Includes bibliographical references (pages 547-551) and index.

Draws on privileged access to the Royal Family and Royal Household to present a portrait of the British monarch that shares insights into her considerable work as diplomat and dignitary in more than one hundred thirty countries.,"On today's world stage, there is one leader who stands apart from the rest. Queen Elizabeth II has seen more of the planet and its people than any other head of state and has engaged with the world like no other monarch in modern history. Since her coronation, she has visited over 130 countries across the ever-changing globe, acting as diplomat, stateswoman, pioneer, and peace-broker. She has transformed her father's old empire into the Commonwealth, her 'family of nations', and has come to know its leaders better than anyone. In 2018, they would gather in her home to endorse her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, as her successor. With extensive access to the Queen's family and staff, Hardman reveals the true story full of drama, intrigue exotic--even dangerous--situations, heroes, rogues, pomp, and glamour. And at the center of it all is the woman who has genuinely won the hearts of the world."--Page 2 of cover.