Long Live the Queen: 23 Rules for Living from Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch

In April 2019, Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926) became the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-living monarch in the world, having begun her reign in 1952 at age 26. Her tips for success and rules for living are analyzed and described here by journalist Kozlowski (The Jane Austen Diet). Among the topics covered are the queen’s practices of royal etiquette; how her upbringing prepared her for the throne; her pledge to a life of service; her work ethic and daily schedule; her enjoyment of hobbies and sports, including her love of horse racing; and aging gracefully. Anecdotes illustrate her personality and attitude toward life—and her relationships with her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as her stoicism in the face of adversity. The main drawback is that the author takes liberties when assessing Princess Diana and to a lesser degree Margaret Thatcher, inserting himself into the narrative instead of always relying on the factual record. Bibliographical references helpfully facilitate further reading.