Helen Cathcart Bücher

A celebration of the love story between Britain’s longest reigning monarch and her royal consort, this narrative explores the enduring marriage of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who enjoyed seventy-three years together—the longest of any royal British couple. It delves into their initial meeting, family opinions on their relationship, and the challenges they faced before and after their wedding. The story traces their affection from the summer of 1939, when a teenage 'Lilibet' met a dashing navy cadet, through their wartime courtship and their magnificent 1947 wedding at Westminster Abbey. The narrative captures their transition to parenthood at Clarence House and the significant moment when Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952, making Philip the Prince Consort. Set against a backdrop of family dynamics and social events, this account draws from family letters, royal journals, and personal recollections, providing a comprehensive look at the early years of their marriage and the deep bond they shared.

A fascinating biography of Sandringham, royal residence and stately home, ideal for fans of Lucy Worsley and Simon Thurley. King George V once said, ‘Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.’ Since 1862, this cherished Norfolk retreat has been the private home of four generations of monarchs, beginning with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who purchased it for their son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. Helen Cathcart, with warmth and wit, chronicles a century of royal domestic history at Sandringham, from its early days to its status as a celebrated visitor attraction. This stately home has been a backdrop for private family life, grand balls, and significant events, such as the 1891 fire, the tragic death of the heir presumptive in 1892, and King George V's first live Christmas Day Message in 1932. Drawing on a wealth of sources, including architect’s papers and royal letters, Cathcart vividly depicts life at Sandringham, showcasing evolving architecture, changing décor, and the drama of each reign. A blend of narrative history and family chronicle, this biography commemorates one of the world’s most renowned private country houses. Helen Cathcart is praised as an expert on royalty, with acclaim for her objective and penetrating insights into royal life.

- An updated edition of the sell-out book covering London's most exciting food scene - with 20 new places - The first edition, East London Food ISBN 9781910566053 has sold over 9,000 copies Following the success of the original East London Food, this second volume features 20 new culinary hotspots in London's most progressive, diverse neighborhood. Since the first edition was published, East London has become firmly established world over for its abundance of gastronomic talent. The book includes more than 40 profiles of top chefs, young producers and bold entrepreneurs at the heart of a culinary phenomenon - from Michelin-starred chefs and specialist butchers to wild foragers and urban beekeepers. With in-depth interviews and stunning photography, this book guides you on where to go, what to eat and how to cook it at home (thanks to a pull-out booklet with recipes from the chefs).

An enthralling biography of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, ideal for fans of Ingrid Seward, Hugo Vickers, and James Pope-Hennessy. Born third in line to the throne, Elizabeth never anticipated becoming Queen, but her destiny changed with her uncle Edward VIII's abdication. Helen Cathcart’s intimate account chronicles Elizabeth’s extraordinary life, from her early years in royal palaces—where she endured air raids during the Blitz—to her marriage to Prince Philip in 1947 and their life as new parents. The death of her beloved father, King George VI, in 1952 marked a turning point as she ascended to the throne at just twenty-five. Cathcart vividly recounts key events of Elizabeth II’s early reign, including her spectacular Coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1953, her grand Commonwealth tour, and her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957. Drawing on a wealth of contemporary sources, including family letters and royal journals, this biography offers a detailed portrait of a devoted daughter, wife, and mother, alongside her role as a celebrated national figurehead. It provides fascinating insights into Her Majesty’s remarkable life and reign, showcasing Cathcart’s expertise as a royal biographer.

A compelling biography of Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. Loyal sister and friend to Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret grew up in the public gaze and was one of the most-discussed women in the world. But what was early life like for the younger sibling of the future monarch? And what role did she carve for herself within the Royal Family? Royal biographer Helen Cathcart offers a fascinating personal study of the first four decades of the Princess's life, from her birth at Glamis Castle and phenomenal childhood popularity in the nostalgic era of "the two little princesses," through watching her parents crowned in Westminster Abbey and dancing among the crowds after her sister's Coronation. The author casts crucial new light on "the Townsend affair," a crisis once compared with that of the Duke of Windsor, and the culminating love story of the Princess and the young photographer, Antony Armstrong-Jones. Against the changing scenes of royal palaces, Thames-side hideaways and Caribbean islands, and with deep family insight, Princess Margaret is the definitive inner story of the Queen's beloved sister, charismatic and unconventional, yet always her steadfast self.

The evolution of the Princess Royal title is explored through the life of Princess Anne, the current holder. The narrative draws on royal letters and journals to depict her journey from a playful child to a dedicated champion rider and advocate for various causes. It highlights significant events, including royal engagements, a relationship with a Dragoon, and a harrowing kidnapping attempt. This account not only showcases her personal achievements but also reflects the responsibilities and expectations that have shaped the role over generations.

A n engrossing biography of Antony Armstrong-Jones, Lord Snowdon.Ideal for fans of the hit Netflix series The Crown !Antony Armstrong-Jones, photographer, designer and film-maker, gained worldwide attention when he married Queen Elizabeth II’s younger sister, Princess Margaret in 1960 – the first non-aristocrat to marry into the Royal Family for 400 years.How did a ‘commoner’ come to marry a princess, a woman whom he had long admired from afar ?In fact, ‘Tony’ descended from Welsh gentry, the son of a barrister and a society hostess. Educated at Eton College and Cambridge University – where he coxed the Light Blues to victory in the 1950 Oxford–Cambridge Boat Race – his family shared a long-established link with the Mountbatten arm of the Royal Family.In this engaging biography Helen Cathcart traces the first four decades of Lord Snowdon’s life, from the child of divorce and schoolboy victim of polio to successful photographer of the rich and famous and dutiful member of the Royal Family. Cathcart draws on close personal family sources to reveal the man behind the camera, the Old Etonian whose sense of timing and inquisitive interest in people made him one of the most original of British photographers. Set against a background of Irish castles, Thames-side hideaways and royal palaces, Cathcart also tells the definitive story of Lord Snowdon’s romance with Princess Margaret and their early married life together as one of Britain’s most glamorous couples.Lord Snowdon is packed with intensely revealing detail sure to appeal to all Royal Family enthusiasts.Praise for Helen‘An expert on royalty’ – The Guardian‘Wide acclaim as a royal biographer … objective, uninhibited and penetrating’ – Sunday Express‘Helen Cathcart writes about royalty as if she were one of them’ – Daily Mail‘The doyenne of royal biographers’ – Daily Telegraph

A fascinating biography of Royal Lodge, Windsor. Ideal for readers of John Martin Robinson, Simon Thurley and Lucy Worsley. Royal Lodge is one of a scattered group of dwellings, mansions, forts and follies in the southern recesses and environs of Windsor Great Park which have served royal pleasures and private needs ever since the carefree days of Charles II. It has been the home of artists and courtiers and farmers and foresters, the picnic pavilion of queens and the private abode of two kings. Nestled amongst groves of ancient woodland and landscaped gardens, it is where the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) made their home in 1932 and where their two young daughters - Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret - played happily in the Little House, Y Bwthyn Bach, in the garden. Meticulously researched, royal chronicler Helen Cathcart paints a vivid picture of the evolving architecture, changing décor and esteemed inhabitants of Royal Lodge from earliest days through to the mid-twentieth century. Royal Lodge, Windsor is a superb narrative history of life at Royal Lodge through the centuries. Praise for Helen Cathcart: 'An expert on royalty' - The Guardian 'Wide acclaim as a royal biographer ... objective, uninhibited and penetrating' - Sunday Express 'Helen Cathcart writes about royalty as if she were one of them' - Daily Mail 'The doyenne of royal biographers' - Daily Telegraph