Before The Crown is a beautiful love story of a couple who although polar opposites to each other in their life experiences overcame many odds to be together.

Princess Elizabeth first noticed the handsome blonde Greek Prince Philip when she was thirteen. She’s seventeen when she realises that there will not be any other man for her, not if she can have her way. But the prince is not, nor will he ever be the obvious choice for the husband of the heir to the British throne. However, the princess might be dutiful and perfectly mannered, but there is one thing she refuses to give up on and that is her love for Philip. Despite his unconventional background and having three sisters married to senior Nazi SS officers, she is determined to find a way for him to become her husband of choice. That is, if Philip wants to.

This is a beautifully written and researched book that brought to life a romance that we know must have happened, but not in any detail. Written from both Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s points of view it brought their romance magically to life. I loved this book. This is the perfect addition to The Crown TV series and I’d love to see this book brought to life on the screen.

Before The Crown is published on 18 September 2020. Thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.