The Queen - Kenneth Harris

In his biography of Atlee and much-quoted study of Margaret Thatcher, Kenneth Harris emphasized the influences in their family background and thus their conduct. He takes the same approach in this study of the Queen, the Royal Family and the state of the Monarchy today.;In particular he looks at the direct and indirect effect on the Queen and the Monarchy of the turbulence which the Royal Family experienced in 1992, and asks: what does the personal character of the Queen and her family have to do with the problems they now face? And to what extent is there a sharper edge to such longstanding questions as: do we need a monarchy?; Do we need so many royals?; Does the nation get value for its money?; Should the Queen pay taxes like everyone else?; What is the future of the institution?; And why shouldn't Britain become a republic?;These and other important issues, such as the Queen's place in the European Community and her relations with the countries of the Commonwealth, are examined.