of her children, Beatrice and Eugenie, conveying the innocence of childhood and the powerful bonds of love between siblings, parents and grandparents. One of my favorite photos in this book is of the Duke of York and Princess Eugenie hugging. A rare glimpse of Windsor affection you wouldn't find in other books on the royal family.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Catherine Cambridge, a 30th birthday reality check

Dear Catherine/Your Royal Highness/Ma'am/Kate,

I would like to join the other voices in wishing you a very happy 30th birthday today. According to some reports you are having a quiet celebration of this milestone event. While clearing away the decorations and left-over cake, perhaps you could take a moment to reflect on what you really want to accomplish in the years ahead.

True enough, to a degree, the future is all mapped out for you. You will (eventually) produce the obligatory heir and spare. We will see you at all of the major events - Trooping the Color, Garter ceremony, funerals, etc. Where you will stun the crowds while inadvertently distracting from the more sombre moments. It's probably the last thing you want but we just can't help ourselves.

People have pointed out the differences between you and your late mother-in-law, Diana. How you are smarter, savvier, older and wiser than she was. Supposedly because of this you will avoid the perils. I disagree. Like her you are on the same path of becoming the ultimate stylish royal barbie doll. Hitting all of the right fashion notes but nothing more. You've barely spoken in public and you're nice to look at. With the fixed smile, all that's missing is the plastic horse drawn pink carriage.

You recently announced four patronages. It's a good start, though there are some who think you've played it too safe with your choices. Nonsense. Sheesh, even Diana waited 6 years before she shook an AIDS patients hand! Give it a few years and you will be brokering world peace while looking fabulous. All in good time.

It's been a dizzying year for you. What with the wedding, the plaudits and automatic position on all of the 'Best of 2011' lists. The pedestal has a nice view, doesn't it? But take a look back at royal history. What comes up, will come down eventually. You may have the support of your husband and the royal system taking it easy with you, but don't think you're immune. You can only ride the wave of the royal wedding for so long. No beautiful dress will save you from the fickle public.

So it's up to you to decide where you go from here. Do you hide out in Anglesy and deny reality? Will  you continue to be fashion plate Barbie? Or do you choose the more challenging route where you're an asset to the royal family based on the work you do and what you accomplish?

Decide who you want to be, before we decide for you.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Photographs by HRH The Prince Andrew

Photographs
HRH The Prince Andrew

Book 3/500
Photographs by HRH The Prince Andrew
Published 1985
ISBN: 0-241-11644-9
159 Pages

Like his brothers and sister, Prince Andrew has written a book based on his interests. In this case, his budding interest in photography. In the introduction Prince Andrew admits that he is a novice, with no ambitions to be another 'Norman Parkinson or Ansel Adams.'  Instead, Prince Andrew has a different goal in writing this book. 'Nothing would please me more should this book persuade more people to 'have a go'.

Compiled of photographs from his travels at home and abroad, on-duty and off. It includes experiments with items in the Royal collection and some dramatic photos of actress Finola Hughes. This book was not well received by critics but thankfully it did not deter him. Since it was written, Prince Andrew, now Duke of York, has taken some notable photographs of his family. He took the 60th birthday photograph of the Queen and a series photographs for the 2002 Golden Jubilee portfolio. He also took the photos to mark Prince Harry's first birthday aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and the first official photographs of Lady Louise Windsor with her parents.  He is also the only Royal to receive a freelance cheque from the Toronto Star for his services.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Debrett's A Modern Royal Marriage

Book 2/500

Debrett's A Modern Marriage: A Royal Celebration
Published 2011
176 Pages

Released to commemorate Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding this book does the event justice and then some.

Unlike other royal wedding books, Debrett's A Modern Royal Marriage is comprehensive. It is beautifully laid out, with wonderful photographs and illustrations, and I could not find a single flaw within its pages. If you are going to buy any book about the royal wedding, it should be this one.

The details about all aspects of the ceremony and royal weddings in general is exquisite. No detail is missed. Along with biographies of the bride and groom, there is information about wedding bouquets, royal wedding cakes, tiaras, shoes, and wedding dress designs, it is all there. A treasure trove of information and a feast for the eyes, all in 176 pages.

© Marilyn Braun 2012

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Royal Book Challenge: Queens' Jewels by Vincent Meylan

Queens' Jewels by
Vincent Meylan

Book 1/500

Queen's Jewels by Vincent Meylan
Published 2002
208 Pages

After announcing my royal book challenge, I wasn't entirely certain where to begin. With so many books it's a lot of pressure to choose the right one. Inspired by a question about this particular book from @kemalnagdy who runs the blog The Royal Couturier  I thought it would be an appropriate one to start with.

I've always had a love of royal jewels and their history. Looking at the cover you might automatically assume this is devoted entirely to the British royal collection, but this is not the case. Queens' Jewels
covers the history of jewels worn by the Queens and Empresses of Russia, France, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Iran, Austria, Belgium, The Balkans, and Great Britain.

It would be easy to stare at the photographs and illustrations, admiring the craftsmanship of these jewels but that would ignore the history behind them. Unfortunately, for various reasons, most of the royal jewels in this book have been sold at auction, ending up in private collections and museums. Many have been altered from their original form and some have disappeared without a trace. Queens' Jewels documents the interesting, complex and occasionally tragic history behind these jewels in a fascinating manner.

© Marilyn Braun 2012 

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

A (Crazy) Royal New Year Resolution

I've decided to make a New years resolution.

I'm going to read every book in my royal collection.

This is a big undertaking. As you can see by the photo there are a lot of them. Not counting soft-back, bookazines, or ebooks there are approximately 500 books.

On each episode of my show, The Royal Report, I had a segment where I took a book from my library and talked a bit about it. Now that I'm taking a break from the show I'm going to continue to share my collection, but in a different format. I'm going to blog about them instead.

Much to the chagrin of my husband I love to collect royal books. I have books about every aspect of royal life - from birth to death, what they eat, how they dress, how they are portrayed in the media, to the places they live. Some of them I've read already, many are comprised mainly of photos, and others I've used for reference purposes when writing articles. Some are old (1901), some are recently released and some I've already written a review on. In this case, from this point forward, unless I've read a book cover to cover, minus the bibliography, I won't include a post on it.

These posts are not intended to be reviews. After I've read the book I will post a brief overview (synopsis, page numbers, date published) and my general thoughts, possibly with some likes and dislikes added. To prove that I own the book, I will include a photograph on the post.

By the end of this exercise, I'll either be one of the most well-read royal watchers or the craziest for having started this in the first place. Who knows, it may turn me off of buying more royal books in the future. My husband should be so lucky.

© Marilyn Braun 2012 

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.