The story of how our late Queen met her husband to be is well-known but Flora Harding really brings it to life in Before the Crown, a fictionalised but well-researched version of the events that led up to Elizabeth and Philip's wedding in 1947.

Against the odds, the couple were allowed to marry. Princess Elizabeth was the heir to the British throne whereas Prince Philip was a penniless naval officer from the exiled Greek royal family. Not many people were in favour of the match but the princess was determined. This was her man, and this is ultimately a story of romance versus duty and finding a way to combine the two successfully.

I love fictionalised stories of real events and none more so than when they are around royal events and the royal family. Earlier this year I read Harding's second royal novel, The People's Princess, which I thought was a fantastic read. I actually had Before the Crown on my shelves already and with recent events it seemed like the perfect time to pick it up and remember the Queen in happier, more carefree times, when she thought she had plenty of time ahead of her before she ascended to the throne.

Before the Crown is such an enjoyable read. I thought the characters were written perfectly and felt true to their real-life counterparts, and I was so taken with the portrayal of two young people with their whole lives ahead of them, especially knowing now what a long and happy marriage they went on to have. It's a lovely work of historical fiction that was absolutely right up my street, with one or two 'aah' moments that warmed the cockles of my heart. Charming and so engaging, I absolutely loved it. ( )

Thank you Netgalley for the Advanced Copy.

I have to say. I didn't particularly love this. I was a bit disappointed by the title--one could get the impression that this would cover the time of their courtship to when Elizabeth become Queen. But the book really just covered the courtship and stopped at the wedding. I was curious about their first few years in Malta too.

Unfortunately this book didn't add anything to what I already knew about the couple. ( )

First thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book. I am rating it 3.5 stars. The book tells the story from both Prince Phillip and Princess Elizabeth's pov of their courtship. As others have stated it did seem a bit simplified and YA. At times, it almost seems like it would start getting into some serious feelings/storytelling and then back right off. I felt let down many times.

I understand that this is historical fiction and both parties are still alive but if you are going to take on the subject then go for it. All in all it is a quick read and will keep your attention. ( )

Historical fiction often addresses figures from centuries past, allowing us to imagine what life was like in King Henry VIII’s court or what would happen if a modern woman traveled back centuries into a sweeping love story. TV shows like Downton Abbey, Victoria, and The Crown capture our imaginations with their tales of British royalty and upper class.

In Before the Crown, Flora Harding tells the story of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s courtship. Since they’re both in their 90’s, it’s a refreshing take to meet a teenaged Elizabeth with a crush on Philip, an exiled Greek prince serving in the British navy. They seem like total opposites – a shy, reserved girl and a young man eagerly sowing his wild oats. But each has their own reasons for making a match.

For those two royals, their lives – and future prospects – changed drastically while they were children. Elizabeth suddenly became the heir presumptive when her uncle abdicated and her father unexpectedly ascended to the throne. Philip was born into the line of succession for both Greece and Denmark. He and his family were exiled from Greece when he was an infant.

Philip’s uncle, Lord Mountbatten, knew that marriage to Elizabeth would return Philip to a royal future that had been taken away when he was an infant. Mountbatten was also politically savvy enough to recognize the obstacles that lay in Philip’s path to the throne. Although Philip was a Naval hero, he held Greek and Danish citizenship, not British. Philip fought for Britain, but his much-loved sisters married and were living in Nazi Germany. He was also a young man who enjoyed drinking with his friends and spending time with beautiful women. Could he overcome these obstacles and convince King George VI he was a worthy consort for his daughter?

A royal wedding is never as simple as boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl get married. The prospective spouse is put under a microscope, and any flaws are magnified. Their family is scrutinized. Even politics are examined, since a foreigner from the wrong country could lead to disaster. The closer to the throne, the higher the expectations. Love is not a requirement for a royal coupling but is an unexpected treat if it’s part of the transaction. The fairy tale is not the priority. The expectation is that the heir to the throne marries and tolerates an adequate consort.

A challenge in historical fiction is presenting a story where the reader already knows before opening the book. Philip and Elizabeth get married, so there’s no surprise that they were going to overcome any differences or challenges they faced. Here’s where Before the Crown shines.

The question isn’t whether a royal marriage will happen, but what kind of marriage it will be. How do they really feel about each other? Do their feelings matter? Will they talk about their relationship or just make assumptions? Harding does an excellent job getting into the heads of the couple as they each wrestle with what a marriage would mean to them. She brings her main characters alive by examining their assumptions and insecurities. At times, I wanted to scream “just talk to each other!” A book is frustrating – in the best way – when the reader is invested to that deep of a level.

Historical fiction novels and series like The Crown are popular because they offer a fly-on-the-wall view inside the cocoon of royal life. Before the Crown is an excellent addition for royal watchers.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.


This review was initially published on NetGalley on 10/27/2020. ( )

This book was an interesting look into the meeting, relationship, and engagement that might have been between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. It would be best if you remembered, though, that this is historical *fiction*, and we can never honestly know what happened between them word for word. I imagine most of their relationship logistics are correct since there have been many other works devoted to the couple.

Unfortunately, unlike many others, I found this an arid and unemotional look into what might have been. I didn't expect to connect with the couple because they are so far out of my league. However, I did expect to be somewhat entertained. I was not. After a while, because of the repetitiveness, I found myself skimming the pages looking for something that piqued my curiosity.

This is a perfectly lovely read and underlines that this was a coldly political marriage that turned into something a little bit more.

*ARC supplied by the publisher and author. ( )