Elizabeth R

Few of us know precisely what is involved in the Queen's unique role as Sovereign and Head of the Commonwealth.

To mark the fortieth anniversary of Her Majesty's accession to the throne, special access was granted to author Antony Jay in his research for the book, while photographer David Secombe accompanied the Queen as she carried out some of the vast range of her activities, both public and private.

This magnificently illustrated book, which accompanies the major BBC documentary of the same name, provides a unique insight into the Queen's working life and how she fulfils a wide variety of duties at home and abroad over the course of a year.

The book also examines how the monarchy influences our society through its patronage of institutions, "awayday" visits all round the country, the honours system, and in numerous personal contacts which the Queen has with her people from all walks of life.