Author(s): Antony Jay; David Secombe (Photographer)

Royalty

Few of us know precisely what is involved in the Queen's unique role as sovereign and Head of the Commonwealth. What is she aiming to achieve and how does she set N.Z. about trying to fulfil such a demanding role? To mark the fortieth anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne, special access was granted to author Antony Jay in his research for the book, while photographer David Secombe accompanied the Queen as she carried out some of the vast range of her activities, both public and private. This magnificently illustrated book, which accompanies the major BBC documentary of the same name shown on TVNZ, provides a unique insight into the Queen's working life and how she fulfils a wide variety of duties at home and abroad over the course of a year. The author vividly describes the Queen's many commitments including her preparations for state visits and her meetings with foreign and Commonwealth heads of state. We witness the State Opening of parliament, Trooping the Colour, accepting ambassadors' credentials and signing Acts of Parliament. Through Antony Jay's informative and entertaining text we gain a fresh perspective on the Queen's complex constitutional roles. The book also examines how the monarchy influences our society through its patronage of institutions, the honours system and in numerous personal contacts which the Queen has with her people from all walks of life. Over 80 of David Secombe's specially commissioned colour photographs, taken at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Balmoral, Holyrood and at engagements elsewhere in the United Kingdom and abroad, provide an incomparable portrait of Her Majesty as she celebrates her fortieth year on the throne.