Thousands of photographs, from the glorious pageantry of the Coronation to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of June 2012, including many sourced from rarely-seen archives or commissioned exclusively for the Opus, will accompany words from an expert cast of writers including leading royal historian Hugo Vickers.
The story begins with a Princess who did not expect to become Queen and ends as the country pays tribute to a monarch who has remained the steadfast figurehead of a nation during six decades of changing times.
Featuring a thorough study of Her Majesty’s life and time on the throne, the Opus also includes in-depth chapters such as: the Coronation of 1953; the duties of which she has dedicated her life to carry out; her close relationship with the Commonwealth; the Royal Palaces and other residences that form the backdrop to royal life; the many State Visits made throughout the world; the Honours system and the people who have been decorated during the reign; Her Majesty's many interests and passions, including horse racing and her dogs.
The Opus also includes a unique Portrait Gallery displaying the most iconic portraits and art featuring the Queen across the decades, including the Official Diamond Jubilee photographs by John Swannell.
The list of writers is a distinguished one and includes royal historians Hugo Vickers and Robert Hardman; royal journalists Valentine Low and Rebecca English; Oxford historian and renowned author Dr John Darwin; Minister of State for the Commonwealth Lord Howell; architectural writer John Goodall; and Prime Minister David Cameron.
Created with the co-operation and support from the UK Houses of Parliament and available in several editions, The Diamond Jubilee Opus is the most authoritative and definitive account of the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II to be released this Jubilee year, told in unprecedented detail and lavish scale.
