The Duke of Cambridge writes preface to Douglas Hurd's Elizabeth II: The Steadfast
Published 21/08/2015
The Duke of Cambridge has written the preface to Elizabeth II: The Steadfast, a biography by former Home and Foreign Secretary Lord Hurd, which recounts the reign, character and family life of The Queen.
In the preface, The Duke reflects on his grandmother The Queen's commitment to a life of public service.
The book, which will be published on 27 August 2015, forms part of series of short histories of Britain’s sovereigns entitled Penguin Monarchs, published by Penguin Books.
Preface to Elizabeth II: The Steadfast by HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, 2015
Over the last ninety years, the world has changed more rapidly than at any time in history.
When my grandmother The Queen was born in 1926, the wounds of the Great War were still healing, but few would imagine how soon they would be reopened.
The confidence of the previous century had morphed into uncertainty and many worried – as they still do – about the challenge presented to our communities by rapid technological and social change.
After almost ninety years, we find ourselves in a world that has changed dramatically, almost beyond recognition to the world that The Queen was born into, but where the role of charity, family, duty and compassion perseveres.
I think I speak for my generation when I say that the example and continuity provided by The Queen is not only very rare among leaders but a great source of pride and reassurance.
Time and again, quietly and modestly, The Queen has shown us all that we can confidently embrace the future without compromising the things that are important.
From a personal point of view, I am privileged to witness the private side of The Queen, as a grandmother and great-grandmother.
The Queen’s kindness and sense of humour, her innate sense of calm and perspective, and her love of family and home are all attributes I experience first-hand.
I should add that no mention of The Queen is complete without paying tribute to my grandfather Prince Philip, who has devoted his life to supporting her.
All of us who will inherit the legacy of my grandmother’s reign and generation need to do all we can to celebrate and learn from her story. Speaking for myself, I am privileged to have The Queen as a model for a life of service to the public.
HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, 2015
Related content
State Banquet, President of Italy, 15 March 2005
We in Britain today are enthusiastic admirers of Italian culture, Italian fashion and Italian food.
Appointment of Private Secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry
Opening the new Churchill Museum in London, 10 February 2005
It was the unique quality of his leadership that so inspired the British nation and free peoples throughout the world.
Message of congratulations to solo yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur
Message to the public following their response to tsunami appeal
Message to the Foreign Secretary following the Boxing Day tsunami
Christmas Broadcast 2004
Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour.
Presentation of a Royal Charter to the University of Manchester, 22 October 2004
In creating this new institution, you are building on a rich academic heritage and a fine tradition of excellence in both teaching and research.
State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004
I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity
A speech by The Queen to Parliament in Düsseldorf, 2004
I depart with renewed confidence in the deep friendship between our two countries.
Visit to Potsdam, German State Visit, 3 November 2004
I am pleased that Britain continues to play an active role in promoting Brandenburg's prosperity.
State Banquet held in the Zeughaus, Berlin, Germany, 2 November 2004
Each time I return to Berlin I marvel at the changes.
Statement by The Queen following death of HRH Princess Alice
Opening of the new Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh, 9 October 2004
We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will pay a State Visit to Germany
A speech by The Queen at the opening of a memorial fountain to the late Diana, Princess of Wales
You have given the Park, at the very heart of our capital city that Diana knew so well, a highly original memorial which captures something of the essence of a remarkable...
60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004
I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.
Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004
The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.
Osborne House, Isle of Wight, centenary of being open to the public, 19 May 2004
The Isle of Wight is well known for its hospitality, and the warmth of your welcome today is greatly appreciated.
Statement issued by the Royal Household responding to the findings of the Securi
State Banquet, Buckingham Palace, President of Poland, 5 May 2004
We both look forward with optimism as partners working closely together for a stronger more effective Europe.
Lunch at the Hotel Matignon, Paris, 6 April 2004
I ask you to join me in a toast to the French Republic, to the President and to the prosperity of its regions and cities.
Visit to Toulouse, State Visit, France, 7 April 2004
It is fitting that my visit to France should end with this impressive example of Franco-British and European co-operation.
Hôtel De Ville in Toulouse, French State Visit, 7 April 2004
Links between Britain and Toulouse have existed over many centuries.
French Senate, State Visit to France, 6 April 2004
Democracy is the most precious gift we have and we can never take it for granted.
Exhibition of the Royal Philatelic Collection to be displayed in America
Centenary of the Entente Cordiale, State Banquet, Paris, 5 April 2004
Vive la difference, mais vive L'Entente Cordiale.
Arrangements for The Queen's Christmas Broadcast to the Commonwealth
Update on The Queen's progress following her knee operation
Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting reception, Nigeria, 3 December 2003
Nigeria has much to be proud of.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will pay a State Visit to France
State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003
We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.
Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003
Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.
Opening of the exhibition 'Women and War', Imperial War Museum, 14 October 2003
Over the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then, women in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth have faced and overcome all manner of challenges.
