Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am quite impressed with this biography. I've read several biographies of QEII, Prince Philip, and both together, and I still learned a few new things. Cathcart did a wonderful job of pulling in more personality, what Elizabeth and Philip actually did/how they felt about things. She covers several different tours, and it was interesting to hear what happened behind the scenes and on their days off, rather than at official engagements.

I found her discussion of their parenting to be quite fascinating, as well. I don't believe it is the historian's job to judge people as good or bad, but Cathcart made her thoughts known here. Because this is very much a biography of their family, and not just Elizabeth and Philip, I would have loved to have slightly more information on the children.

My only tiny quibble is that this biography follows them all the way through the 1980s to when it was published in 1987- it isn't simply the early years as anyone would describe it. That's more of a title issue, though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for a copy of “The Queen and Prince Philip: The Early Years” in exchange for my honest review.

It was a bittersweet read with Prince Philip’s passing. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about their lives when they were just starting out as a couple and as a young family.

The book detailed the intricate backgrounds of both Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh. How their families are interconnected, how they knew a lot of the same people. How on the day Princess Elizabeth was born one of the first visitors to King George V and Queen Mary was Prince Philip’s grandmother and her daughter Alice who was his mother. Queen Mary referred to Prince Philip as “a nice little boy with very blue eyes.” These ties were loose at times and at other times very tight.

At the heart of this story is a family. There was live, affection, loyalty, a sounding board for advice. But most important piece to take away was that they lived their home and their family time together.

4 Stars

This was a lovely read inspired by the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II's husband of 73 years, Prince Philip. The book was actually written in 1987 to mark their marriage of 40 years at that point. It chronicles how Elizabeth and Philip met through royal circles, their engagement/wedding, how their life changed after Elizabeth's early/unexpected assumption of the throne, the birth of their "two sets" of children, and ending with the marriages of their daughter Princess Anne, sons Charles and Andrew, and the birth of some of their grandchildren. Again, this book was written in 1987, and so much has happened in the Windsor realm since then. However, this actually made the read quite nice and focused on the early years, as stated in the book's title.

The writing style was crisp and enjoyable, as it was clearly written by a British subject. Very clean, classy, but substantive in details. Some delightful facts I gleaned from the book all added up to the true partnership of this marriage. Philip was a stalwart help mate to the Queen. Although he didn't share reading the classified papers in those blasted red boxes each morning, he was very interested and intelligent with opinions on things. The Queen valued his input and they both helped with each other's speeches.

I also loved reading about the private wing of Windsor Castle that they made into a cozy and beloved home. It made me understand why Queen Elizabeth II always considered Buckingham Palace her working office during the week, but Windsor was home on the weekends. When you have a passion and read a lot of books on a subject, it's always nice to find hidden treasure in some new kernels of information. This re-issue of a gem was a pleasant read that highlights the successful marriage of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Thank you to the publisher Sapere Books who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

Thank you to Sapere Books and NetGalley for a gifted copy of The Queen and Prince Philip: The Early Years.

The writing has a fairytale slant and I noticed this while reading. I loved the book. It is a wonderful light reading for fans of the Royal Family.

We learn about the beginnings of Elizabeth and Philip's romance.

This book chronicles the courtship and marriage of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, through the 1960s. It's chatty, interesting and charming, if a bit flowery with unnecessary excess prose., for example: "His relatives knew only of the perception of a possibility that blazed across the firmament of all his innumerable ideas, a prospect half-forgotten before it rekindled into affection and matured with manhood into the compassion ...." Wow, I thought. A good editor is needed to cut through the crap and modernize this a bit. But surely that will happen prior to publication?
Still, the book held my attention, containing details not present in the many biographies of the Queen that I've read over the past 40 years. Nothing salacious or disrespectful, just tidbits of information that, being a Royal follower, I lapped up.
Given the specificity of many of the details, it finally struck me that there should be footnotes or at the very least, attribution for all of these items that are presented as facts. This attribution is largely lacking, until one reads the acknowledgements at the end, which does give a general accounting of names of individuals close to the couple. But to an academic, even with that final bit of name-dropping, the book is lacking in source material and therefore falters a bit. It leads me to question whether the details are accurate or merely the author's rhapsodizing speculation about what she is determined to present as a rosy royal marriage. I hope that their relationship was indeed as idyllic as presented.

Finally, I wondered just who the author, Helen Cathcart, is, that she would have such in-depth, personal information about the Royal couple; she must have been a Lady-in-Waiting or a very close relative of the Queen, which seemed unlikely. A bit more research (a New York Times article among other sources) revealed that Helen Cathcart was actually Harold Albert, who had styled himself as the "literary manager" to Helen Cathcart -- a person who did not exist. Harold Albert died in 1997 after writing numerous royal biographies, believing he had to present the author as a woman in order to appeal to the most likely potential readership.
In essence, I realized, this book is actually a reissue of part of a book published in 1987.

All that considered, I have to admit to feeling a bit duped by this title. Yes, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and others who follow the Royal Family will, too. Yes, I do recommend it if you're a follower of the Royal Family. But there is that little bit of guilt over accepting as fact information that is not adequately sourced. If you like fairy tales, it's compelling reading, there's just that slight discomfort, and also knowing it is not a new title, which leads me to rate it as a three-star read instead of a four-star read.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher; the opinions are my own.

Very interesting book, highly recommended for all lovers of The Crown.
Full of historical facts and easy to read, this biography is based on letters, journals and of course some romantic embellishments.
Even though I read it in a sad moment, this read is absolutely highly enjoyable!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was first published in 1987 and the story stops roughly at that point. It is full of interesting detail but the author’s writing style is convoluted and full of old-fashioned expressions and turns of phrase. This telling of Elizabeth’s and Philip’s story leans heavily on the fairy tale view but will be interesting to readers who want plenty of day-to-day detail.

With the recent loss of Prince Philip this was a very appropriate and timely read. The historical facts, about our two favourite Royals, Prince Philip and his beloved Lilibet, are presented in an easy to read and interesting narrative. Beginning in the early years their love story spans 73 years. This biographical account draws from letters, journals and memories to give us what can only be described as a heartwarming treat.

My thanks to NetGalley, Helen Cathcart and Sapere Books for an ARC in exchange for a book review.
With the recent passing of Prince Philip, this was the perfect time to go back in time and relive the very early stages of their 73 year love story.
They initially met in 1939when Elizabeth was twelve and Philip, a handsome seventeen year old. Through royal journals, letters and personal remembrances, the reader witnesses their relationship as wartime unfolds and a country eventually begins to recover. An engagement and a magnificent Westminster Abbey wedding in 1947 was magical as it captured the hearts of everyone.
Elizabeth and Philip were married for a short three years when her father King George VI passed away and Elizabeth, age 25 would become England’s Queen. The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1952 at Westminster Abbey.
Elizabeth and Philip worked together with different styles, views and held fast and strong through ups and downs. He was a sounding board, a supporter and above all, Elizabeth’s protector. Elizabeth and Philip were remarkable individuals who shared a life, a love and a story that compares to no other.
The photo of Queen Elizabeth sitting alone in the pew at her husbands funeral truly says it all and I couldn’t help but think of this shining book and the uniqueness of their love.
Highly recommended.

The Queen and Prince Philip: The Early Years by Helen Cathcart is a wonderful biographical account of the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

I truly loved this book. While I knew quite a bit about what was discussed, it was still wonderful to read their meeting, developing relationship, marriage, and early years together through a different view and narrative. The author has clearly done her research, and presents the historical narrative in an easy-to-read and engaging way so that the book flew by and before I knew it, I turned to the last page...hoping for even more.

A truly wonderful story of two remarkable individuals that I respect and look up to in regards to their relationship together and as individuals as well.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Sapere Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts immediately. (Links below. An account for Bookbub as of 4/18/21 has not yet been created.) Published 4/14/21.

229 pages

4 stars

This is a charming and heartwarming telling of the meeting of Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip. They first met as children and she knew immediately that he was the man (boy at the time), for her.

The story is told honestly and with a remarkable clarity of mind. I enjoyed reading about Elizabeth and Philip's romance and enduring marriage.

I really liked this book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of five is that the writing was rather stilted at times.

I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this very nice book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

In July of 1947, the King and Queen announce the engagement of their daughter, Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten. It had been a difficult time for the country as it was recovering from the aftermath of war and the winter had been extremely harsh. Therefore, a royal marriage was most welcome.

Elizabeth’s and Philip’s family had been close for years and they were even distant cousins. Their paths crossed when Elizabeth was age 12 and Philip was age 17. Earl Mouthbatten is credited with bringing them together.

Philip had been born in Greece but war in that country had his family sending him to England to be educated. He and Elizabeth enjoyed one another’s company and she decided at an early age that there would never be anyone else for her.

The couple had two children close together: Prince Charles and Princess Anne. It was 9 years before they had another two more children close together: Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

The coupe worked very well together sharing their ideas and opinions. Philip was very protective of Elizabeth. They found humor everywhere. Unfortunately, they were apart for extended periods of time when Philip undertook commitments in far away places around the world.

I have read numerous books about the Queen and Prince Philip and found that this book held lots of information I had not read before. What a treat!

As everyone should know, Prince Philip died in April 2021 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Queen Elizabeth. Theirs has truly been a marriage to be admired by people everywhere. Rest in Peace, Prince Philip.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

THE QUEEN AND PRINCE PHILIP ; THE EARLY YEARS by HELEN CATHCART is a beautiful tribute to the Queen and Prince Philip for their strong marriage and the fortitude they showed in both their private and public lives. I really loved the book and cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone who is interested in the truth behind their relationship and also in learning about their lives at home and abroad.
As an aside, I was five or six years old when King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and their daughters came to South Africa and drove in an open car past our garden gate, where our whole family were waving flags in their honour. Princess Margaret actually waved and smiled at me which is something I will never forget!
In this account of the great royal romance we are given an example of what true marriage is meant to be - a respectful and loving partnership, whether the couple happens to be royal or not.
It is altogether an enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Sapere Books. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The late Harold Albert (writing under the pen-name Helen Cathcart) was one of the best royal biographers at work during the second part of the 20th century and the reedtion of this book should definitely be welcomed by anyone interested by the lives of Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip.
It's a captivating and very detailed biography of a couple and the evolution of their relationship from their first encounter in 1939 to roughly the end of the 60s. An exhaustive portrait of the early years of an exceptional marriage and its undeniable place and importance in contemporary British history. I really enjoyed rereading this incredible book yesterday. It allowed me, in my own humble way, to pay homage to the late Duke of Edinburgh. Many thanks to Sapere Books for making this terrific dual biography once again available and for the opportunity to obtain it via Netgalley.

The poignant images of our beloved monarch sitting alone at her husbands funeral resonated across the world this weekend. Seeing her so frail & broken as she said goodbye to her strength, her stay, her beloved Consort.

This was a beautifully written, love story of our two favourite Royals Philip & his beloved Lilibet. With a relationship spanning over 73 years; from their courtship, their wedding, the births of their children & grandchildren, this book truly was a fitting tribute to them both & their relationship is something we can only wish to aspire to.

This book left me with a bittersweet smile on my face.

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Reading this lovely book (first published in 1987) on the day of Prince Philip’s funeral is bittersweet. To go back to the beginning of their relationship, when they were young and vitally alive, is such a contrast to this sad day with the Queen metaphorically and physically alone in a pew at the funeral service. Yet I felt my spirits lifted as I got caught up in their love story, learned better who they were when they met and as their love grew. Highly recommended for fans of the Royal family, British history, and stories of true love. Out now.

5 of 5 Stars

#TheQueenandPrincePhilipTheEarlyYears #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Sapere Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

With Prince Philip’s passing a week ago, I was very interested in reading this new book about his and Queen Elizabeth’s lives together. I found this book on their early years and its just perfect for what I wanted. A love story for the ages. Its part of The Royal House of Windsor, which has 2 books, this one and The Queen Mother. Prince Philip is being laid to rest today and is certainly on the minds of millions. He was 99 years old, and they had a very long and happy marriage of 73 years, which I believe I read is a royal record. It’s an amazingly long time for a couple to be together and it highlights the love story and good match between these two.

I found the book to be an enjoyable relating of their early years together, taken from family letters, royal journals, and personal memories of those who knew them best. Recommended. I will be reading the other book in this set next when it comes out on April 28th, since I liked this one so well. I found an article in the New York Times/SunSentinel from November 1997 which claims that Helen Cathcart is actually the pen name for one Harold Albert who died on October 20th, 1997 at the age of 88. So I’m very puzzled who the real author of this new book is. https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1997-11-10-9711090167-story.html Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Helen Cathcart, and the publisher.

This book was so pure and so timely. I love their love story, no matter how unconventional or how many ups and downs they had. Their marriage was in the spotlight from start to finish. And though His Royal Highness, Prince Philip has passed, their love didn't end.

I absolutely love this timely nonfiction book. Extremely informative and easy to read it’s full of information that will keep you riveted. I highly recommend this one.