A groundbreaking, revelatory exploration of the remarkable relationship between two of Britain’s greatest leaders: Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.

A fledgling queen and a veteran prime minister—the friendship that shaped a royal legacy and changed the world.

In February 1952, when the young Elizabeth returned to London after her sudden accession to the throne, it was Churchill who was first to greet her as she stepped off the aircraft. The image was a striking one—an elderly statesman in the twilight of his career paying homage to a young sovereign just embarking on what would become the longest reign in the history of the British monarchy. He already had a lifetime of experience to share, while she had a lifetime of service still to come.

Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II were the two most famous Britons of the twentieth century and rank alongside the most iconic historical figures of all time. They defined the ages in which they lived and exerted enormous influence on the lives of millions around the globe. But even more extraordinary than their individual achievements is the unique partnership that developed between them, with Churchill helping the new queen to shape the start of her reign, and Elizabeth in turn helping him to retire with dignity and grace, cementing his legacy at the end of his career.

Using previously unpublished material from government files and private archives, this book sheds new light on this historic relationship, revealing how their fruitful collaboration shaped the monarchy and a nation.