Around the Queen

Press, 27 May 1978, Page 17

Around the Queen

The Queen In Her Circle. By Helen Cathcart. W. H. Allen. 211 pp. Index. $12.50. (Reviewed by Tui Thomas) It was inevitable that Helen Cathcart, the most prolific chronicler of Royalty, would feel obliged to contribute to the Jubilee publications about Queen Elizabeth II and her family. But this author has, at least, taken a different angle from other writers by presenting the Queen among relatives, friends and working colleagues. The book is a biographical study in terms of people, from which the Queen emerges as a kind and considerate friend, particularly when those close to her are in distress. It is mainly about friendship and reciprocal influences within the Queen’s circle, clearly showing the fidelity and affection that has flowed to Her Majesty from her infancy to the third decade of her reign.

Much of the story has, of course, been told before — many times. Royal watchers will have to persevere with this book to find snippets of information about their Sovereign that they did not already know. And only they will be able to untangle the mesh ot ' relatives — Bowes-Lyons, Elphinstones, Mountbattens, Nevills and Wernhers. There is, however, a useful appendix, “Around the Queen,” which sorts out who is who for those not familiar with the branches of Britain’s top family tree. Helen Cathcart writes freely and warmly about the extended Royal family, but her chatty style is rather cloying and somewhat outdated. The book' is generously illustrated with photographs, most of which have been seen before in Commonwealth newspapers and magazines. It is a pity that more stimulating pictures could not have been included to enliven this particular Jubilee publication.