Rod Green explores the personal and political intrigues that have dogged the House of Windsor, including the Queen's fascinating relationships with prime ministers from Winston Churchill and Antony Eden to Margaret Thatcher.

Set against the colourful backdrop of key events – such as the 'Great Smog' that brought London to a halt in 1952; the IRA murder of Lord Mountbatten during the Northern Ireland 'Troubles'; the crisis triggered by the death of Princess Diana; the wedding of Prince William and his 'commoner' bride, Kate Middleton; the recent wedding of Prince Harry to Hollywood star Meghan Markle; and the changing face of world politics – this is the story not only of the head of a dynasty, but also a history of our times.