The story of how our late Queen met her husband to be is well-known but Flora Harding really brings it to life in Before the Crown, a fictionalised but well-researched version of the events that led up to Elizabeth and Philip's wedding in 1947. Against the odds, the couple were allowed to marry. Princess Elizabeth was the heir to the British throne whereas Prince Philip was a penniless naval officer from the exiled Greek royal family. Not many people were in favour of the match but the princess was determined. This was her man, and this is ultimately a story of romance versus duty and finding a way to combine the two successfully. I love fictionalised stories of real events and none more so than when they are around royal events and the royal family. Earlier this year I read Harding's second royal novel, The People's Princess, which I thought was a fantastic read. I actually had Before the Crown on my shelves already and with recent events it seemed like the perfect time to pick it up and remember the Queen in happier, more carefree times, when she thought she had plenty of time ahead of her before she ascended to the throne. Before the Crown is such an enjoyable read. I thought the characters were written perfectly and felt true to their real-life counterparts, and I was so taken with the portrayal of two young people with their whole lives ahead of them, especially knowing now what a long and happy marriage they went on to have. It's a lovely work of historical fiction that was absolutely right up my street, with one or two 'aah' moments that warmed the cockles of my heart. Charming and so engaging, I absolutely loved it.

This historical fiction novel tells us about the courtship between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. We learn of the complications they faced once they had announced their intention to marry. The story takes place before they are married. Elizabeth was determined to marry Philip. Her father did not approve of Philip, however he is eventually won over. Although this piece of fiction may not be historically accurate, it's a most enjoyable read. This book has everything a good historical fiction book should have: wonderful characters, the era has been well researched and a right royal love story. Philip gave up everything to marry Elizabeth: he lost his title, his Greek citizenship, his position in the Greek and Danish succession and his surname changed to Mountbatten. This is a really enjoyable fictional tale. I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #FloraHarding for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story starts in 1943 and the Princess Elizabeth is at Windsor Castle; she meets Philip a young Navel officer. I have been binging the TV series 'The Crown' hence, I was really in the mood for this book. I just love this cover, as it shows Elizabeth all dressed up and ready to enter a party ( from behind) which sparks for me, interest and wondering, what was she thinking? Each chapter is dedicated to either Elizabeth or Phillip and I like that fomrat. I did enjoy this book and read well, It was a page turner, but it did lack in places, for example, we did not'see' them meet and we did not 'see' the wedding, which is such a shame, I would have loved to have read it. We know very little of what goes on 'behind closed doors' but this does gives us a glimpse of what possibilty happened, it is clear that this is a work of fiction, but takes nothing away from the readability. I enjoyed reading about Elizabeth and how she took responsibility onto her young shoulders, but Phillip was fun too.

Before the Crown by Flora Harding allows readers to get a behind the scenes look at the courtship between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. I found the book easy to read, but I did feel it had slow pacing and it lacked depth. Before the Crown seemed to be aimed at a younger audience. The point-of-view alternates between Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. We get to see what each one thought and how they felt as the relationship progressed. We get to see different moments of their relationship. It is small snippets of time. I was disappointed that their original meeting was not included. The story builds up to the wedding, but the actual event is not included. I found the ending to be dissatisfying. I like how it made Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and the other members of the royal family seem like real people. Queen Elizabeth is so confident and poised, but she was not always this way. I liked seeing how she felt about being queen and dealing with her shyness. There is some mild foul language in the book. It is wise to remember that this is a fictionalized account of events. It would have been helpful if the author had added an afterward on what was fact and what was fiction. Before the Crown is a book that will appeal to those who are fascinated by the royal family and enjoy watching “The Crown”.

This is a fascinating account of the long and awkward courtship of Elizabeth and Philip. Theirs doesn't come across as a romance for the ages, so much as two people finding companionship for life. I felt sorry for Philip having to be put through his paces by the stuffy Windsor family. Bertie and the Queen Mother are portrayed as being alternately grumpy and selfish. Life at court sounds exceedingly tedious and bitchy. I couldn't think of anything worse.