The Daily Life of The Queen:   An Artist's Diary By Michael Noakes and Vivien Noakes

'Book of the Year' Paul Johnson, The Spectator, 25th November 2000' "A superb book, both text and drawings, [which] beautifully charts the life of the Monarch and her entourage, in formal and informal situations... an invaluable - as well as quite a unique - record." Ben Pimlott, Royal Biographer and Constitutional Historian "This is a most valuable and important work that has left me a lot wiser and hugely entertained." Robert Lacey, Author of 'Majesty'

From a glittering State Banquet in Seoul to a meeting of the Sandringham Women's Institute this is a unique record in words and pictures of the Queen's daily working life. During 1999, Michael and Vivien Noakes were granted access to record both the public and hitherto unknown behind-the-scenes working life of the Queen. Their book covers every engagement and working responsibility which are the Queen's throughout the year, with a commentary on the meaning and significance of each one. The result is a sumptuously illustrated kaleidoscope of British life.

Above: One of the Queen's pet corgis. (Page 176)

Every aspect of the Queen's work is recorded, from State visits to South Korea, Ghana, South Africa and Mozambique, to investitures, garden parties and charitable work in the UK. Also included are the constitutional aspects of the Queen's role including the historic openings of the new Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. Left: The Queen accepts a posy whilst on walkabout in Luton. (Page 218)

Just what does go on as the palace prepares for the Queen's public appearances? How relevant are these appearances to the daily life of ordinary people? Is there still a role for the monarchy in the new millennium? This book offers an extraordinary insight into the monarchy as an institution, and into the life of the woman who fulfils the role. An objective analysis of her daily life, sometimes praising, sometimes critical, together with the lively illustrations, create a beautiful book that is full of contrasts and surprises.

Above: Escort of the Household Cavalry. (Page 213)

Michael Noakes is one of Britain's leading portrait artists whose sitters include Margaret Thatcher, President Clinton, Sir Alec Guinness and Robert Morley. He received a Platinum Disc for the record sleeve PORTRAIT OF SINATRA. His work is in many public collections, including the National Portrait Gallery, and in the private collections of the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Left: Sandringham: the Royal Studs. A new foal, born by 'Zafonic' out of 'Trying for Gold'. (Page 19)

Vivien Noakes is a distinguished writer and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. She has been a lecturer at Somerville College, Oxford and a guest lecturer at Harvard and Yale. Right: Police outriders waiting at Buckingham Palace. Security, and the need for accurate timing, mean that the Queen travels with outriders to give her uninterrupted passage. (Page 21)

The Daily Life of The Queen: An Artist's Diary is published by Ebury Press at £30. An exhibition of the drawings and paintings featured in the book will be held at Christie's, 8 King Street, St James's, London SW1 from 15th-21st December 2000. The book can be purchased online at Amazon UK. Left: The Queen, wearing the Imperial State Crown, processes with the Duke of Edinburgh down the Royal Gallery. (Page 213)

Members of the press await the arrival of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Bristol Temple Meads. (Pages 52-3)
The Queen with her dogs at the Kennels at Sandringham. (Page 16)
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother admires tea-cosies at West Newton Women's Institute in Sandringham, of which she is President. (Page 15)
The Queen signs the visitors' book in Angel & Bermans, theatrical costumiers, in front of the costume worn for the role of her predecessor, Elizabeth I in the film SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, one of the firm's four 1999 Oscar nominations for Best Costumes. (Page 39)
Horse Guards Parade. Members of the Household Cavalry prepare for Trooping the Colour. (Page 118)
Horses are brought to Windsor from London for the busy round of royal events in June. Younger, friskier horses are paired with older, steadier ones. (Page 129)
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit Central Manchester Fire Service. (Page 185)
At the New Opportunities and Horizons - NOAH - training centre in Luton the Queen talks to some of those who are learning to make and upholster furniture. (Page 219)
The Queen on a Royal Walk About. (Page 2)
The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, presented new Colours to the First Batallion Coldstream Guards and No 7 Company, followed by a reception at Windsor Castle. (Page 89)
Yeoman of the Guard, the most ancient Royal Body Guard in the world, created by Henry VII in 1485 after victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field. (Page 28)