I had for a long time considered writing a book on Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, but the idea crystallised, appropriately, over a gin and tonic on a beautiful summer’s day in the south of England. I had sworn it would be the start of some time off from writing, but my willpower proved pathetic. I must thank wonderful Jasper Waller-Bridge, Michelle Dockery and Saul Goldberg for that conversation, which inadvertently started this project, and Arabella Pike who, two days later over a lunch in London, said “Let’s do it” to the idea. She, and my US editor Trish Todd, have my thanks not just for saying yes to Do Let’s Have Another Drink! but for encouraging me to have fun with it. The same is true of my friend and agent, Brettne Bloom.
I am more grateful than I can say that in 2014 I mentioned my hope to one day write something about Queen Elizabeth to David Anderson, who, with the immense kindness that was his dominant characteristic, shared many priceless memories of his time with her. David’s death in 2017 was a shock and his friendship is profoundly missed. My thanks too to Lord Astor of Hever, Dr. David Bell, Basia Briggs, Major General Alastair Bruce, Matt Cassidy, Anthony Cheetham, Kitty and Dominic Colchester, Magda Czyż, Dr. Sophie Duncan, Andrew Elgin, Dr. Owen Emmerson, Lydia Forte, Sir Rocco Forte, Coryne Hall, Aoife Herity, Debra Hill, Susan Hunnisett, Laura and Tom Hunniwood, Robert Jackson and Camilla Woodward, Leanda de Lisle, Dr. Lauren Mackay, Kate McCaffrey, Dr. Hannah McCormick, Ashley Montgomery, Tracy Murrell, the Reverend Canon John Ovenden, Julian Ovenden, Alison Palmer, Dr. Estelle Paranque, Mike Poirier, Luke Redgrave and Shaun Woodward, Alexa Reid Smith and Olivia Auerbach, Antonia and Archie Sebag-Montefiore, Anne Sebba, Paul Storrs and Mari Sveistrup. It is worth reiterating that any opinions on individuals or events are my own.
Lastly, as always, I must thank my wonderful family, whose support has been unfailing.
Gareth Russell
Hampshire, Summer 2022