It’s almost easy to forget that the Queen and Prince Phillip are real people they are so iconic.

This is the story of their courtship and romance. And it makes them both seem very real.

Finding a husband for Princess Elizabeth after WW2 was an issue of national importance.

Everyone has an opinion:

King George is loath to yet his daughter become an independent woman and love the family unit of four.

Queen Elizabeth (The Queen Mother) has a list of eligible men from good society families that she thinks are suitable.

Lord Mountbatten is ambitious and encourages his nephew Prince Philip to court the princess.

The British Government are concerned with anti-foreign feeling and Prince Philip’s family links to Nazi Germany.

Then you have Elizabeth and Philip themselves.

Elizabeth has long been in love with Philip but will put duty before her personal feelings and will not go against her family’s wishes.

Philip likes and admires Elizabeth. He enjoys her company but does he love her? He does not fit in with the Royal Family. He does not shoot and hunt, likes drinking with his friends and is penniless. He is concerned about his future role as consort to the future Queen and what that will mean. Is

Despite knowing the outcome of this romance – I don’t need to worry about spoilers here! – the book manages to convey the tension and doubts that the young couple have. The claustrophobic and surprisingly limited experiences of Elizabeth and Margaret and their life at Windsor Castle is vividly recreated.

Despite the pomp and ceremony of the Royal Family, Elizabeth’s life is horse riding, dog walking, nursery dinners and soap rations.

I really enjoyed this book. It takes you back to the 1940s and is completely compelling. Fans of the Crown are going to love this.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

If you love anything about the royals, the show The Crown or like me intrigued by living the life of a princess then this book is for you! I admittedly don’t know much about Prince Phillip and enjoyed reading this story and learning many interesting facts. I often found myself googling information (Nazi ties, etc) to see if they were true. It was refreshing to read a love story where even though we knew the ending of the Queen and Prince it still was told in such a compelling and captivating way. I found myself stealing an extra five minutes here or there throughout my day just to learn more. I felt as though the story progressed nicely and I enjoyed reading both perspectives. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and will mention this for a possible book club book. I give this page turner five out of five stars. Thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced read.

I am not sure what I was expecting, maybe to feel more attached to Elizabeth and Philip. It was a good point of view though, and I definitely learnt more about the couple.

I think this is a good read, different from the books that just tell historical facts. I liked how Elizabeth was a real person and not just a famous name.

Before the Crown is a fictional story of the courtship of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip of Greece. The story is plausible but there is nothing new here.
It is well documented that Elizabeth had fallen in love with a handsome Philip as a teenager, and it is equally well known that Philip found that becoming a member of the British Royal family much harder than he had anticipated.
The book has been written in the slightly sensationalistic manner of “The Crown” with the same emphasis on Philip being a bit of a ladies man, and a bit of a rebel. As long as you read this as a work of fiction, not a work of fact, it’s an enjoyable read. It suits its target market well, but I just found it a little bit twee and sensationalist with no new information.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If you’re fascinated by the royal family, or even if you just enjoy watching The Crown, you will enjoy this book.

This historical fiction is written about Queen Elizabeth and Philip’s love story.
Their road to the altar wasn’t a smooth one.

I knew some of the issues (Philip’s family’s possible ties to Nazis and his mom’s health issues) but I never even thought about the age gap. We’re used to seeing the Queen and Philip as adults, but Elizabeth fell in love with Philip when she was a young teenager and he was five years older. I was only as she neared adulthood that the idea of marriage occurred to him. His family really pushed for the marriage but hers fought against it.
I had no idea they had such a hard road to marriage. Good for them for continuing to fight for it, after all of their years together so far it’s hard to picture things going differently.

There were lots of interesting bits of information in this book that I will definitely google to see which are true (the origin of her engagement ring for example).

I wish they would make a tv show out of this book too, it would be fantastic!

I got to read an early ebook edition from NetGalley and have been recommending it to everyone! Thank you!

From the fans of the wildly popular Netflix series The Crown, to the book readers who loved The Gown, to the royalists who follow the British monarchy’s every move with adoration, the new upcoming book BEFORE THE CROWN is for you. Author Flora Harding explores Prince Philip and Princess Elizabeth’s relationship from their first meeting until they were married to become the Queen and Duke we know today. They are the central figures in her book with a spotlight exposing their inner thoughts, ups and downs, and love’s journey. Although I did feel that Prince Philip had a bigger breadth of content and character dialogue in the book versus Queen Elizabeth.

Harding lays forth the struggles and hardships the Prince from Greece endured growing up that made him into the man that he is. Although loving both his parents dearly, his mother battled mental illness, while his father and family lived in exile from their home of Greece. The hot button amongst British circles even more than Philip being a foreign prince was his sisters’ marriages to Germans with Nazi connections. Perhaps though the largest takeaway was that although he was a Prince, his financial resources and clothes wardrobe were sparse. He was a Prince in name, but his lifestyle and wealth were not.

On the other hand, Elizabeth is smitten with Philip from the onset. She falls in love with him at thirteen and there is no other man for her — he is her first, last, and only love. Although her family is against the love match, Elizabeth is staunch in her resolve to marry the Prince. The Princess has been thrust into the role of being heir to the throne and is resigned, ready, and willing to fulfill her duty and serve her people but this is the one thing she is asking for for herself, as Elizabeth. Even though her feelings go unreciprocated and unrequited for years, Philip begins to see the kindness, goodness, and strength in the Princess, and realizes he loves her as well. A marriage that at first proposal is designed for a partnership, a royal team as it were, grows into a dynamic love between opposites that completes them both.

After reading this novel, I’m ready to finish catching up on the third season of The Crown or watch the movie A Royal Night Out! If this sounds like you too, look for BEFORE THE CROWN scheduled for a Publication Date of 18 Sep 2020.

I really enjoyed this book! Fans of the royals and anyone who loved The Crown series will love this book!

There is nothing new here, but what you get is a lively, page-turning historical fiction tale that takes you inside Elizabeth and Phillip's courtship. You know what's going to happen, obviously, but it was still a fun read.

The dialogue is well-written and appropriate to each character; it all fits with what we already know about these characters. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various castles, palaces, and homes. An of course, Princess Margaret can always steal a scene!

There is a certain refreshing innocence in these young royals just coming of age in a time of war and rationing. Elizabeth is always conscious of her duty and appreciative of the sacrifices made by the people.

Well done!

It's a bold move to write a novel based on a sitting monarch, but Queen Elizabeth II's romance is too tempting to resist. Thank you for colouring in one of England's most romantic and complex couples in recent history. I've always looked forward to a novel about their story, and now it's finally here.

In fairy tales, the prince and the princess fall in love and live happily ever after. In the real world, many a prince and princess marry for the good of the people or their families, not for love for themselves. Can Elizabeth have it all? Before the Crown by Flora Harding captures the courtship and eventual marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Before the Crown was an interesting read that gave insight into the relationship of Elizabeth and Philip. As someone, who enjoys learning about the British Monarchy and stays up to date on their news, I was excited to receive this book. Admittedly not a big fan of the Duke of Edinburgh, I came away with a bit more respect for him. While not a fast paced love story the book takes on much of Elizabeth's qualities in itself. It is reserved and shy in some areas. There were chapters where the story lagged but with the author being authentic is the storytelling, she only has so much to work with. Overall, I believe that anyone interested in the House of Windsor or history in general, will enjoy Before the Crown.

Perfect for fans of Netflix’s The Crown, Before the Crown by Flora Harding tells the story of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Harding drew me in with her wartime descriptions of England, I loved that this book alternated between the two royals. I especially loved her descriptions of the royal family tour to Africa after the war and the story of Elizabeth’s engagement ring. They have been married so long I never gave too much thought to their love story, Harding tells it in a remarkable engaging way.

1943-Seventeen-year-old Princess Elizabeth is eager to meet Prince Philip of Greece again now that she is grown up. They have exchanged letters, but they have merely been polite. Prince Philip, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, has resisted his uncle's encouragement to pursue the princess, but will he think differently once he meets her again?

The dutiful heiress to the throne and the charming prince who bucks tradition for a modern quest to enjoy life. It is difficult to believe this pair might fall in love. It is even more hard to understand how it could have happened while everyone watched them for their infrequent meetings. The author does an excellent job showing us each viewpoint, Elizabeth's and Philip's, showing the hesitation and doubts that *may* have happened.

It is told in the present tense (Philip thinks; she says) which I don't personally like. Still, it moves at a good pace and is a believable theory for how it happened.

Fans of the TV show "The Crown" will find this an enjoyable read.

A great read for anyone who is as OBSESSED with the British Royal Family as I am. Reads along the same lines as 'The Gown' as like a season of 'The Crown'. The story felt authentic and the characters were true to their real life counterparts. A great read.

Those who know me are well aware of my love and interest in all things royal and especially Queen Elizabeth II. Of course I love her name but there is something about her character I have always admired. Steadfast and loyal, she has served as sovereign for 67 years now! I love learning about her and always find myself impressed with how she handles both matters of state and family.
Before the Crown gives us a glimpse into a seemingly realistic picture of the budding romance between the then Princess Elizabeth and the man who will become her consort, Prince Philip. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt much of it stayed true to the events surrounding their courtship, engagement, and wedding. Of course it is fiction, but I felt the author did a very good job of creating dialogue and emotion around historical facts.
I highly recommend for an easy yet satisfying read.

I really enjoyed this fictional story about the beginning of young princess Elizabeth and Philip's relationship. If you enjoy keeping up with the royal family you will definitely love this.

This book definitely reminds me of the television show The Crown and you feel like you have another glimpse into what it must be like behind those palace walls. Great read!

Before the Crown is a beautiful historical novel which delves deep into the romance between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece, perhaps better known as Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.

However, this is not a traditional romance and Harding does not hold back in laying out all the struggles Elizabeth and Philip faced. From the King and Queen's disapproval of the match for their daughter to the effects of public opinion on the relationship, Flora Harding covers it all.

Nor does this novel present the engagement as all hearts and flowers. Despite Elizabeth being attracted to Philip from a young age, this is initially a one-sided crush and a political arrangement for the couple. However, due to Flora Harding presenting her novel from the perspective of both Elizabeth and Philip, the reader is able to experience first hand the doubts, worries, longing and evolution of this infamous relationship.

I will be honest it is hard not to envision the Netflix series when you read this novel but it is by no means a copy cat situation. Harding provides such interesting insights into Philip's lifestyle and his family that it is hard not to pity the sacrifices that he makes in order to be with Elizabeth.
In 'The Crown' young Philip was a bit of a dirt bag and, although Harding's Prince is no angel, he is clearly fighting an uphill battle against the aristocracy's view of him. It is difficult not to sympathise.

I would have liked an author's note to know how much of the story is fact and how much is fiction or speculation. However, given the privacy of the Royal Family I imagine any factual insights are rare.

In summary, 'Before the Crown' is a captivating read, exploring the sacrifices and struggles where we often blindly see prejudice, all against the backdrop of WWII Europe.

I am not a follower of royalty and know only basic information about them. I did watch the Victoria series on PBS and enjoyed it so much, so I thought I would enjoy this fiction/based on history book about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The story was very slow moving for approximately the first one-third of the book. I read the Kindle version and I looked at percentage when I was pushing myself to read the book. It was at 33%. I kept reading and I am glad I did. As the story progressed from there, I became more interested in what was happening and I felt the story moved along with a better pace. I think the last third of the book was the best part to me. I think the writing flowed much better and I cared more about the characters and the plot.

This book was very insightful of what life is like for nobility. It might seem like a plush, carefree life, but it certainly does not come across as that is this book or I am sure in real life either.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, but it was a bit of a struggle to get interested in it for me.

I want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advanced reader copy. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.

If you’re a fan of “The Crown”, this is a must read for you! “Before the Crown” tells the tale of a Royal love story. Young Princess Elizabeth has come to the age where her future is pretty much laid out for her. Duty to the crown governs everything, including who she marries. Elizabeth has other ideas on that matter and slowly begins to bring Prince Phillip of Greece into the Royal life. This story chronicles their first meeting right thru to their wedding day. It sheds light on the first invitation to spend time with the royal family, Phillips own controversial family, and the hoops the king has them jump through before he’ll consent to the nuptials.

One thing that I noticed and I notice this whenever I see the royal family in interviews...they are very dry and almost seem without emotion. I found that to be true with this book as well. It didn’t deter me enjoying it because that’s how I’ve always perceived the Royals. I did think this would be an excellent companion to “The Crown”, should they ever decide to create a series that followed Elizabeth through the war and up to her wedding.

Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins for giving me the chance to read this early! It was fascinating! My only major disappointment was the lack of Authors Notes at the end. I love reading what the author has to say about the creation of their work!

I don't really know much about the royal family, but the history behind this book is what intrigued me. It started off slowly, and took a while to get into, but quickly turned into a fun learning experience. I feel like I've ingested so much biographical history (yes...it's a fiction novel based on history, so not all true) from this. The storyline was sweet with a beautiful ending.

This book is polished. The writing is neat and tidy, familiar but still formal in feeling. Actually, it's a lot like the love story it portrays. There's no scandal, no messes, nothing to fix. It just fits, quietly and steadily moving ahead.
Before The Crown's Elizabeth is shy but dutiful, true and unbending. It's hard to dislike her, but at the same time, it's a chore to like her as well. She's as unreachable in the literary format as she seems on so many of our televisions.
This book focuses on Phillip and Elizabeth from the time she is leaving her teens up to their marriage. I think it missed an opportunity not flowing on to the point where her father died, she became regent, and Phillip had to swear fealty to her. That, I imagine, would have given us some of the emotion that the book is sometimes lacking.

Before the Crown is a delightful peek into a royal courtship. One feels like a fly on the wall being given privy to the private conversations of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip as they maneuver the complexities of a royal marriage. While this is a work of fiction, it does give one the enjoyment of feeling like you are “on the inside.” Being there when the couple discover that even though the royal marriage was sort of a contract, they do eventually find out that they love each other. Knowing how the love story will proceed through the years does not diminish the joy in pretending that you were there when it all started and wishing the couple a long happy marriage. A genuinely nice read. Enjoyed this book it very much.