I loved this book!  I felt that the author told the story of the romance between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip very well.  I enjoyed reading this story in the present tense, as it made their story seem more personal.  I felt that she captured the essence of their personalities during that stage of their lives and that this was an insightful look into their younger days before their marriage. Both had many things to consider before their marriage, and the great changes that would be coming for both of them when Elizabeth became Queen.   This story stayed true to the historical facts about their lives.  The scene in the book that I especially enjoyed was the celebration scene at the end of the war, and the responses of both the people of England and the Royal family.  This is not a “tell all” book, but a respectful look at a romance between two special people.  This story is clean with no foul language.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Before the Crown by Flora Harding is a historical fiction novel set between 1943 and 1947 that imagines how the courtship between Elizabeth and Philip may have played out. The book alternates between their perspectives and is based largely on historical accounts but naturally fictionalizes many of their private meetings and more intimate moments.

The book opens in 1943 with a 17-year-old Elizabeth seeing Philip again for the first time after many years. Having been taken with him as a young girl, Elizabeth is keen to show Philip how much she has grown up over the intervening years. Philip, for his part, is being pressured by his uncle Lord Mountbatten to court Elizabeth who offers his family an unparalleled opportunity to restore some of its lost prestige. Initially unwilling to be maneuvered into a union for strategic reasons, Philip is surprised to find himself immediately impressed by Elizabeth and the two agree to write to one another often.

As the war progresses, the pair occasionally meet and become close friends, and gradually a more intimate relationship begins to emerge. However, the course of their courtship doesn’t run smoothly. Elizabeth is perhaps the world’s most eligible girl and it is vital to her parents that a suitable husband is found. Philip’s family is far from ideal in their eyes. His mother previously resided in a sanatorium and is now a nun in Athens, his father lives with his mistress in Monaco, and his sisters are married to former SS officers in Germany. Add to this Philip’s refusal to bow to court protocol, and his lack of knowledge regarding royal activities, and they are determined to keep the pair from marrying—even after they become betrothed.

We all know how this story played out in the end with Philip and Elizabeth’s wedding in November 1947, but reading about it through the eyes of its two most key players really brings it to life. It’s sometimes hard to feel sympathy for the characters in their low moments given that they live in castles surrounded by gold and diamonds while the people around them struggle through the aftermath of the war, but the story humanizes them and reminds us that they are real people with real feelings that were often ignored or pushed to the side in deference to protocol.

If you love The Crown, this is probably the closest you will get to it in book form.

I found this book to be ok. I love stories about the royals and this was no exception. However, I found I was hoping for life after the crown which is not at all what the title suggests. This is entirely my problem and not the authors. Flora Harding weaves a beautiful story and builds lovely characters in her book. She offers an exquisite look behind the curtains to get to know Prince Phillip and the Queen before they were who they are today.

Reading this book, I feel like I am watching never before seen episodes of the Netflix show and it is absolutely perfect!  I have long been fascinated with British history, and even though this is fictional, I loved getting a glimpse into that world.  It is wonderful to read about the Queen and Prince Philip in a way that makes them human.  It is easy to root for them in real life, and this book makes them all the more lovable.  This book is an exploration of what it means to be royal and still be a person.  It flows beautifully and I couldn't put it down!

Not seen the series on Netflix but enjoyed this account of what it was possibly like when Philip met the future queen. A good read

This book is simply FANTASTIC.  Gorgeously written, beautiful cover, engaging story, and simply un-put-down-able.  I LOVED this and can't stop recommending it to others!  Thank you SO much for the opportunity to review this book!

Before the Crown by Flora Harding

It is 1943 in Windsor Castle when the young Princess Elizabeth meets dashing Royal Navy officer Philip, a near penniless prince of the exiled Greek royal family. Elizabeth falls in love at first sight and, as the years and the war pass, Elizabeth and Philip must prove to her parents, the King and Queen, that they will make a suitable match despite the obstacles. And there are plenty of those, not least of which are Philip’s sisters with their Nazi husbands. Philip himself faces other hurdles. As a man about town, does he really want to tie himself down at such a young age and to a woman who would always be his superior and who, to be honest to himself, he hardly knows? And how far is Elizabeth prepared to go against her beloved father’s wishes and against her overriding motivation – her sense of duty?

I’m such a massive fan of The Crown, especially the first series, and so I couldn’t resist Before the Crown by Flora Harding. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a very familiar story but, even so, it’s well worth the re-telling and I like the way that the author does it. The narrative moves between Philip and Elizabeth’s perspective and so we see both sides of the story throughout the courtship, which does not run smoothly.

Elizabeth is not an easy person to know and through this structure we can see how Philip struggles to understand her. Is this a marriage of convenience or one for love? Philip really has no idea. The same is true of Elizabeth. She doesn’t know what Philip feels about her and she can barely understand her own feelings. This is an age of innocence, despite the bombs falling, in which people like Elizabeth and Philip can barely talk about these things, let alone share a kiss. It’s a dance, watched over by a very judgmental King and Queen, and it’s very entertaining to read about.

There are some moments that really made me laugh, especially a very long-suffering Philip’s time at Balmoral, being dragged up and down mountains by the King’s gillie. It all sounds absolutely horrendous. I must admit to preferring Philip’s sections of the book. The scenes with his sisters in Germany are wonderful as are the times he spends with his mother. Philip’s family history is fascinating and that is captured very well in the novel.

I listed to the audiobook of Before the Crown. It’s very good, not least because there are two excellent narrators for Philip and Elizabeth: Edward Killingback and Imogen Wilde. They do a brilliant job.

I think my only issue with Before the Crown is its sudden ending. I wish it had taken us right up to the altar. Nevertheless, it is a very entertaining romantic tale and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Absolutely charming. Author Flora Harding did an amazing job of bringing the reader into the life and thoughts of both Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip prior to their marriage. It reminded me of the series, The Crown, but with so much more detail. Beautifully written, interesting from beginning to end. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a novel about the royal family.

Given the popularity of the Netflix series, Before the Crown should be a great success! As the title suggests, it focuses on the life of Princess Elizabeth and her growing relationship with Philip, from when they first met, through her teenage years until their wedding day in November 1947. 

The book has everything you need for a good read - characters you can get behind, a cohesive plot and a romantic element. Obviously the main characteristics of the central characters are well known, but Flora Harding has managed to build on these to create dialogue and scenes that work and feel believable.

An enjoyable story, and one that gives an interesting insight (albeit a fictional one) of life inside the Royal family.

Thank you One More Chapter for a copy of Before The Crown by Flora Harding.

I really liked this book.  You don't often see things from this side of the story.  Before The Crown is the story of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip before they were married.  It shows their courtship from both points of view and I loved the way it showed the pros and cons each of them weighed.  You often hear of their marriage from the love story side but this one highlighted the business aspect that would have to go into a high profile marriage such as this one.  Phillip needed a kingdom and Elizabeth needed someone who could be second fiddle without too much fuss and I think this book highlighted those parts quite well without distracting from what we all want, these two to be really in love with each other.

Was it a marriage of convenience or for love?




A shy reserved Elizabeth heir to the crown. Known as Lilibet to her family, why is she attracted to the dashing, sure of himself Prince Phillip? Is it because he is not safe; a man of adventure and intrigue. Is it because she wants to step out of the norm. Not out of duty but out of love. Elizabeth's attraction for Prince Phillip started when she was a young girl and as she matured and realized her duty to country, she had to find out how Prince Phillip felt about her. If he would be warm to the ideal of Royal life and not a life of his own.

I loved this account as it took some known facts and put the narration into a heart pulling account of what the life of a royal entails. How Elizabeth balanced her sense of duty to wanting a love. Hiding her true feelings for the crown and her people. I can see why so many people love the Queen. She is the queen of the people. The narration contemplates that balance. Duty and desire is a difficult balance and Queen Elizabeth handled the challenge with poise and dignity.

Prince Phillips narration was just as intriguing. I had somewhat of a dislike for him at times however, his honesty was refreshing and what he came to realize was revealing. They really have an amazing story to tell under all the scrutiny that goes on, misunderstanding and ultimately their duty makes their story so unique.

A Special Thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Before the Crown follow the love story of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s relationship from courting to engagement to their marriage. 
As a fan of historical fiction I was super excited to read this book but after finishing it all I can say is that it was just ok. First off this book took me forever to read and that’s not the fault of the book but more me being distracted by other books that I was reading. Honestly it just moved a tad too slow for me. 
Being a fan of The Crown and kind of obsessed with reading anything about the royal family (even if it’s fictionalized)…i did enjoy reading about Elizabeth and Phillip’s love story. I feel like most books about the royal family do not cover anything before Elizabeth became Queen, so it was nice to read something that was a little different. 

Overall it was a sweet book, a little slow at times but still a nice read. If you love The Crown on Netflix.. then you’ll enjoy this book! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital copy of this book! 

*I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This story is about Elizabeth (currently Queen Elizabeth) and Philip's love story and the obstacles they faced to be together in post war Britain. The book is based on true facts but gives magic to them so that you can imagine yourself a fly on the wall in Buckingham Palace. Philip's Greek background, his sisters' marriages to Nazis, are just a couple of the King's concerns.

I enjoyed this book, it was a bit unrelatable, but understandably so. How many of us can relate to royalty?! I didn't previously know the history of their relationship so it was interesting to read, I can't even imagine Prince Philip being the young, careless and selfish man that is portrayed in the book. They've been married for 70+ years and still appear to have a deep love for each other. If that's not a love story for the ages, I don't know what is.

I recommend this book to any history buffs or royal watchers in particular.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the eGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

As a fan of historical fiction and with a keen interest in QE and the royal family, I enjoyed the examination of how Elizabeth and Philip came to be the couple we know now.  This book will no doubt be fodder for fans of the show The Crown and incite plenty of Google searches for accuracy, which makes it no less fun to read. 

I enjoyed the journey, fictional though it may be, of the internal thought processes of Elizabeth in her earlier years as she navigates young love, self-doubt and the pressures of her position in life.  

Unsure of whether it was true to life, I did feel that Philip's feet-dragging in the middle was a bit long in the tooth-- make a decision and move on it already Phil! Nonetheless, I enjoyed this novel and a psuedo-insiders look into Elizabeth and Philip before they were Queen and King of England.  The writing was clear, engaging and approachable.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Before the Crown is a genuinely enjoyable historical fiction novel based on the story of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip that is perfect for anyone who enjoys the royal family. Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsUK for an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review

Plot summary:
As WW2 rages, a young Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with a naval officer she has not seen in years- and her childhood crush is reignited. 

Philip is everything she has been told she cannot have and a risk she will not be allowed to take...but will she risk her crown for a love she so dearly desires when it goes against everything she has been raised to believe. 

Review:
Plot wise this book is a really enjoyable read- if you enjoyed the Netflix adaptation of The Crown then this will definitely be right up your street. With lush settings,  dramatic intrigue throughout and an insight into the royal household I have not read before it kept me engaged and wanting to read on. The pacing of this story was just right. and i thoroughly enjoyed the development of the story as it continued. 

Character wise I'm  normally not a fan of different character views for each chapter however for the setting of this story it works really well and it allowed me to see into both Elizabeth and Philip's perspectives- it gave such a significantly more in depth development of each of their characters and their roles and feelings within the palace and royal household it was truly stunning. I did struggle initially with he swap between characters which made it difficult for me to stay invested in the story but once I got used to this writing style it made story much easier to read. 

Final Thoughts:
Before the Crown represents an enjoyable escapist read for anyone with a love of historical fiction and the romance of Elizabeth and Philip.

‘You don’t ever resent having a life of behaving well mapped out for you?’

I am such a fan of the TV series, The Crown, it therefore was only natural to delve into this story, Before the Crown. If you are too, then stop reading and go grab yourself a copy of this tale as I can guarantee you will love it. Apart from the stunning cover, you will lose yourself in what will be a timeless tale. 

‘Everybody else behaves to her in exactly the same way: they are often charming, always polite and deferential. At social occasions, the onus is on her to put people at their ease, but there is never anyone to put her at her ease. They treat her like a princess. Philip treats her as Elizabeth.’

This is, of course, a fictional retelling of Elizabeth and Philips early courtship and it is delightful. I feel that the author has really captured the voice of them both and it is fascinating to consider that this is what they may have been thinking and feeling in the early days of their relationship. There were definite obstacles to their marriage and it was fascinating to consider how they may have worked together to become the strong and solid duo we see today. Elizabeth was determined, Philip was not approved of, and all of this set against the backdrop of royal life mid century.

‘In that case, let’s forget about what your father thinks and what the government thinks and what the public thinks,’ he goes on. ‘Let’s decide what we want.’ His hand tightens around hers. ‘Will you marry me, Elizabeth, and be my wife so that we can face whatever the future brings side by side?’

Whilst it is fiction there are events that most definitely did occur and the trip to South Africa was a definite highlight that I enjoyed reading about. This is wonderful historical fiction with good character portrayed and well researched societal expectations of the day - inclusive of royal protocols. I thoroughly enjoyed what I could easily foresee as an insight into the mindset of both Philip and Elizabeth. He gave up everything to be her consort. 

‘It is less daunting than it once seemed. South Africa has given Elizabeth a new confidence. Her genuine interest in the country has helped her relax and it is easier now to talk to people. She will always be shy, but sitting on the horse under that acacia tree, Elizabeth feels a sense of purpose click into place, as if for the first time she fully understands the destiny that awaits her.’

For some light reading (with mandatory tea and scones of course!), I suggest you lose yourself for a few hours to this fascinating tale and step back into the early days of when it all began for this now iconic couple. 

‘Elizabeth’s quietness is obscurely restful. It is as if some quality in her absorbs some of his restlessness and smooths down his rough edges.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

A fictionalized telling of the courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, now known as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. This story is a sweet journey through the emotions of two people finding out who they are in regards to titles and status. A very tame romance story (no sex to be found in these pages), this will delight readers who are fans of the royals and the show The Crown. I found it enjoyable and a nice light read.

Before the Crown by Flora Harding -Interesting Read


I enjoy historical fiction and was excited at the opportunity to read Before the Crown, by Flora Harding.  This book tells a fictional account of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s relationship before they married and before she became queen.  I found this book very interesting and had to remind myself it’s a fictional account, but it seems that the author did include historical facts and events.

The story begins in 1943, Elizabeth is 17 years old, and she and her sister Margaret are doing a play at Windsor Castle.  Elizabeth is peeking out from behind the curtains to see if Prince Philip is in the audience.  She has a crush on the Prince and is hoping to see him again.  The story covers the next four years of their relationship.  Was it love and romance?  Or was it a practical arranged marriage between royalty to form alliances? 

I found the story interesting, especially contemplating what a young woman’s life would be like as a princess.  In many respects, as the heir apparent, her life and choices were not her own.  I’m curious to know if this fictional account captured what Elizabeth’s personality was like.  The character had a solemnity about her because of the responsibilities that she would take on in the future.  Philip was quite a contrast to Elizabeth.  Though older the character came off as somewhat immature and irresponsible.  He was pressured by family to think practically about his future and opportunities and he wavered between that and desire for freedom and to live his life how he wanted to live it.

The book started out a little slow but picked up midway.  With each scene, I got to know a little bit more about Elizabeth and Philip.  Her father, King George, was an imposing character but you don’t really get to know him apart from his interaction with Elizabeth and Philip.  It was interesting to see their lives against the backdrop of WWII and the years after the war.  

I liked Before the Crown and found this book very interesting.  I wish that the author had included information about what was true and taken from facts and information versus what was fictional.  There is some profanity in this novel.  This book makes me want to read a biography about Queen Elizabeth and get insight into this woman who has been an influential figure for 58 years.  

What I liked best about Before the Crown is that it made me think about what it must be like to come from royalty and have great responsibilities thrust upon you.  I came away with a new respect for Queen Elizabeth.  While reading Before the Crown, I found online pictures of Queen Elizabeth as a young girl from Town & Country Magazine.  It was fascinating to see pictures of Elizabeth in connection with this historical fiction account.

I found Before the Crown, by Flora Harding, very interesting and enjoyed reading it.  If you like historical fiction, romance, or have an interest in royalty you may want to read this book.

I would like to thank publisher One More Chapter and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Before the Crown by Flora Harding.  I was provided a complimentary copy of the E-book and was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Oh, I REALLY enjoyed this. So much so that I went and binged on the Netflix series The Crown straight after reading it. All three seasons in just over a week during lockdown. And now I'm bereft and lost because there isn't more. Not until the new Netflix season, at least - but really I would like another book, please..

I've never been a particular fan of the royal family, but this book might just have changed my mind. Without the added element of our dear Queen, this would still be a lovely and engaging historical romance. When you add the real-life characters and actual historical events into the mix, it becomes compelling.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.