Historian Anna Keay is chosen to write the official biography of Queen Elizabeth II, with full access to royal archives and family
LONDON: The British royal family has commissioned historian Anna Keay to write the official biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III reportedly wanted a woman to author the definitive account of his mother’s life, according to British media.
Keay, best known for her work on Britain’s 17th-century Republican period, described receiving the commission as a “profound honour”.
She will have unrestricted access to the queen’s personal and official papers held in the Royal Archives at Buckingham Palace.
Keay will also be permitted to interview members of the royal family, the queen’s friends, and her household staff.
She described Elizabeth as “an extraordinary woman, whose life spanned a century of great change”.
“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,” Keay said.
Official royal biographies have previously revealed unexpected personal details.
William Shawcross’s biography of the Queen Mother disclosed she was successfully treated for bowel cancer in her 60s.
