The Crown. The Official Companion to the Series. Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill. The Making of a Young Queen

“I am a queen, but I am also a woman. And a wife.” — Queen Elizabeth Princess Elizabeth Windsor never thought she would become queen at such a young age. At twenty-five, she was a happy wife and mother trying to find a balance between family and the duties of a princess. However, the news of her father's sudden death from cancer turned Elizabeth's life upside down: she now had to ascend the throne and become a symbol of a country with the greatest history, giving up personal aspirations and ambitions. But the series “The Crown,” which has won numerous prestigious awards in recent years, tells not only about this. It is, above all, the story of the relationship between Elizabeth and her husband Philip Mountbatten. That is why the first episode of the series does not begin with Elizabeth II's ascent to the throne, which took place in February 1952, or with her formal coronation in June of the following year, although both events were foundational for this story. This book, dedicated to the first two seasons of the series, will tell how its creators meticulously researched historical facts and tried to skillfully weave fiction into them. It will explain that the aim of the series is not only to entertain the viewer but also to portray the great characters and large themes that shaped the life of the country, as well as to reveal the meaning of unusual events that occurred in its history. The supreme power of the ancient and modern British monarchy lies in its ability to evoke sincere feelings — sometimes angry and hostile, more often curious and admiring, but always extremely sentimental. That is why this story has been captivating the hearts of television viewers around the world for many years — because everyone finds in it not just the story of one of the greatest dynasties in history, but also common problems understood by all. In addition to expert commentary and explanations of some inaccuracies in the series, the book contains many archival photographs, some of which readers will see for the first time!