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.

This book was a cute read based on Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s relationship. It was really interesting to read about how one imagines the beginning of their courtship went.

This is a historical fiction that features the relationship between Queen Elizabeth 2 and Prince Philip.

Before inheriting the crown and despite growing up in a palace in the time of war, Elizabeth was like other teenagers. She was taught many things, engaged herself to performing plays. Yet she longed to be in a relationship with the charming and handsome, Philip. However, the Queen, her mother has other suitors for her. Even though he too long to be in a relationship with her. Their relationship is tested.

This book is definitely recommended for those who love to watch The Crown series. It was a pleasure for me to read. I like how the characters of Elizabeth and Philip was developed as well having the insight to their relationship.

I received an e-book from Netgalley.

I liked this book. It is well done but it is just a little too simple. It was simply an easy and quick read.

I do recommend it. I think it is a good introduction to teens who want to start reading Historical Fiction.

'Before the crown there was a love story…

Windsor Castle, 1943

As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.

One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.

But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.

He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…

Step through the palace gates and discover a captivating historical novel of royal secrets and forbidden love exploring the tempestuous courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the wake of WWII.'
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3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

Before the Crown is a stand-alone historical fiction following Princess Elizabeth's path toward the altar with the exciled, Prince  Philip of Greece.

I really enjoyed reading about the start of Elizabeth and Philip's relationship. It was largely practical, but there was an underlying sweetness. It all begins very one-sided with a childhood infatuation, but grows over time into something more meaningful. It's a far more realistic glimpse into royal and aristocratic marriages than in many historical fictions, which makes it interesting to read.

I've watched The Crown on Netflix and found that this book made them a little more human and relatable. Or at least Elizabeth was. I genuinely stil don't understand why anyone would be head-over-heels for Philip; he just comes across as petulant and entitled.

This is a historical fiction, which obviously pretty strongly follows the facts. I think it would have been a great addition to the book if there had been an included historical note to give readers an idea as to how much the story followed the real events.

After closely following their emotions throughout the book, I was a little surpried and disappointed by the wedding itself which fades to black during the walk down the isle and is focused solely on Elizabeth's point of view. There is very little emotion at all, mainly detailed descriptions, which made it feel a bit detatched from the rest of the book. Overall I enjoyed the book though and found it interesting.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for sharing e ARC of Before the Crown by Flora Harding with me. This is my honest review.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is an entertaining historical fiction that imagines the events between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the years before they married.

The story begins in 1943 during WWII. Philip is a lieutenant in the Royal Navy and Elizabeth is a young 16 year old enamored with him. Philip's uncle Dickie tries to push Philip into courting Elizabeth, hoping to improve their families' fortune. Philip, for his part, is not interested. As the duo get to know each other better throughout the years, Philip's interest changes and he finds himself falling in love with Elizabeth. The story ends with their marriage.

This book reminded me a lot of the story that was told in the first season of the Netflix series The Crown. The book is well written and is an easy, quick read. I enjoyed getting a more personable peek into what Queen Elizabeth, who always seems so formal and closed off, might have been like, and the things she may have been going through, during this time. I know it's fiction, but it's fun to imagine.

If you like reading about the Royals, this is a great book to read and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little apprehensive about reading historical fiction based on two living people. I am pleased to say I couldn’t put it down. It was a lovely story and I believe it to be mostly true. I wish this was the first in a trilogy, because although it ends at an appropriate time, there are still many years of before the crown. Definitely a book that I will recommend to my friends. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Whilst this is a fictional reimagining of the courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Greece it’s beautifully told, and very believable.

The author brings you in to the Palace intrigues, and with this lovely love story set against the war years, and austerity of post war Britain. I was quite drawn into it and spent a lazy morning in bed immersed finishing in almost one sitting.

Well researched and it was lovely bringing the touches of her majesties life that make the news today; like the dressmaker Norman Hartnell, and the broken tiara on her wedding day that all made the pages.
I suggest switch your phone off, lock the door and settle into the wonderful true love story that Before the Crown is.

An imagined version of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's before Elizabeth was crowned as queen. I enjoyed the book and learned a few new things but didn't love it. I found it a bit voyeuristic although that's definitely my own taste and in no way a reflection of the research the author has obviously put in as the book appeared to me to be very detailed.

4.5 stars

Not only is this cover absolutely breathtaking, but the story sounded excellent as well. But in all honesty, it was the cover that captured my attention and made me want to read this one!

Thanks to shows like The Crown, royals and Queen Elizabeth have been getting a lot of attention and focus. In The Crown though we don’t get too much background on the early years of Princess Elizabeth so that’s why this one excited me so much.

This book promised to shed some light on the romance between Phillip and Elizabeth and I was absolutely here for it!

Summary
Before the crown there was a love story…

Windsor Castle, 1943

As war rages across the world, Princess Elizabeth comes face to face with the dashing naval officer she first met in London nine years before.

One of the youngest first lieutenants in the Royal Navy, Philip represents everything she has always been taught to avoid. Instability. Audacity. Adventure.

But when the king learns of their relationship, the suitability of the foreign prince is questioned by all at court.

He is the risk she has never been allowed to take. The risk not even the shadow of the crown will stop her from taking…

Step through the palace gates and discover a captivating historical novel of royal secrets and forbidden love exploring the tempestuous courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in the wake of WWII. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
Royal marriages are often about advantage or power rather than love or suitability. But that started to change with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. By the time the world hit the WWII era, royal marriages started to take on a new meaning for couples like Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Though they have been married for 70+ years it’s hard to imagine them being young and in love right? Well this book does just that.

I loved how this book focused mostly on the events leading up to their wedding. There are so many books both fictional and non that focus on the things that went on one they were married but the unknown period for me really is the courtship and how they met. I loved reading about all that in this one! Even if this was a fictionalized version of their romance, I still felt that it was believable and realistic with an air of authenticity. Phillip was so dashing and I couldn’t help but love him even if there were elements about that relationship which were a bit depressing.

I mean who doesn’t love an underdog though right? In this book her is very much the last choice the other royals want Princess Elizabeth marrying so I loved seeing how they eventually came together and thinking about that and seeing now how long they have been married, it’s truly a heartening story even if sad at times.

Overall I really really loved this book. I read it in only a couple of sittings and found that the closer I got to the end, the less I wanted to be done with it. It was a great book and nice little escape for me and I am looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next. If you love The Crown or just all things royal (like me) this book is one you want on your shelf and with a cover like that, do yourself a favor and buy the hard copy of it!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 267 pages
Published June 12th 2020 by One More Chapter
ASIN B081PTY79C
Free review copy provided by publisher, One More Chapter, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: historical fiction

Absolutely LOVED this one! It was so interesting to read a time before Queen Elizabeth II was Queen Elizabeth II and I also finished watching the crown as I read, which I really recommend because it was so much fun to see the very beginning of her and Philip's relationship and later on in their marriage. The writing kept me engaged and I felt like I was reading a fairy tale, only it was even better because I knew it was real life. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year!

Before the Crown by Flora Harding allows readers to get a behind the scenes look at the courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. I found the book easy to read, but I did feel it had slow pacing and it lacked depth. Before the Crown seemed to be aimed at a younger audience. The point-of-view alternates between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. We get to see what each one thought and how they felt as the relationship progressed. We get to see different moments of their relationship. It is small snippets of time. I was disappointed that their original meeting was not included. The story builds up to the wedding, but the actual event is not included. I found the ending to be dissatisfying. I like how it made Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and the other members of the royal family seem like real people. Queen Elizabeth is so confident and poised, but she was not always this way. I liked seeing how she felt about being queen and dealing with her shyness. There is some mild foul language in the book. It is wise to remember that this is a fictionalized account of events. It would have been helpful if the author had added an afterward on what was fact and what was fiction. Before the Crown is a book that will appeal to those who are fascinated by the royal family and enjoy watching “The Crown”.