The official biographer of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been named.
Historian Dr Anna Keay, whose most celebrated book is about Britain’s republican period, has been confirmed as taking on the role.
The title will allow Dr Keay to be able to talk with members of the royal family, along with the late Queen’s friends and household as part of her research for the book. She will also have access to the Queen’s personal and official papers held in the Royal Archives.
It has been broadly reported that King Charles wanted a female author for the task, and that the academic was in talks for the presitigious role.
Undated handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of Dr Anna Keay, who has been confirmed as the official biographer of Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: Ewan Paton via PA
Official royal biographies sometimes throw up unexpected facts or details about the subject’s life and shed light on important periods.
William Shawcross’s official biography of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother revealed she believed Edward VIII was “bemused with love” at the time of his abdication and how she suffered from bowel cancer in her 60s but was successfully treated.
Anna Keay said on her appointment: “It is a profound honour to have been asked to write the official biography of Queen Elizabeth II.
“She was our longest-reigning monarch and an extraordinary woman, whose life spanned a century of great change.”
Dr Keay is a trustee of the Royal Collection Trust, which the King supports as patron, and is a member of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.
She has written a number of books about British history and culture including The Restless Republic: Britain Without A Crown, which chronicles the 11 years Britain was a republic after Charles I was tried and executed.
Her other titles include ‘The Crown Jewels: The official illustrated history’, and ‘Landmark: A History of Britain in 50 Buildings’.
The historian added: “I am deeply grateful to His Majesty the King for entrusting me with this responsibility and for granting me access to her papers, and will do all I can to do justice to her life and work.”
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